Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Ksudach, a remarkable volcanic complex located on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.



“The peninsula is one of the world’s most active volcanic arcs due to tectonic plate movement, with the Pacific Plate subducting under the Eurasian Plate,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153779/ksudachs-nested-calderas-and-craters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-eruptions-of-ksudach">Explosive eruptions of Ksudach</h2>



Ksudach is classified as a shield <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-helps-scientists-forecast-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> due to the gentle slopes formed by its extensive lava flows. The combination of its shield-like structure and the prominent caldera system makes Ksudach a unique volcanic feature on the Kamchatka Peninsula.



“Several overlapping calderas and craters comprise the volcano. Calderas are large, bowl-shaped depressions created by the collapse of overlying material into an emptied subsurface magma chamber,” explained NASA.



“Craters are circular depressions created by volcanic activity, surface impacts, or explosions.”



This volcanic system has a fascinating geological history shaped by multiple explosive eruptions.&nbsp;



The most significant of these occurred around 240 AD, leaving behind a prominent caldera that now hosts scenic crater lakes, such as Lake Ksudach. 



“Lakes within the volcanic region are primarily recharged by rain and snowmelt from the winter season. This photo shows the water’s contrasting blue hues surrounded by green vegetation,” noted NASA.



“Traces of snow fill valleys within and outside the volcano’s caldera complex. These snow-covered areas highlight the drainage patterns from higher to lower elevations. Water that flows through these erosional pathways and into the caldera supports its vegetation and lakes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-landscape-of-ksudach-nbsp">Unique landscape of Ksudach&nbsp;</h2>



Ksudach's landscape also features pyroclastic deposits, lava flows, and hydrothermal features like fumaroles.&nbsp;



The surrounding environment - which is part of the UNESCO-listed Kamchatka Volcanoes - supports a diverse ecosystem with unique wildlife. 



Despite its remote location, Ksudach has drawn the attention of geologists, offering insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic processes</a> and the dynamics of caldera formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-earth-s-geology-nbsp">Dynamic nature of Earth's geology&nbsp;</h2>



The most well-documented eruption of Ksudach occurred in March 1907. This eruption ranks as one of the largest in Kamchatka in the 20th century, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.



The eruption produced a colossal ash column that soared into the stratosphere, dispersing fine particles over vast distances and contributing to global atmospheric changes.&nbsp;



The sheer force of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> unleashed pyroclastic flows - fast-moving avalanches of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris - that raced down the volcano's slopes, obliterating everything in their path.&nbsp;



These flows, capable of reaching temperatures over 1,000°C, decimated vegetation and altered the topography of the surrounding region.&nbsp;



Simultaneously, tephra deposits blanketed the landscape in layers of thick volcanic material, smothering ecosystems and creating a barren wasteland.&nbsp;



Today, Ksudach is considered an active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> but remains dormant. The region is closely monitored due to its potential for renewed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-ring-of-fire-nbsp">Pacific Ring of Fire&nbsp;</h2>



The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean where tectonic activity is highly concentrated.&nbsp;



This geologically dynamic area features numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent seismic activity - making it a hotspot for both natural beauty and scientific study. 



Kamchatka is home to over 160 volcanoes, with about 30 considered active, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest and one of the most active in the region.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-nbsp">Volcanic activity&nbsp;</h3>



As the Pacific Plate dives into the Earth's mantle, it melts and generates magma that feeds Kamchatka’s volcanic systems.&nbsp;



This ongoing tectonic interaction also contributes to the broader activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for approximately 75% of the world's active and dormant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> and about 90% of its earthquakes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance-nbsp">Broader significance&nbsp;</h3>



Beyond its geological significance, the Kamchatka Peninsula boasts a diverse ecosystem that is home to animals such as snow sheep, brown bears, red foxes, and unique plants that are adapted to its harsh environment. 



The coastal waters surrounding the peninsula support various fish species, including abundant salmon, as well as sea lions and killer whales.



The interplay of volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness makes it a natural laboratory for understanding Earth's dynamic processes.



The image was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Ksudach: A volcano shaped by explosive forces

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy I Zwicky 18, which was captured in remarkable detail by the James Webb Space Telescope.



I Zwicky 18 is a blue compact dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-i-zwicky-18">Star formation in I Zwicky 18</h2>



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



“The galaxy was first identified by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930’s and resides roughly 59 million light-years from Earth,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. “This galaxy has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation.”&nbsp;



According to ESA, I Zwicky 18 is typical of the kinds of galaxies that inhabited the early universe and is much smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-image-of-the-galaxy">Webb telescope image of the galaxy</h2>



“Two major starburst regions are embedded in the heart of the galaxy. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars,” said ESA.



“A companion galaxy resides nearby to the dwarf galaxy, which can be seen at the bottom of the wider-field image. The companion may be interacting with the dwarf galaxy and may have triggered that galaxy's recent star formation.”&nbsp;



ESA explained that the “orange blobs” surrounding the galaxy are the dim glow from ancient fully formed galaxies at much larger distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-i-zwicky-18">Key characteristics of I Zwicky 18</h2>



As previously mentioned, the galaxy has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, suggesting that it has not undergone significant stellar processing.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-stellar-population-nbsp">Young stellar population&nbsp;</h3>



Despite its old age, I Zwicky 18 contains many young, hot stars. This suggests that it might have experienced a burst of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> relatively recently in its history.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-medium-nbsp">Interstellar medium&nbsp;</h3>



The galaxy has a high density of gas, which is a prime ingredient for star formation. This gas is mostly in the form of hydrogen.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics">Unusual characteristics</h3>



Its characteristics are more typical of primordial galaxies found in the early universe, making it a valuable object of study for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.



Ultimately, I Zwicky 18 provides insights into the conditions and processes that might have been prevalent in the early universe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-of-stars-and-dust">Life cycles of stars and dust</h3>



The image was captured as part of a Webb program to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18.&nbsp;



“Scientists are now building off of previous research with Hubble obtained at optical wavelengths, studying individual dusty stars in detail with Webb’s equivalent spatial resolution and sensitivity at infrared wavelengths.”&nbsp;



ESA noted that this galaxy is of particular interest as its content of elements heavier than helium is one of the lowest of all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the local universe.&nbsp;



“Such conditions are thought to be similar to those in some of the first star-forming galaxies at high redshift, so the Webb study of I Zw 18 should shed light on the life-cycle of stars and dust in the early universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-ursa-major">The constellation Ursa Major </h2>



Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the northern sky. 



Its name, "Ursa Major," means "Great Bear" in Latin, and it has been a significant part of various mythologies and star lore across cultures for thousands of years. 



One of the most famous asterisms within Ursa Major is the Big Dipper, a group of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is often used as a navigation tool because it points to Polaris, the North Star, located in the nearby constellation Ursa Minor.



Ursa Major is best viewed in the northern hemisphere and is circumpolar, meaning it is visible year-round for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its position changes with the seasons, rotating around Polaris, the North Star.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features ice on Lake Michigan in late January 2025, when extreme cold settled into the Chicago area.



“Between January 19 and 24, 2025, a brutal cold snap hit Chicago. This satellite image captured a glimpse of the wintry aftermath,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153885/a-chill-over-chicagoland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the first half of the cold spell was the most intense.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-spells-and-snowfall">Cold spells and snowfall</h2>



Cold spells in the Chicago area are often accompanied by strong winds and significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a>.



“On January 21, the air temperature in Chicago reached as low as minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 26 degrees Celsius). At the time, little to no snow covered the ground in Chicago, which NWS noted is uncommon amid sub-zero temperatures,” said NASA.



