Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a compilation of European cities that resemble stars. 



“Star-shaped cities are scattered across Europe, their geometric designs most appreciated when viewed from above,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2024/12/Earth_from_Space_Star_cities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-star-shaped-cities">Development of star-shaped cities</h2>



The development of star-shaped fortresses, also known as bastion forts, emerged during the Renaissance in Italy as a response to the rapidly evolving art of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migrating-eagles-have-been-rerouted-by-the-war-in-ukraine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warfare</a>.&nbsp;



Traditional medieval fortifications, characterized by high, straight walls and square towers, became vulnerable with the advent of gunpowder weaponry. Cannons could easily reduce these structures to rubble, rendering them obsolete.



The star-shaped design addressed these vulnerabilities by incorporating wide moats and projecting bastions - angled structures that jutted outward from the main walls.&nbsp;



These bastions provided overlapping fields of fire, allowing defenders to cover blind spots and effectively repel attackers attempting to approach or scale the walls.&nbsp;



Additionally, the sloped walls of these fortresses, known as glacis, were designed to deflect cannonballs rather than absorb their impact, further enhancing their resilience.



This innovative design not only improved defensive capabilities but also transformed the battlefield, forcing attackers to develop new siege techniques. It marked a pivotal moment in military engineering, influencing fortress construction across Europe and beyond for centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examples-of-star-shaped-cities">Examples of star-shaped cities</h2>



“Four examples of such cities can be seen here, arranged clockwise from the top left: Bourtange in the Netherlands, Palmanova in Italy, Almeida in Portugal, and Neuf-Brisach in France,” said ESA.



“The green and red hues evoke a Christmas vibe, achieved through different band combinations during image processing to generate true-color (green) and false-color (red) visuals.”



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bourtange-netherlands">Bourtange, Netherlands </h3>



Fort Bourtange, nestled in the picturesque countryside of northeast Netherlands near the German border, is a remarkable example of Renaissance military architecture and urban planning.&nbsp;



Constructed in 1593 during the Eighty Years' War, it was strategically positioned to control the only road linking Germany to the Dutch city of Groningen - a vital route for military and trade purposes.&nbsp;



Its unique pentagonal, star-shaped design featured angled bastions, wide moats, and interconnected defensive structures, making it nearly impenetrable to enemy forces equipped with the era's artillery.



In 1851, after centuries of military service, Fort Bourtange was decommissioned and transformed into a peaceful village.&nbsp;



Despite the change in purpose, its original geometric layout, defined by precise angles and symmetrical patterns, remained intact. The pentagonal walls, surrounding waterways, and radial street design continue to showcase the ingenuity of its designers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-palmanova-italy">Palmanova, Italy </h3>



Palmanova, located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy, is a masterpiece of Renaissance urban and military planning.&nbsp;



Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it exemplifies the idealized city envisioned during the late Renaissance, combining beauty, functionality, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-u-s-military-bases-for-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">military</a> innovation.&nbsp;



Constructed in 1593 by the Republic of Venice, Palmanova was strategically designed to protect the Republic’s northeastern borders from external threats - particularly the Ottoman Empire.



The city’s layout embodies the principles of symmetry and order characteristic of the Renaissance. Its unique radial design spreads out from the central hexagonal square, known as Piazza Grande or Piazza del Duomo, which serves as the civic and social heart of the city.&nbsp;



From this central hub, six straight avenues fan outward, connecting the square to the surrounding neighborhoods and gates. This design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, allowing for efficient movement and communication within the city.



Today, Palmanova is celebrated not only for its historical and architectural significance but also as a rare example of a perfectly preserved star fortress.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-almeida-portugal-nbsp">Almeida, Portugal&nbsp;</h3>



Perched on a high plain in northeast Portugal near the Spanish border, the fortress of Almeida is a striking example of military engineering and a symbol of Portugal’s resilience.&nbsp;



Built to secure the nation’s eastern frontier, Almeida has played a significant role in Portuguese history, particularly during its early years of independence and throughout various military conflicts, including the Peninsular War.



The fortress's defining star-shaped ramparts consist of twelve points, each projecting outward to eliminate blind spots and provide overlapping fields of fire against advancing enemies.&nbsp;



The thick walls, surrounding moats, and angular bastions made Almeida a formidable stronghold capable of withstanding prolonged sieges.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neuf-brisach-france">Neuf-Brisach, France</h3>



Neuf-Brisach, located in the Alsace region of northeastern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/470-million-year-old-animal-fossils-discovered-in-frances-cabrieres-biota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">France</a> near the German border, is another fascinating example of military and urban design.&nbsp;



The town was constructed in 1697 after the loss of Breisach, which stood on the opposite bank of the Rhine River in Germany.&nbsp;



The name "Neuf" (meaning "new" in French) reflects its creation as a strategic replacement and fortification to strengthen France's defense along its eastern border.



Designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the renowned military engineer under King Louis XIV, Neuf-Brisach is part of the extensive network of fortifications that Vauban designed to protect France from external threats.&nbsp;



Vauban's expertise in defensive architecture is evident in the town's star-shaped layout, which was intended to optimize defense while accommodating civilian life within the fortifications.&nbsp;



The fortifications were built to withstand sieges and were strategically positioned to control movement across the Rhine River and defend against potential invasions. The outer star-shaped ramparts extend in a way that creates a nearly impenetrable defensive perimeter.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Star-shaped cities scattered across Europe

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of Lake Maracaibo, located in the northwestern part of Venezuela. The lake is a significant geographical and ecological feature of South America. 



Lake Maracaibo is often considered more of a tidal bay due to its direct connection to the Caribbean Sea through the Tablazo Strait. It is one of the oldest lakes on Earth, formed approximately 36 million years ago.



"With an area of over 13,000 sq km, Lake Maracaibo is generally considered the largest lake in South America, although by some estimates it should be considered an inlet of the Caribbean Sea since much of its water is brought in by its direct connection to the ocean," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"As a result, the water in the northern part of the lake is rather brackish, while the southern waters are fresh, owing to the many rivers that flow into the lake. The biggest, the Catatumbo River, can be seen entering the lake from southwest, where a large amount of sediment carried by the river appears as a yellowish plume."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-catatumbo-lightning">The Catatumbo lightning</h2>



The lake is renowned for a unique weather phenomenon - the Catatumbo lightning. This natural spectacle occurs primarily where the Catatumbo River meets the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-has-affected-almost-every-lake-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



Known as the most persistent lightning storm in the world, it produces frequent and dramatic flashes of lightning, illuminating the night sky for an average of 260 nights per year.



These storms generate thousands of lightning strikes in a single night, making the region one of the most electrified places on the planet. 



The phenomenon is so intense that it has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the place with the highest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-on-earth-can-influence-the-weather-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a> activity.



Scientists believe the lightning is influenced by the area's geography and climate, including the warm air rising from the lake and its surrounding mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economical-significance-of-lake-maracaibo">Economical significance of Lake Maracaibo </h2>



Lake Maracaibo plays an important role in Venezuela’s economy, as it lies atop vast reserves of crude oil.



The discovery of petroleum in the early 20th century transformed the region into a major oil-producing area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil rigs and platforms. 



However, this economic activity has come at a cost. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-losing-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pollution</a> from oil spills, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff has significantly degraded the lake's ecosystem.



The appearance of a green, slimy algae known as Lemna has further exacerbated environmental concerns, threatening marine life and the livelihoods of local communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-ties-to-lake-maracaibo">Cultural ties to Lake Maracaibo </h2>



The cultural significance of Lake Maracaibo is deeply rooted in the traditions and lifestyle of the Indigenous Añu people, who have inhabited its shores for centuries. The Añu, also known as Paraujano, are known for their distinctive stilt houses, called palafitos.



These wooden structures are built directly over the water, connected by walkways or small boats, allowing the Añu to live harmoniously with their aquatic environment. The architectural style of these stilt houses inspired the early Spanish explorers to nickname the region "The Venice of the Americas."



The Añu's way of life is closely tied to the lake. They rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-must-be-redefined-to-halt-ocean-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> as a primary source of food and income, using traditional methods passed down through generations.



For the Añu, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-significantly-impacts-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> is more than a resource; it is a spiritual and cultural cornerstone, shaping their identity and daily practices.



However, modernization and environmental challenges have disrupted their traditional lifestyle. The oil industry’s expansion around Lake Maracaibo has led to significant environmental degradation, which threaten the lake's biodiversity and the Añu’s primary sources of sustenance. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-maracaibo-and-venezuelan-history">Lake Maracaibo and Venezuelan history</h2>



Lake Maracaibo also played a pivotal role in Venezuelan history, particularly during the Battle of Lake Maracaibo in 1823. 



This naval battle was a decisive conflict in Venezuela’s war for independence from Spain and marked one of the final military engagements of the South American liberation movements led by figures like Simón Bolívar.



Today, the lake represents a remarkable blend of natural beauty, industrial significance, and cultural heritage. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-conservation-efforts">Ongoing conservation efforts </h2>



Ongoing efforts aim to harmonize ecological conservation with economic development, as both local and global stakeholders acknowledge the need to protect this extraordinary environment for generations to come.