“Snowflakes returned toward the end of the cold spell. Between the mornings of January 22 and 23, several waves of snowfall produced the blanket of white across the Chicago area visible in this image.”



“Another expanse of white is visible atop Lake Michigan. This is lake ice, which grows on the Great Lakes each winter, though its extent and timing can be highly variable. Ice coverage on the Great Lakes typically reaches its annual peak in late February or early March.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visible-ice-patterns">Visible ice patterns</h2>



Jia Wang, an ice climatologist at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), noted that on January 24, winds were blowing offshore and pushing ice away from the coastline.



In the photo, areas of dark, thin ice can be seen close to the shore, while patchy areas of bright white ice are visible away from shore. According to Wang, the whiter areas might be due to ice that has piled up and formed a very rough surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cover-on-lake-michigan-nbsp">Ice cover on Lake Michigan&nbsp;</h2>



“The area of Lake Michigan covered with ice in late January 2025 hovered around the historical average (1973-2024) for the time of year, according to data from GLERL. When the image was acquired, ice covered about 20 percent of the lake,” noted NASA.



“Meanwhile, several hundred miles to the east, ice on Lake Erie spiked well above average in late January, according to GLERL, with ice spanning around 80 percent of the lake. The ice was thick enough to temporarily immobilize a Canadian cargo freighter, according to news reports.”



To calculate the thickness of ice on the Great Lakes, experts are investigating ways to use altimetry data from NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2).



Eric Anderson, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines, noted that such measurements could improve ice and weather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> as well as help us understand changes in Earth’s surface freshwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-on-the-great-lakes">Ice on the Great Lakes</h2>



Ice formation on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-craters-found-in-the-bottom-of-lake-michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Lakes</a> is a dynamic process influenced by seasonal temperatures, wind patterns, and climate variability.&nbsp;



Each year, ice begins to develop in late fall and early winter, typically forming first in sheltered bays and shallow areas before extending over deeper waters.&nbsp;



The extent and duration of ice cover vary significantly, with some years experiencing widespread freezing while others see only partial coverage due to warmer conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuations-in-ice-coverage">Fluctuations in ice coverage</h2>



Historically, ice coverage on the Great Lakes has fluctuated, with long-term records showing a decline in ice extent due to rising global temperatures.&nbsp;



The lakes act as vast heat reservoirs, meaning their large thermal mass can delay freezing, especially in milder winters.&nbsp;



When ice does form, it affects local weather patterns, contributing to lake-effect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> in surrounding regions. It also impacts ecosystems, as ice cover influences fish spawning, winter survival of aquatic organisms, and shoreline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-variability-in-ice-cover-nbsp">Increasing variability in ice cover&nbsp;</h2>



In recent decades, scientists have observed increasing variability in ice cover, with some years experiencing near-record lows. 



This trend impacts commercial shipping in two key ways: reduced ice cover can extend the navigational season, but unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles make ice-breaking operations more challenging.



Additionally, ice conditions influence recreational activities such as ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling - all of which depend on stable and thick ice.



Overall, ice on the Great Lakes is a key indicator of changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate patterns</a>, with its variability providing insights into broader environmental shifts.&nbsp;



The image was captured on January 24, 2025 with the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Chicago cold spell brings ice to Lake Michigan 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the remnants of Lake Razzaza, an artificial lake situated a few miles west of Karbala, Iraq.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> was created in the late 1970s as a control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River. 



Razzaza covers an area of approximately 1,562 square kilometers and is located in a depression where excess water from Lake Habbaniyah is diverted through a controlled escape channel or canal.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-lake-razzaza">The colors of Lake Razzaza</h2>



“The lake, also known as Baḩr al-Milḩ (‘Sea of Salt’ in Arabic), is fed by overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, which lies just outside the top left corner of the image,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153756/iraqs-sea-of-salt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The difference in water color results from the various communities of algae that thrive in the lake depending on the water temperature and salinity.”



“Green areas contain lower salt concentrations than red areas. At times when the lake receives no overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, as shown in this image, most of the lakebed is exposed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-of-lake-razzaza">Salinity of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Over the years, the salinity of Lake Razzaza has been increasing due to inadequate water supply from the linked canal and high evaporation rates during Iraq's hot summers.&nbsp;



This rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> has led to a decline in fish populations, adversely affecting local fishermen who once relied on the lake for their livelihoods.&nbsp;



By 2008, only the fish species locally known as "al-Shanik" (Acanthopagrus arabicus), of marine origin and stocked by the government, was reported to survive in the lake.&nbsp;



The lake's fluctuating water levels and increasing salinity have also impacted its recreational appeal, with few recreational areas existing around the lake.&nbsp;



Additionally, the surrounding desert landscape and low cliff shores contribute to its limited accessibility for leisure activities.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-razzaza">Wildlife of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Despite these challenges, Lake Razzaza remains an important habitat for various bird species. It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, supporting significant numbers of wintering waterfowl and serving as a breeding ground for species such as the marbled duck.&nbsp;



The lake's mudflats attract large numbers of waders and shorebirds during migration periods.&nbsp;



The surrounding area features vegetation such as Phragmites australis, Juncus acutus, Aeluropus lagopoides, Salicornia herbacea, and Schoenoplectus litoralis, along with desert shrublands including Tamarix aucherana, Prosopis farcta, and Haloxylon salicornicum.&nbsp;



Mammals reported in this region include Rüppell's fox, golden jackal, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, and wildcat.&nbsp;



In recent years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> has faced environmental challenges due to reduced water inflows and increased evaporation, leading to higher salinity levels and a decline in biodiversity. 



Efforts to address these issues are essential to preserve the ecological and economic significance of Lake Razzaza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-euphrates-river-nbsp">The Euphrates River&nbsp;</h2>



The Euphrates River is one of the most significant rivers in the Middle East and holds immense historical, cultural, and ecological importance.&nbsp;



Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles), it originates in the mountains of eastern Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq before merging with the Tigris River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years, supporting ancient Mesopotamian societies, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.



The Euphrates has provided water for irrigation, enabling the development of agriculture in an otherwise arid region. Its floodplains have been vital for sustaining life and fostering the growth of cities along its course.&nbsp;



However, the river also plays a key geopolitical role, as disputes over water usage and dam construction among Turkey, Syria, and Iraq have emerged over the years, impacting water availability downstream.



Ecologically, the Euphrates supports a range of habitats, from wetlands to desert ecosystems, making it home to diverse flora and fauna.&nbsp;



However, modern challenges such as damming, pollution, and climate change threaten its flow and ecological balance. Despite these challenges, the Euphrates remains a symbol of life and resilience in the heart of the Middle East.



The image was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) on September 23, 2024.



Image Credit: NASA



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Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-webb-nbsp-nbsp">The power of Webb&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



The same cluster was featured as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;



According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. 



"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 cloud.&nbsp;



“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."



The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</h2>



“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.



Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.



Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.



Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. 



These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;



These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;



In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;



It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;



These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.



The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features dust streaming off the coast of Iran in January 2025.



“Some of the desert dust was carried across the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Peninsula, degrading air quality for those in its path,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153859/desert-dust-streams-from-iran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The airborne material appears to primarily originate in the dried bed of the intermittent lake known as Hamun-e Jazmurian (Hamun-e Jaz Murian), while some may be blown from coastal areas. Along with arid regions such as the Garagum and Lut deserts and the Sistan Basin, the lakebed is a major source of dust in southwest Asia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitation-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Precipitation in the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



According to NASA, some parts of the Jazmurian Basin receive less than four inches of rain annually, on average, and evaporation rates are high. During wet times, however, an intermittent lake, marshlands, and other vegetation can cover parts of the basin. 



“Terra’s MODIS sensor has previously captured images of the area when water is present in Hamun-e Jazmurian and when green vegetation fringes the lakebed,” said NASA.



“In early 2025, the land was dry enough for winds to blow dust plumes south-southwest over the Gulf of Oman. Dust traveled across the water to the coast of the United Arab Emirates, where the haze reduced visibility in places, according to news reports.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particles-in-dust-storms">Particles in dust storms</h2>



In addition to disrupting transportation and other daily activities, the suspended particles in dust storms can pose significant health risks. Recent research has revealed that dust from the Jazmurian Basin often contains heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances, such as silica and organic pollutants, which can negatively impact both human and ecosystem health.&nbsp;



Prolonged exposure to these particles has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as the exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions like asthma and bronchitis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-dust-storms">Environmental impact of dust storms</h2>



Moreover, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a> of dust storms extends beyond human health. The fine particles can settle on vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and agricultural productivity.&nbsp;



Dust deposition can also alter soil composition by introducing heavy metals and changing nutrient balances, which may affect crop growth and soil microbial communities. Such changes can lead to long-term degradation of arable land and disrupt local food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Dust in the Jazmurian Basin </h2>



Communities near the Jazmurian Basin are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these dust storms due to limited access to healthcare and mitigation resources. 



Seasonal changes and climatic conditions, including prolonged droughts and desertification, further intensify the frequency and severity of dust storms in the region.&nbsp;



This creates a cycle of environmental and health challenges, making it imperative to develop strategies for prevention and adaptation.



Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels. Potential measures include reforestation and soil stabilization projects to reduce dust emissions, stricter regulations to limit activities that contribute to desertification, and public health initiatives to educate communities on protective measures during dust events.&nbsp;



Investing in early warning systems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-driven-wildfires-worsen-u-s-air-quality-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> monitoring can also help minimize exposure and protect both human populations and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-jazmurian-basin">Significance of the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



The Jazmurian Basin is a prominent endorheic basin located in southeastern Iran, spanning parts of the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan as well as Kerman. It lies at the heart of an arid region characterized by sparse vegetation, high temperatures, and limited rainfall.&nbsp;



The basin is primarily fed by the Halil and Bampur rivers, which provide seasonal water flow to the basin's low-lying areas. At its center lies the Jazmurian Depression, which forms a seasonal playa or shallow lake, though it often dries up during extended dry periods.&nbsp;



The area holds geological and archaeological significance, offering insights into ancient human settlements and environmental changes over time.&nbsp;



Despite its harsh climate, the basin supports small-scale agriculture in its peripheries and serves as a critical habitat for certain desert-adapted flora and fauna. Climate change and water management challenges have intensified the environmental pressures faced by this fragile ecosystem.



The image was captured on January 22 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;



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Dust rises from the Jazmurian Basin in Iran

This colorful Latin American bird is mainly black with a yellow neck, blue feet, and bright red coloring on its tail. The keel-billed toucan, which is the national bird of Belize, has a very distinctive green bill with orange sides and a red tip.

Keel-Billed Toucan

In today's world, microplastics - tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm - are becoming increasingly prevalent. 



The alarming reality is that microplastics have infiltrated every corner of our environment, from the depths of the ocean’s trenches to the peaks of the highest mountains.



These particles are so small that they are invisible without a microscope. However, their effects on the environment and human health are nothing close to invisible.



Emerging research has linked microplastics to cellular damage, inflammation, and potential long-term health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-and-preterm-birth">Microplastics and preterm birth</h2>



At the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s (SMFM) annual gathering, <a href="https://smfm2025.eventscribe.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pregnancy Meeting</a>, new research on microplastics will take center stage. 



The findings suggest that microplastics and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-thousands-of-nanoplastics-found-in-bottled-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nanoplastics</a> are present in higher concentrations in the placentae of premature infants compared to full-term births.



The study was a collaborative effort among investigators at <a href="https://www.unm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of New Mexico</a>. The researchers used highly sophisticated mass spectrometry to analyze 175 placentae.



The study was focused on 100 full term placentae, while the rest were preterm, or before 37 weeks of gestation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-plastics-reach-the-womb">How do plastics reach the womb?</h2>



The presence of microplastics in the placenta raises critical questions: How do these tiny particles infiltrate the human body, and more importantly, how do they reach an unborn child? 



Research suggests that microplastics enter the maternal bloodstream through contaminated food, drinking water, and even the air we breathe. These particles can penetrate the bloodstream and become deposited in multiple organs, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-discovered-in-every-human-placenta-tested-after-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">placenta</a>.



Previous studies have shown that people <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-confirms-microplastics-have-entered-our-food-chain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ingest</a> substantial amounts of microplastics on a daily basis. 



Exposure can also occur through inhaling airborne microplastics present in household dust, which originates from sources such as synthetic fabrics and industrial emissions.



Given their small size and chemical composition, microplastics may disrupt biological processes by carrying harmful additives or acting as vectors for other toxic substances. This raises concerns about their long-term effects on fetal development and pregnancy outcomes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-the-pathways-of-microplastics">Identifying the pathways of microplastics </h2>



Understanding the pathways of microplastics in the human body is crucial for developing strategies to reduce exposure and mitigate risks for both mothers and newborns.



Study senior author Dr. Kjersti Aagaard is a maternal-fetal subspecialist and research professor at Boston Children’s Hospital and the HCA Institute, who also serves as the medical director of the Gulf Coast Division of HCA Healthcare.



“Advanced technology now enables us to accurately measure microplastics in ways we haven’t been able to in the past," noted Dr. Aagaard.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-preterm-placentae">Microplastics in preterm placentae </h2>



When the researchers analyzed the collected placentae, they found that the levels of microplastics and nanoplastics were significantly higher in those collected preterm. Moreover, these concentrations exceeded any previously recorded levels in human blood.



The researchers theorize that these plastic particles were accumulating in the placenta throughout pregnancy, with escalated exposure and accumulation occurring in instances of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/molecular-timer-may-hold-the-key-to-preventing-preterm-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preterm birth</a>.



Study lead author Dr. Enrico R. Barrozo is an expert in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.



"The finding of higher placental concentrations among preterm births was surprising because it was counterintuitive to what you might expect if it was merely a byproduct of the length of time of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/calcium-zinc-are-keys-to-healthier-pregnancy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pregnancy</a>," said Dr. Barrozo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preterm-delivery-and-microplastic-accumulation">Preterm delivery and microplastic accumulation </h2>



Dr. Aagaard noted that a preterm delivery not only accumulated more microplastics and nanoplastics in its placenta relative to term, but did so at an earlier time point in the pregnancy.



“When combined with other recent research, this study adds to the growing body of evidence, ranging from heart disease to potentially stroke, that demonstrates a real risk of exposure to plastics on human health and disease," said Dr. Aagaard.



The study's abstract was published recently in the January 2025 issue of Pregnancy, a new open-access journal and the first official journal for the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.



The findings raise an urgent question: How can we mitigate the risks posed by microplastics to human health, particularly in early life?



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.smfm.org/journal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pregnancy</a>.



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Microplastics in the placenta linked to preterm births

In today's world, microplastics - tiny plastic particles smaller than...

Aerosols play a crucial role in shaping the behavior of clouds, which are composed of tiny water droplets or ice crystals.



These clouds are fundamental to the functioning of Earth’s climate system. They regulate the amount of solar radiation reaching the planet’s surface, which influences temperature and weather patterns.