Efforts to preserve the Añu culture and the lake's ecosystem have been initiated by local and international organizations. These initiatives focus on promoting sustainable development, preserving Indigenous languages and traditions, and mitigating the environmental damage caused by industrial activities. 



Despite these challenges, the Añu have shown remarkable resilience, maintaining their cultural identity and advocating for their rights and the health of their ancestral lands.



Image Credit: ESA



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Lake Maracaibo: One of the most electrified places on the planet

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a satellite view of retreating glaciers in Alaska, where meltwater is rapidly expanding glacial lakes. The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.



“In parts of Alaska, water is replacing ice. As glaciers thin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-images-reveal-hidden-retreat-of-arctic-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreat</a>, meltwater collects at their fronts, forming proglacial lakes. According to an analysis by Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College, three such lakes in the southeastern part of the state have grown rapidly in recent decades,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-glaciers-in-alaska">Retreating glaciers in Alaska</h2>



“A trio of glaciers - Yakutat, Alsek, and Grand Plateau - descend from inland mountains and flow onto the coastal plain southeast of Yakutat borough, ending at Harlequin Lake, Alsek Lake, and Grand Plateau Lake,” noted NASA.&nbsp;



The retreat of the glaciers, as well as the growth of the lakes, are visible in the image. When compared to an <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/153000/153638/fastestlake_tm5_19840705_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> captured by Landsat 5 in the summer of 1984, the changes are even more evident.



NASA elaborated on the extent of the glacier retreat from 1984 to 2024. “During this period, Yakutat Glacier’s main arm retreated 4.3 miles, while Alsek Glacier’s northern and southern arms retreated 3.3 miles and 3.4 miles, respectively. Grand Plateau Glacier’s northern arm lost the most, retreating 4.8 miles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes-doubled-in-size-nbsp">Glacial lakes doubled in size&nbsp;</h2>



“Collectively, the three lakes more than doubled in size over 40 years. In 1984, they covered about 50 square miles. By 2024, they spanned 90 square miles. That’s an area larger than Seneca Lake (67 square miles) - one of the Finger Lakes in New York, which also have a glacial origin,” said NASA.



Pelto noted that the lakes forming in this region are immense - starting at the mountains and spreading toward the coast - making this a new lake district that is unique in our nation.



“Millions of other lakes, named and unnamed, dot the state. But this system has grown fast, so much so that Pelto thinks it might represent the fastest lake growth in the United States this century,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Understanding glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



Glacier retreat is a significant phenomenon driven primarily by global warming the results from rising greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.&nbsp;



As temperatures rise, glaciers lose more ice during the summer melt than they can regain in winter snowfall, causing them to shrink over time. This process has profound implications for ecosystems, water resources, and global sea levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes">Glacial lakes</h3>



When glaciers retreat, they often leave behind depressions in the landscape that can fill with meltwater, forming glacial lakes. These lakes are typically bounded by natural dams made of rock, ice, or moraine - accumulations of debris left behind by the glacier's movement.&nbsp;



Over the past century, the number and size of glacial lakes worldwide have increased significantly due to the accelerating pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat. This trend is especially evident in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, as well as in polar areas such as Alaska and Greenland.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-and-negative-impacts-nbsp">Positive and negative impacts&nbsp;</h3>



Glacial lakes can have both positive and negative impacts. They provide critical water sources for downstream communities, support biodiversity, and sometimes offer opportunities for hydropower development or tourism.&nbsp;



However, they also pose serious risks. The dams holding back these lakes can fail suddenly, causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These catastrophic events can devastate downstream areas, destroying infrastructure, agricultural lands, and habitats while endangering human lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes">Monitoring changes</h3>



Understanding glacier retreat and glacial lake formation requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science, hydrology, and geology.&nbsp;



Monitoring these changes is essential to mitigate associated risks and adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fperu-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming planet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-worldwide">Glacier retreat worldwide</h2>



Studies and satellite observations show that most glaciers in almost all regions of the world are shrinking.&nbsp;



Melting glaciers contribute significantly to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.



The retreat of glaciers is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change.&nbsp;Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Gobi Altai Mountains and neighboring plains covered in snow and illuminated by sunlight. 



The photograph was captured on January 25, 2024 as the International Space Station (ISS) passed over central Mongolia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-peaks-and-plains">Mountain peaks and plains</h2>



“Late-afternoon sunlight casts long shadows of mountain peaks onto the plains below. Numerous steep gullies cut into the massif, or mass of mountains, whose rugged appearance contrasts with the flat plains stretching along the top of the image,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “The plains are a semidesert grassland, or steppe, which provides pasture for livestock herders in the region.”