Liquid water clouds are particularly effective at reflecting solar radiation, contributing significantly to the surface energy balance. In contrast, ice clouds tend to reflect less radiation, leading to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-is-no-longer-permanent-arctic-communities-in-danger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct climatic effects</a>.



Ice clouds typically form at temperatures below −38°C (−36.4°F), but recent observations have shown their formation at higher temperatures in the Arctic. 



This phenomenon is closely tied to the presence of ice-nucleating particles (INPs), such as mineral dust, organic aerosols, and bioaerosols.



These aerosols facilitate the formation of ice clouds even when temperatures are warmer than the typical freezing point, highlighting their importance in cloud dynamics and climate regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-ice-cloud-formation">Arctic ice cloud formation</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-glacier-retreat-in-the-arctic-signals-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> region has become a focal point for studying these processes due to its sensitivity to climate change. 



Wildfires in Canada, Alaska, and Russia release significant amounts of organic carbon (OC) aerosols, black carbon, and other particles into the atmosphere. 



These aerosols often travel long distances and reach the Arctic, where they may influence cloud formation.



However, despite extensive evidence of aerosol transport from lower latitudes, scientists have yet to fully establish a clear connection between these transported particles and ice cloud formation in the Arctic. 



This gap in understanding highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms driving Arctic cloud dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-help-to-seed-ice-clouds">Wildfires help to seed ice clouds</h2>



To address this knowledge gap, Professor Kazutoshi Sato and Professor Jun Inoue from Japan’s <a href="https://www.nipr.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute of Polar Research</a> led a remarkable study. 



Their research aimed to investigate how wildfire aerosols influence ice cloud formation in the Arctic.



The researchers collected data during an expedition to the Chukchi and Beaufort seas in September 2023 aboard the Japanese research vessel RV Mirai.



The team employed a range of advanced tools to gather precise measurements. Instruments like cloud particle sensor sondes and drones were used to measure particle concentrations and analyze cloud properties. 



Atmospheric modeling techniques, including backward trajectory models, helped trace the movement of aerosols and identify their source regions. 



“In the lower troposphere, our drone-based particle counter recorded particle counts two orders of magnitude higher than the voyage average," said Dr. Sato.



"Using the CPS sonde, we detected ice clouds in the mid-troposphere under temperatures warmer than −15 °C, near a stream of warm and moist air coming from mid-latitudes. These streams are often referred to as an atmospheric river (AR)."



"Our observations suggest that these wildfire aerosols, which have traveled via the AR, contribute to ice cloud formation under relatively warm conditions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-of-wildfire-aerosols">Journey of wildfire aerosols</h2>



Through backward trajectory analysis, the researchers discovered that organic carbon aerosols originating from Canadian wildfires had traveled thousands of kilometers to reach the Arctic. These particles played a significant role in forming ice clouds at temperatures warmer than usual. 



The atmospheric river (AR) originating from wildfire zones passed over areas with high concentrations of organic carbon aerosols before reaching the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-ice-free-day-in-the-arctic-may-arrive-in-2027/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>. 



“The AR event is a very important event for moisture transport from mid-latitudes to the polar region, and this study also shows that aerosols can be transported by this system as well,” noted Professor Inoue.



This finding highlights the dual role of atmospheric rivers in transporting both moisture and aerosols to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-industrialization-how-will-it-impact-delicate-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>. 



Atmospheric rivers are known for carrying large amounts of water vapor from lower latitudes to higher latitudes, contributing to precipitation and cloud formation.



However, the study reveals that they also act as conduits for aerosols, which can influence cloud properties and climate dynamics. 



By connecting wildfire emissions to ice cloud formation, the research provides valuable insights into how aerosols interact with Arctic atmospheric processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-vertical-atmospheric-profiles">Importance of vertical atmospheric profiles</h2>



The study highlights the critical need for detailed vertical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-permafrost-melt-devastating-role-accelerating-global-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric profiles</a> to improve numerical models of the Arctic climate. 



Such profiles include measurements of aerosol concentrations, their chemical composition, and their distribution across different altitudes.



These data are essential for developing more accurate simulations of aerosol-cloud interactions in the polar regions. 



By establishing a clearer link between wildfire-emitted aerosols and ice cloud formation, this research paves the way for future studies that will refine how aerosol transport is represented in climate models.



Understanding these processes is particularly important given the rapid changes occurring in the Arctic. 



The region is warming at a rate nearly four times faster than the global average, leading to significant environmental and ecological impacts.



Changes in cloud formation and properties could amplify or mitigate these effects, depending on the specific conditions. 



For example, increased ice cloud formation could alter the Arctic’s surface energy balance, potentially accelerating warming trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-climate-research">Future climate research</h2>



The findings of this study have far-reaching implications for climate science. By demonstrating how wildfire aerosols contribute to ice cloud formation in the Arctic, the research provides a foundation for advancing our understanding of aerosol-cloud interactions. 



This knowledge is crucial for improving climate models, which are used to predict future changes in the Arctic and their potential global consequences.



Moreover, the study highlights the interconnected nature of Earth’s climate system. Events occurring in one part of the world, such as wildfires in Canada, can have significant impacts on distant regions like the Arctic. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-climate-predictions">Improving climate predictions</h2>



The research conducted by Dr. Sato and his team represents a significant step forward in unraveling the mysteries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> cloud formation. 



By combining field observations with advanced modeling techniques, the study provides a comprehensive view of how wildfire aerosols influence ice clouds under relatively warm conditions. 



This approach not only enhances our understanding of Arctic climate dynamics but also sets a precedent for future investigations into aerosol-cloud interactions.



As the Arctic continues to experience unprecedented changes, the need for accurate and reliable climate models becomes increasingly urgent. 



The insights gained from this study will help scientists develop more precise representations of aerosol transport and its effects on cloud formation.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169809524006756?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atmospheric Research</a>.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 



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Wildfires and Arctic ice clouds: An unexpected connection

Aerosols play a crucial role in shaping the behavior of...

The heart of our Milky Way galaxy is much more active than most people would realize. In fact, astronomers discovered two gigantic "bubbles" extending above and below the galactic center, roughly 50,000 light years in each direction.



Each one stretches tens of thousands of light-years above and below the galactic center, yet they stay hidden from casual stargazers because they glow mainly in gamma rays and X-rays. 



These mysterious formations appear to have emerged from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-chimney-venting-found-heart-milky-way-galaxy-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a> at the center of the galaxy, Sagittarius A*. 



Researchers pieced together evidence that points to an enormous outburst several million years ago, releasing colossal amounts of energy in a short time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermi-and-erosita-bubbles">"Fermi" and "eRosita" bubbles</h2>



These enormous structures are called the <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi</a> and <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/eROSITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eRosita</a> bubbles, named for the telescopes that found them independently in 2010 and 2020. 



Since then, researchers have published well over a hundred peer-reviewed papers that specifically investigate the nature, origins, and implications of the Fermi Bubbles. 



One study in particular explores how these bubbles arose and pinpoints the event that may have created them. 



It suggests that a powerful jet of material began erupting from the Milky Way’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-speed-baby-stars-swarm-around-milky-ways-supermassive-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">central black hole</a>, Sagittarius A*, about 2.6 million years ago, continuing for roughly 100,000 years. 



Mateusz Ruszkowski from the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> worked on this investigation alongside partners at <a href="https://nthu-en.site.nthu.edu.tw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Tsing Hua University</a> in Taiwan and the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin</a>.