“The grassland surrounding the massif is classified by scientists as a cold semidesert. At an elevation of about 1,250 meters, annual temperatures are much lower there than in the mountains. The highest peak in the massif, Ikh Bogd (also known as Tergun Bogd), reaches nearly 4,000 meters.”&nbsp;



According to NASA, the climate on the peaks is classified as a polar tundra because the average annual temperature is below freezing. "Asia’s main tundra zone is located in Siberia, along the coast of the Arctic Ocean, 2,800 kilometers (1,750 miles) to the north.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harsh-winters-and-livestock-in-mongolia">Harsh winters and livestock in Mongolia</h2>



Harsh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-winters-are-getting-colder-while-world-is-getting-warmer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winters</a> in Mongolia, locally known as "dzud," pose significant challenges for livestock and the herders who depend on them for their livelihood. These winters can be particularly severe, characterized by extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and ice, which can block access to grazing grounds, leaving animals without enough food.&nbsp;



The cold temperatures and nutritional shortages result in high mortality rates among livestock, which are crucial to the Mongolian economy and the nomadic lifestyle of many of its people.



The impact of these harsh winters extends beyond immediate animal welfare. As <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock</a> numbers dwindle, herders face financial hardships, and the ripple effects can be felt throughout the entire community.&nbsp;



To combat these challenges, various strategies have been employed, including the development of better forecasting and early warning systems, the stockpiling of fodder, and improved veterinary care. These measures aim to strengthen the resilience of herding communities and ensure the survival of their livestock during Mongolia's most challenging seasons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-wildlife-of-mongolia">Diverse wildlife of Mongolia</h2>



Mongolia is renowned for its diverse wildlife, adapted to its unique landscapes ranging from vast steppes to rugged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-both-carbon-sinks-and-carbon-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and arid deserts. Among the most iconic species is the Bactrian camel, native to the region and crucial to nomadic herders.&nbsp;



The resilient Mongolian horse, integral to local culture, is celebrated for its endurance across the vast, open landscapes. Predators such as the snow leopard roam the high altitudes, playing a key role in the ecosystem, while the elusive Gobi bear survives in the sparse vegetation of the Gobi Desert.



The steppes are home to the fast-moving Mongolian gazelle and the critically endangered saiga antelope, known for its distinctive nose. The mountains support populations of argali sheep, the world's largest wild sheep, and the ibex, which has mastered the art of navigating rocky terrains. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-valley-of-lakes">Valley of Lakes</h2>



“Part of a small dry lake appears in the top left of the image. In wetter years, water from this lake feeds Orog Lake (also photographed by astronauts), out of frame to the upper right. This and other nearby lakes are part of the Valley of Lakes waterfowl conservation habitat, protected as a Ramsar site,” noted NASA.



The Valley of Lakes is known for its expansive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-potential-of-tidal-wetlands-as-blue-carbon-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a> and diverse ecosystems that support a variety of bird species, especially migratory waterfowl. This area serves as a crucial stopover for birds during their migration periods, providing them with essential resources such as food and shelter.&nbsp;



The conservation efforts in the Valley of Lakes focus on maintaining and restoring these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-wetlands-are-inching-closer-to-extinction-as-the-world-heats-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wetlands</a> to ensure they continue to offer a safe haven for waterfowl. These efforts include controlling invasive plant species that threaten the natural vegetation and managing water levels to create optimal conditions for bird populations.&nbsp;



Education and community involvement are also key components of the conservation strategy, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of these habitats and encourage sustainable practices that help protect the local wildlife.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mountain peaks and plains of central Mongolia 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1559, located around 35 million light-years away in the southern constellation Reticulum. The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-for-star-formation">Fuel for star formation </h2>



"The data featured in this portrait make use of two of Webb’s instruments: the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) and Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam)," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Here MIRI captures the glow of interstellar dust grains, which trace out the interstellar medium, the fuel for future star formation. NIRCam shows the light from stars, even young stars hidden behind prodigious amounts of dust. NIRCam also captures emission from ionised nebulae around young stars."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-reveals-galaxies-in-new-light">Webb reveals galaxies in new light</h2>



According to ESA, the data was collected by the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home">PHANGS team</a> as part of a program in which Webb will observe 55 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a> that have also been mapped by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more.&nbsp;



"By combining Webb’s unprecedented view of the dust and stars with data from these other facilities, the team aims to obtain a new, highly detailed view of how stars are born, live, and die in galaxies across the Universe."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-1559-a-loner-in-space">NGC 1559: A loner in space</h2>



Although NGC 1559 appears to sit close to one of our nearest neighbors in the sky - the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) - this is just a trick of perspective, noted ESA.