“Our findings are important in the sense that we need to understand how black holes interact with the galaxies that they are inside, because this interaction allows these black holes to grow in a controlled fashion as opposed to grow uncontrollably,” said U-M astronomer Mateusz Ruszkowski, a co-author of the study. 



“If you believe in the model of these Fermi or eRosita bubbles as being driven by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-formed-through-a-merger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>, you can start answering these profound questions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-bubbles-and-black-hole-jets">Galaxy bubbles and black hole jets</h2>



The research indicates that a black hole outflow can blow away surrounding gas and inflate these bubbles rather than letting the black hole grow without limits. 



This idea contrasts with an older hypothesis that connected the bubbles to supernova-driven starbursts. 



The new results back the black hole scenario instead, helped by observations of a microwave haze and other emissions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy’s center</a>.



“We not only can rule out the starburst model, but we can also fine tune the parameters that are needed to produce the same images, or something very similar to what’s in the sky, within that supermassive black hole model,” Ruszkowski said. 



“We can better constrain certain things, such as how much energy was pumped in, what’s inside these bubbles and how long was the energy injected in order to produce these bubbles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-rays-and-expanding-gas">Cosmic rays and expanding gas</h2>



The eRosita and Fermi bubbles each shine in different wavelengths, but they appear related to the same violent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release of energy</a>. 



A shock wave triggered by the Fermi bubbles likely expanded the eRosita bubbles to nearly twice their size. 



The expanding cosmic rays can be traced, giving astronomers another way to explore what is happening at the core of our galaxy.



“Our simulation is unique in that it takes into account the interaction between the cosmic rays and gas within the Milky Way," Yang explained. 



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hess-observatory-detects-highest-energy-cosmic-rays-ever-observed-origin-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a>, injected with the jets of the black hole, expand and form the Fermi bubbles that shine in gamma rays."



The same explosion pushes gas away from the Galactic center and forms a shock wave that is observed as the eRosita bubbles. 



Observing the eRosita bubbles allowed them to more accurately constrain the duration of the black hole activity, and better understand the past history of the Milky Way galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-galaxy-bubble-timeline">Creating a galaxy bubble timeline</h2>



Multiple lines of evidence hint that the bubble-producing event in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy lasted a mere fraction of the timescale once proposed by the starburst explanation.



Researchers involved in this work point out that the starburst model usually implies a longer energy injection period, which would produce different bubble sizes and shapes.



“On the other hand, our active black hole model accurately predicts the relative sizes of the eRosita x-ray bubbles and the Fermi gamma ray bubbles, provided the energy injection time is about one percent of that, or one tenth of a million years,” Zweibel noted.



Injecting energy over 10 million years would produce bubbles with a completely different appearance. It’s the opportunity to compare the x-ray and gamma ray bubbles from each telescope which provides the crucial previously missing piece.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-of-the-galaxy-bubbles">Composition of the galaxy bubbles</h2>



The discovery of these towering structures close to home allows astronomers to collect more detailed data than they could from faraway galaxies. 



These bubbles also highlight the link between cosmic events and everyday life. The processes involved in creating these bubbles influence how galaxies grow and evolve, which affects the formation of the stars and planets we depend on.



The study’s authors performed simulations that incorporate hydrodynamics, gravity, and cosmic ray physics. 



Matching these simulations to real observations helps astronomers understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy involved</a> and the composition of the bubbles. 



The momentum driving and blowing up these massive Fermi and eRosita bubbles comes from kinetic, thermal, and cosmic ray energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-bubbles-and-the-milky-way-galaxy">Space bubbles and the Milky Way galaxy</h2>



To sum it all up, these galaxy bubbles, which seem to be making some type of giant space sandwich out of the Milky Way, likely formed when the supermassive black hole at the center, Sagittarius A*, hurled out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/porphyrion-largest-black-hole-jets-ever-seen-is-23-million-light-years-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy and hot gas</a>. 



Instead of running wild, the black hole pushed material away and created these balloon-like shapes that glow in different types of light - gamma rays and X-rays. 



Researchers studied these bubbles by modeling how energy flows through the galaxy, giving them clues about how the outflow grew so large and how it shaped the area around our galactic core.



The results suggest that this wasn't caused by exploding stars but rather by a focused burst of energy, or jets, from the black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter-0">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Now, I totally get it - two giant bubbles hovering above and below our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy, each over 50,000 light-years long, seems almost impossible to comprehend. 



But by learning about these massive bubbles and the energy from the black hole that created them, Sagittarius A*, we learn how galaxies grow, how stars and planets form, and how the universe impacts the environment around us. 



That knowledge helps scientists see the “big picture” of where we come from and where we might be headed.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natastron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Two enormous "bubbles" discovered towering above and below our Milky Way galaxy

The heart of our Milky Way galaxy is much more...

New research provides fresh insights into the distribution of matter in the cosmos over its 13.8 billion-year history. The study suggests our universe has become “messier and more complicated” over time, with a less "clumpy" distribution of matter than initially expected.



“Our work cross-correlated two types of datasets from complementary, but very distinct, surveys. For the most part, the story of structure formation is remarkably consistent with the predictions from Einstein’s gravity," noted Matthew Madhavacheril, a cosmologist at the <a href="https://www.upenn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Pennsylvania</a>.&nbsp; 



"We did see a hint for a small discrepancy in the amount of expected clumpiness in recent epochs, around four billion years ago, which could be interesting to pursue.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-structures-and-cmb">Cosmic structures and CMB</h2>



To explore the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-law-of-nature-explains-the-evolution-of-everything-that-exists-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of cosmic structures, the research team integrated data from two major astronomical surveys: the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (<a href="https://act.princeton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACT</a>) and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (<a href="https://www.desi.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI</a>).



“ACT, covering approximately 23% of the sky, paints a picture of the universe’s infancy by using a distant, faint light that’s been travelling since the Big Bang,” explained Joshua Kim, a graduate researcher in Madhavacheril’s group.&nbsp;



“Formally, this light is called the cosmic microwave background (CMB), but we sometimes just call it the universe’s baby picture because it’s a snapshot of when it was around 380,000 years old.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-cmb-the-basics">Understanding CMB - the basics</h2>



Scientists measure this faint cosmic microwave background radiation to understand how our universe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timescape-dark-energy-doesnt-exist-causing-lumpy-universe-expansion-cmbr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">began and evolved</a>. 



They detect it as a uniform, low-level microwave signal coming from every direction in space. This signal has cooled over billions of years, but it still carries vital clues about the early moments of the cosmos.



Researchers study the CMB to learn about the distribution of matter and energy shortly after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-the-big-bang-theory-is-correct-what-exactly-happened/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Big Bang</a>. 



By analyzing its tiny temperature fluctuations, they can trace the formation of galaxies and large-scale structures in the universe. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitation-lensing-and-cmb">Gravitation lensing and CMB</h2>



As the ancient light from the CMB travels through the cosmos, it encounters massive structures like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/">galaxy clusters</a> that warp its path through a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing - a concept first predicted by Albert Einstein over a century ago.&nbsp;



This gravitational lensing effect distorts the CMB, allowing cosmologists to infer properties such as matter distribution and age.



“The LRGs from DESI are like a more recent picture of the universe, showing us how galaxies are distributed at varying distances,” Kim said, comparing the data to the universe’s high school yearbook photo.&nbsp;



“It’s a powerful way to see how structures have evolved from the CMB map to where galaxies stand today.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-universe-and-clumpy-matter">The universe and clumpy matter</h2>



By merging the ACT’s lensing maps with DESI’s LRG data, the researchers achieved an unprecedented overlap between ancient and recent cosmic history. 



This integration enabled a direct comparison of early- and late-universe measurements.



“This process is like a cosmic CT scan, where we can look through different slices of cosmic history and track how matter clumped together at different epochs. It gives us a direct look into how the gravitational influence of matter changed over billions of years,” Madhavacheril said.



The analysis revealed a small discrepancy: the expected clumpiness or density fluctuations at later epochs did not entirely align with predictions. 



The metric Sigma 8 (σ8), which measures the amplitude of matter density fluctuations, indicated less clumping than anticipated.



“Lower values of σ8 indicate less clumping than expected, meaning that cosmic structures might have developed differently than current models suggest,” Kim explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-future-directions">Implications and future directions</h2>



While the observed discrepancy in σ8 is not statistically strong enough to confirm new physics, it opens the door to intriguing possibilities.&nbsp;



If the deviation is not due to chance, it could suggest that unaccounted-for physics - such as the role of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/">dark energy</a> - may be influencing cosmic structure formation more than previously understood.



However, according to Kim, this discrepancy isn’t strong enough to suggest new physics conclusively - it’s still possible that this deviation is purely by chance.



Moving forward, the research team plans to utilize more powerful telescopes, like the upcoming Simons Observatory, to refine these measurements with higher precision.&nbsp;



This will enable a clearer view of cosmic structures and help determine whether the observed discrepancy is a sign of new physical phenomena or a result of statistical variance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-clumpy-universe-but-it-s-still-evolving">Less clumpy universe, but it's still evolving</h2>



The study conducted by Joshua Kim and Mathew Madhavacheril highlights that the universe’s matter distribution is evolving in a manner that is slightly less clumpy than what Einstein’s gravity-based models predict.&nbsp;



While the primary narrative of structure formation remains consistent with established theories, the small discrepancies observed around four billion years ago suggest that there may be additional factors influencing the evolution of cosmic structures.



As the scientific community continues to explore these findings, the integration of advanced observational data and sophisticated statistical models will be crucial in unraveling the complexities of the universe’s ongoing evolution.



The study is published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516/2024/12/022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics</a>.



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The universe is less 'clumpy' than it should be, but why is that a bad thing?

New research provides fresh insights into the distribution of matter...

Yellowstone National Park boasts some of the most iconic geothermal features in the United States. Beneath those colorful hot springs and spewing geysers sits a volcanic system that has captured the attention of geologists for decades.



Recent <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08286-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">findings</a> discuss how molten material may one day break the surface in a corner of this ancient hotspot. 



According to Ninfa Bennington of the U.S. Geological Survey (<a href="https://www.usgs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a>), new instruments revealed four distinct magma bodies beneath Yellowstone, yet only the northeastern one appears poised for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-next-big-volcano-eruption-will-cause-global-chaos-climate-impact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">far-future activity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-s-history-of-massive-eruptions">Yellowstone's history of massive eruptions</h2>



Researchers have long noted three massive eruptions in Yellowstone over roughly two million years. 



Those events left behind giant <a href="https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/calderas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calderas</a>, which are vast volcanic depressions formed when large volumes of magma empty and cause the ground to collapse.



Such colossal blasts are uncommon, so experts analyze lingering heat and rock structures to understand how these systems evolve. Each caldera tells a different part of the story, offering clues about what lies below.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-magma-deep-underground">Tracking magma deep underground</h2>



Specialists use <a href="https://epic.earthscope.org/content/instrumentation/magnetotelluric-systems-epic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetotelluric instruments</a> to detect electrical signals that reveal melted rock under the surface. 



The devices measure conductivity, allowing scientists to map <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma zones</a> without drilling. This approach pinpoints subterranean areas where molten rock might accumulate.



"We find that rhyolitic melts are stored in segregated regions beneath the caldera," wrote Bennington, the study's lead author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northeastern-magma-body">Northeastern magma body</h2>



Among the identified <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-and-trees-predict-volcano-eruptions-when-viewed-from-space-satellites/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> bodies, only the one in Yellowstone's northeast <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sector</a> is expected to retain enough heat to stay partially molten long-term. 



This discovery refines older ideas that suggested multiple areas could erupt in the distant future.



"We suggest that the locus of future <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/rhyolite" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rhyolitic volcanism</a> has shifted to northeast Yellowstone Caldera," noted Bennington. This statement pinpoints a new center of potential volcanic action in Yellowstone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-yellowstone-compares-to-others">How Yellowstone compares to others</h2>



Yellowstone isn't the only place on Earth with massive magma systems. In Indonesia, <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-supervolcano-what-a-supereruption" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supervolcano</a> Toba erupted about 74,000 years ago, leading to significant global impacts.



Scientists compare Yellowstone with Toba and other large volcanic fields to see how deeply buried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> behaves over time. 



Each site adds pieces to the broader puzzle of predicting when and how these forces might surface.



Forecasting eruptions is a complex challenge. Experts watch seismic tremors, ground changes, and chemical signals to catch early warnings of magma movement.



Groups like the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone Volcano Observatory</a> share real-time updates to help the public stay informed. They typically see low-level unrest, which doesn't point to any immediate threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-eruption-fears-vs-facts">Yellowstone eruption: Fears vs. facts</h2>



Rumors about sudden cataclysms occasionally circulate. Geologists stress that supervolcano-scale eruptions require specific conditions that rarely align.



Communities near Yellowstone benefit from ongoing research that tracks small shifts in the system. This work helps reduce uncertainty and shows that colossal events happen on geological - not human - timelines.



Continued advances in imaging technology and field observations refine our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of underground processes</a>. 



By mapping details more precisely, researchers can spot temperature and pressure variations that might foreshadow bigger changes.



Experts emphasize that no single method gives a perfect forecast. Instead, multiple tools create a fuller view, improving how we interpret rumblings beneath our feet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-supervolcanoes-erupt">When supervolcanoes erupt</h2>



When a supervolcano erupts, it blasts huge amounts of ash, gas, and lava high into the atmosphere, which then spread across vast regions of the planet. 



This ash can disrupt daily life in many ways by affecting air quality, water supplies, and transportation, to name just a few.



On a global scale, the eruption <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-winters-weakened-the-dinosaurs-before-the-asteroid-hit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cools the Earth's climate</a> by blocking sunlight with thick layers of ash and sulfur dioxide. 



This cooling effect, sometimes called a "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-cooling-not-warming-caused-a-major-mass-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic winter</a>," can lead to shorter growing seasons and widespread crop failures, affecting food supplies around the world. 



The climate shifts and environmental stress might even trigger economic and social disruptions as governments and communities adapt to the new conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Some wonder if the northeastern sector will pose a risk anytime soon. Most geologists say it's a far-off scenario measured in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of years.



Still, pinpointing that region offers a step toward more focused hazard assessments. Future drilling or additional surveys may provide clues to how heat flows and magma shifts under Yellowstone's surface.



Each study enhances our understanding of how supervolcanoes work. Comparing data worldwide helps gauge the intervals between major eruptions, giving communities perspective on the pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-volcanic-past-reveals-the-shocking-reality-of-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geologic change</a>.



Investigations like these highlight how Earth remains active in places we least expect. This hidden energy feeds geysers and hot springs now, and might shape landscapes in ways we can only imagine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-standing-on-a-sleeping-giant">Standing on a sleeping giant</h2>



Millions of visitors roam Yellowstone's trails every year, drawn by dramatic scenery and wildlife. Few realize they're walking above a deep reservoir that, while dormant, still holds potential power.



Researchers remain cautious about definitive forecasts but appreciate this deeper glimpse into where future volcanic eruptions could arise in Yellowstone. 



Lessons learned from this site might guide how we monitor volcanic regions across the globe.



Current measurements reinforce that no sudden explosion is expected soon. The findings merely shine light on the structure of the system and indicate that the northeastern sector might be the stage for the next chapter.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08286-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Yellowstone supervolcano study sparks new debate on where and when it will erupt

Yellowstone National Park boasts some of the most iconic geothermal...

Jupiter’s moon Io has once again demonstrated why it holds the title of the most volcanically active body in the solar system. NASA’s Juno mission has detected an enormous volcanic hot spot in Io’s southern hemisphere, which has undergone an eruption unlike any seen before.



The feature, which is larger than Earth’s Lake Superior, releases energy equivalent to six times the total output of all power plants on Earth. 



The discovery was made possible by the Jovian Infrared Auroral Mapper (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia23594-junos-jiram-instrument/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JIRAM</a>), an instrument provided by the <a href="https://www.asi.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italian Space Agency</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-io-s-biggest-volcanic-eruption">Io’s biggest volcanic eruption</h2>



Juno’s extended mission has allowed it to make multiple close flybys of Io, and capture data that continues to surprise scientists. 



The most recent observation, conducted from a greater distance, provided unexpected and extraordinary results.



“Juno had two really close flybys of Io during Juno’s extended mission. And while each flyby provided data on the tormented moon that exceeded our expectations, the data from this latest - and more distant - flyby really blew our minds," ,” said Scott Bolton of the <a href="https://www.swri.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Research Institute</a>.



"This is the most powerful volcanic event ever recorded on the most volcanic world in our solar system - so that’s really saying something.”



Io, which is roughly the size of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-moon-looks-100-million-years-younger-than-its-true-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s Moon</a>, undergoes immense tidal stress due to its close orbit around Jupiter. The gravitational forces from the gas giant stretch and squeeze Io, which generates intense internal heat.



This process fuels its continuous volcanic activity, with the moon's more than 400 active volcanoes spewing lava and gas into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-io-s-changing-landscape-observed-by-juno">Io’s changing landscape observed by Juno</h2>



Images taken by <a href="https://www.missionjuno.swri.edu/junocam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JunoCam</a> in 2024 highlight dramatic surface changes near Io’s south pole. These images, captured between Juno’s 66th and 68th closest approaches to Jupiter, provide clear evidence of Io’s ever-changing geological features.



The arrows in the images indicate newly formed volcanic deposits, suggesting that fresh eruptions reshaped the terrain within a short period.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Io_jupiter-moon_volcano-activity-hotspot_time-lapse_JunoCam_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Io_jupiter-moon_volcano-activity-hotspot_time-lapse_JunoCam_NASA_1s.webp" alt="Images of Io captured in 2024 by the JunoCam imager aboard NASA’s Juno show significant and visible surface changes (indicated by the arrows) near the Jovian moon’s south pole. These changes occurred between the 66th and 68th perijove, or the point during Juno’s orbit when it is closest to Jupiter. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS Image processing by Jason Perry" class="wp-image-1958315"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Images of Io captured in 2024 by the JunoCam imager aboard NASA’s Juno show significant and visible surface changes (indicated by the arrows) near the Jovian moon’s south pole. These changes occurred between the 66th and 68th perijove, or the point during Juno’s orbit when it is closest to Jupiter. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS Image processing by Jason Perry</figcaption></figure>



Juno’s JIRAM instrument was originally designed to study Jupiter’s atmosphere by detecting infrared light that emerges from deep within the planet’s weather layer.



Since the mission extension, JIRAM has also been used to investigate Jupiter’s largest moons, including Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. 



With each flyby, Juno gathers more data on these dynamic celestial bodies, revealing new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/infrared-images-reveal-how-black-holes-affect-the-space-around-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insights</a> into their composition and activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-close-flybys-and-infrared-observations">Close flybys and infrared observations</h2>



Juno’s orbital trajectory brings it close to Io every other orbit, allowing repeated observations of the same regions. 



During previous flybys in December 2023 and February 2024, the spacecraft came within approximately 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) of Io’s surface.



The latest flyby, conducted on December 27, 2024, occurred from a greater distance of 46,200 miles (74,400 kilometers). 



Despite the increased distance, JIRAM successfully detected an intense volcanic eruption that surpassed all previous records.



The detection of this new hot spot represents one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lava-trails-captured-jupiters-volcanic-moon-io-new-images-shark-vis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant findings</a> of Juno’s mission. 



JIRAM’s ability to capture infrared light enabled scientists to observe the eruption’s thermal signature, and provide critical data about the intensity and scale of Io’s volcanic activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magma-chamber-beneath-io">Magma chamber beneath Io</h2>



“JIRAM detected an event of extreme infrared radiance - a massive hot spot - in Io’s southern hemisphere, so strong that it saturated our detector,” said Alessandro Mura from the <a href="http://www.inaf.it/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Astrophysics</a>.



“However, we have evidence what we detected is actually a few closely spaced hot spots that emitted at the same time, suggestive of a subsurface vast magma chamber system. The data supports that this is the most intense volcanic eruption ever recorded on Io.”



The estimated size of this feature is staggering; it spans 40,000 square miles (100,000 square kilometers).



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Io_jupiter-moon_volcano-activity-hotspot_Juno-JIRAM_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Io_jupiter-moon_volcano-activity-hotspot_Juno-JIRAM_NASA_1s.webp" alt="A massive hotspot — larger the Earth’s Lake Superior — can be seen just to the right of Io’s south pole in this annotated image taken by the JIRAM infrared imager aboard NASA’s Juno on Dec. 27, 2024, during the spacecraft’s flyby of the Jovian moon. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/ASI/INAF/JIRAM" class="wp-image-1958313"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A massive hotspot — larger the Earth’s Lake Superior — can be seen just to the right of Io’s south pole in this annotated image taken by the JIRAM infrared imager aboard NASA’s Juno on Dec. 27, 2024, during the spacecraft’s flyby of the Jovian moon. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/ASI/INAF/JIRAM</figcaption></figure>



This makes it the largest known volcanic hot spot on Io, surpassing even Loki Patera, which is a well-known lava lake that covers about 7,700 square miles (20,000 square kilometers). 



The total power output of the eruption exceeded 80 trillion watts, making it the most powerful volcanic event recorded on the Jovian moon.



The discovery suggests the presence of a vast subsurface magma system beneath Io’s crust. Scientists believe that multiple volcanic hot spots erupted simultaneously, and Juno’s observations indicate that magma movement deep inside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brilliant-new-images-of-jupiters-moon-io-captured-by-juno-spacecraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Io</a> could be far more complex than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-io-s-surface-and-volcanic-signatures">Io's surface and volcanic signatures</h2>



JunoCam’s visible-light images provided further confirmation of the eruption’s impact. 



By comparing images from previous Io flybys with the latest ones from December 27, scientists identified noticeable changes in surface coloration around the newly discovered hot spot. 



While these images were taken from a greater distance and at lower resolution, the alterations in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/juno-reveals-the-hidden-forces-behind-jupiters-fiery-moon-io/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landscape</a> were still evident.



Large volcanic eruptions on Io often leave lasting geological signatures. The moon’s surface is frequently reshaped by pyroclastic deposits, which consist of fragmented rock ejected by volcanic explosions. 



Other features include fissure-fed lava flows and volcanic-plume deposits that are rich in sulfur and sulfur dioxide. These elements contribute to the constantly evolving appearance of Io’s surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



Juno’s upcoming distant flyby of Io on March 3 will provide another opportunity to study the new hot spot. 



Scientists plan to use this next observation to monitor any changes in the region and determine whether the eruption is still ongoing.



Earth-based telescopes may also contribute additional data by capturing images of Io’s active volcanic zones.



“While it is always great to witness events that rewrite the record books, this new hot spot can potentially do much more,” said Bolton. “The intriguing feature could improve our understanding of volcanism not only on Io but on other worlds as well.”



The findings from Juno’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-moon-io-has-a-huge-new-volcano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest observations</a> could provide insights into volcanic activity beyond the solar system. 



Understanding Io’s volcanic processes may help scientists interpret similar geological phenomena on exoplanets and other celestial bodies.



With future missions to Jupiter’s moons planned, including the European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Juice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JUICE</a>) and NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa Clipper</a>, continued exploration of these dynamic worlds will likely uncover even more surprises.



Information for this article came from a NASA <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/juno/nasa-juno-mission-spots-most-powerful-volcanic-activity-on-io-to-date/">press release</a>.



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Volcanic eruption on Jupiter's moon Io released 6x more energy than all power plants on Earth

Jupiter’s moon Io has once again demonstrated why it holds...

Osiris-rex,Spacecraft,Collected,Samples,From,Asteroid,Bennu,101955,,And,Returned

Samples from asteroid Bennu have delivered remarkable insights into the origins of Earth’s water, the organic molecules that may have seeded life here and elsewhere, and the fundamental materials and building blocks of our planet and solar system. 



All of this was discovered in just 4 ounces of dust and rock, carefully gathered by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission in 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relics-of-the-early-solar-system-nbsp">Relics of the early solar system&nbsp;</h2>



Michelle Thompson, an associate professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>, was among the first nine lead investigators on the OSIRIS-REx science team to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-holds-secrets-of-the-solar-systems-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bennu</a>’s samples.&nbsp;



Thompson and her colleagues had 72 hours to perform initial measurements and analyses, drawing on her expertise in how off-world bodies and their chemistry respond to space environments.&nbsp;



The discoveries shed light on how Earth and the solar system formed and whether life’s building blocks arrived via asteroids.



“Asteroids are relics of the early solar system,” Thompson said. “They’re like time capsules. We can use them to examine the origin of our solar system and to open a window to the origin of life on Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-bennu-sample-to-earth">Bringing Bennu sample to Earth</h2>



NASA’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-safely-delivers-rock-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> is the agency’s first mission to retrieve samples from an asteroid and return them to Earth. 



The mission is focused on analyzing solar system building blocks and exploring resources that might enable future deep-space missions.&nbsp;



After more than a decade of planning and collaboration among hundreds of team members, OSIRIS-REx successfully returned 4.29 ounces (121.6 grams) of Bennu’s material - exceeding its goal of 60 grams.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-once-in-a-lifetime-experience">Once-in-a-lifetime experience</h2>



The asteroid samples provide scientists with a rare, pristine look at asteroid dust and rock unaltered by Earth’s atmosphere.



“This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime - maybe a once-in-several-lifetimes - experience,” Thompson said. “OSIRIS-REx was selected in 2011, the year I started graduate school, and launched in 2016, the year I finished my PhD.”&nbsp;



“It reached Bennu in 2018, the year I came to Purdue. And now I am one of the first humans to get to study it. Bennu is a treasure trove of information; this is literally the project of my career.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pristine-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-nbsp">Pristine samples from asteroid Bennu&nbsp;</h2>



Although pieces of asteroids sometimes land on Earth naturally as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorites</a>, the fiery journey through Earth’s atmosphere often damages or contaminates them.&nbsp;



By bringing Bennu’s samples home inside a protective capsule, scientists can examine them in a virtually unaltered state. 



This clarity allows for more precise evaluations of organic compounds, isotopes, and minerals that could explain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-origins-of-water-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of water</a> on Earth and the formation of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-molecules-in-bennu-samples">Organic molecules in Bennu samples</h2>



Bennu is a carbonaceous asteroid, rich in carbon and other elements crucial to life’s chemistry. The Bennu samples reveal key details about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-molecules-found-throughout-the-universe-hint-that-life-began-in-deep-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic molecules</a> that are essential to life’s development.



“Looking at the organic molecules from Bennu, we are getting an understanding of what kinds of molecules could have seeded life on early Earth,” Thompson noted. 



“We won’t find life itself, but we’re looking at the building blocks that could have eventually evolved into life.”



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ammonia-is-crucial-for-life">Ammonia is crucial for life</h2>



Scientists found incredibly large amounts of ammonia in the Bennu samples. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-green-tech-ammonia-fertilizer-production-using-earths-natural-forces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ammonia</a> is important for life because it can combine with formaldehyde, which was also found in the samples, to create complex molecules like amino acids when the conditions are right. 



When amino acids join together into long chains, they form proteins, which are essential for almost every function in living things.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bennu-comes-from-a-water-planet">Bennu comes from a water planet</h2>



The presence of elements like phosphate, sulfate, and other salt minerals in Bennu’s dust points to an environment conducive to forming vital biomolecules.&nbsp;



“Together with our international partner teams, we have been able to detect a large proportion of the minerals that are formed when salty, liquid water - known as brine - evaporates more and more and the minerals are precipitated in the order of their solubility,” explains Dr. Sheri Singerling, who manages the Schwiete Cosmo Lab.



Professor Frank Brenker of <a href="https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goethe University Frankfurt</a> noted that other teams have found various precursors of biomolecules such as numerous amino acids in the Bennu samples.



“This means that Bennu’s parent body had some known building blocks for biomolecules, water and - at least for a certain time - energy to keep the water liquid," explained Professor Brenker.



Similar brines have been detected or suggested across the solar system, including at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-on-the-dwarf-planet-ceres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dwarf planet Ceres</a> and Saturn’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-could-survive-near-surface-europa-enceladus-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon Enceladus</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-earth-s-water">Mystery of Earth's water</h2>



The samples also had traces of minerals containing water. Understanding how asteroids can deliver these resources offers vital context about how Earth’s water might have arrived.&nbsp;



“The scientific community doesn’t have a definitive understanding of how Earth got all its water,” Thompson said.&nbsp;



“Looking at how much water is part of these minerals in the samples from Bennu gives us a clue about how much water was out in the solar system when the planets were forming.”



“How much material was available that could have been delivered through impacts - not just organic material, but water and minerals as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Scientists around the world are now parsing the Bennu samples to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deepen our knowledge</a> of planetary science.



The experts are analyzing mineral content, studying stable isotopes for clues about the solar system’s formation, and testing hypotheses about how organic compounds travel between celestial bodies.&nbsp;



The final goal is to piece together a clearer picture of how life-supporting environments arise and persist. Although the newly returned samples measure just a few ounces, their significance is immense.



Panspermia suggests that life, or the essential building blocks of life, could be distributed throughout the universe via meteoroids, asteroids, comets, or even space dust.



Is that what happened here on Earth? Is humanity the ultimate result of an asteroid colliding with our planet billions of years ago?



By continuing to analyze this pristine material from asteroid Bennu, we may just learn the answer to that question sooner rather than later.



Video Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center 



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Ingredients of life from an unknown water world found in asteroid Bennu dust sample

Samples from asteroid Bennu have delivered remarkable insights into the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

The peacock spider is a species of jumping spiders. They are native to certain areas of Australia and have bright colors on their bodies that males use to attract females.

Peacock Spider

Found in lowland forests of regions such as India and Southeast Asia, this small kingfisher glows with vivid yellow, red, pink, orange, and midnight blue.