While it is part of the Reticulum constellation, NGC 1559 is not part of the Local Group of galaxies but instead resides in a more distant region of space.



"In reality, NGC 1559 is physically nowhere near the LMC in space; in fact it truly is a loner, lacking the company of any nearby galaxies or membership of any galaxy cluster."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1559">Star formation in NGC 1559</h2>



NGC 1559 is notable for its active star formation and strong magnetic fields. It has also been the site of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, making it of particular interest to astronomers studying stellar evolution and the lifecycle of stars.



The structure of NGC 1559 includes well-defined spiral arms that are rich in young, hot stars and regions of ionized gas, indicative of ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.



The galaxy’s central bar is believed to play a role in driving gas towards the core, fueling both the star formation and the activity around its nucleus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-extragalactic-wonder">An extragalactic wonder</h2>



Despite being relatively small compared to larger galaxies like the Milky Way, NGC 1559 is an important object for understanding how barred spiral galaxies evolve and the processes that trigger supernovae.



The galaxy’s remote location and active nature make it a fascinating subject of study in the field of extragalactic astronomy. The isolation of NGC 1559 allows for a clearer view of its structure without much interference from neighboring galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies">Barred spiral galaxies</h2>



Barred spiral galaxies are a type of spiral galaxy characterized by a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars. This bar extends out from the core and connects to the galaxy's spiral arms, which swirl outward in a graceful pattern.



Scientists believe that the bar plays a crucial role in the evolution of the galaxy, funneling gas towards the core and potentially triggering star formation or feeding a central black hole. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our own galaxy, is an example of a barred spiral. These galaxies are quite common in the universe, making up about two-thirds of all observed spiral galaxies.



The bar itself is thought to be a temporary feature, developing as the galaxy matures and possibly disappearing over time as the dynamics of the stars change. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reticulum-constellation">The Reticulum constellation</h2>



The Reticulum constellation is a small, faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name means "the reticle" in Latin, which refers to the crosshairs in an eyepiece of a telescope. 



The constellation was named in the 18th century by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to honor the reticle he used in his scientific instruments. It is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, A. Leroy, J. Lee and the PHANGS Team



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Spiral galaxy NGC 1559 is a loner in outer space

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. 



NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-groups">Galaxy groups</h2>



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. 



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-blue-giants">Significance of blue giants</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. 



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

The Mackenzie River Delta and the Beaufort Sea are captured in this Image of the Day from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90703&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=iotd_previous">NASA Earth Observatory</a>. The Mackenzie River Delta is the longest north-flowing river in North America and serves as the leading source of freshwater flowing into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-ocean-waves-antarctic-ice/">Arctic Ocean</a>. The amount of freshwater in the Arctic Ocean is directly related to the amount and extent of sea ice cover.

The Mackenzie River Delta

As the holiday season approaches, homes worldwide are decorated with evergreen conifers like spruce and pine. Beyond spreading warmth and joy as Christmas trees, these resilient conifers thrive in harsh natural environments - enduring everything from frigid winters to intense sunlight in boreal forests.



Scientists at Umeå University are shedding light on how these remarkable trees endure such adversities and remain lush and green year-round.



The experts found that conifers possess unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in some of the planet's most challenging environments.



The findings not only deepen our understanding of conifers but also hint at potential applications in conservation and crop resilience.



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



Conifer trees are some of the most recognizable and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-leaves-live-longer-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evergreen giants</a> you’ll find in forests around the world. Think of pine, spruce, fir, and cedar trees with their needle-like leaves and sturdy cones. 



These trees are well adapted to various climates, especially colder and drier regions, because their shape helps them shed snow and conserve water.



Conifers have been around for millions of years, dominating many landscapes long before flowering plants took the stage. 



Their evergreen nature means they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-changes-what-happens-to-boreal-forests-after-fire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stay green</a> all year round, providing a constant splash of color even during the bleakest winters.



Beyond their striking appearance, conifer trees play a crucial role in the environment and our daily lives. They are vital for producing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change. 



The wood from conifers is used in building everything from homes to paper products, making them <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/which-trees-are-best-at-purifying-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">essential to many industries</a>. 



Plus, conifer forests are home to countless wildlife species, offering habitats and food sources for animals like birds, squirrels, and deer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-photosynthesis-strategies-of-conifers">Photosynthesis strategies of conifers</h2>



The process of photosynthesis is conserved across most plants, yet conifers exhibit <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilient-trees-can-help-safeguard-cities-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinct strategies</a> that set them apart. 



One such adaptation is a structural change in their thylakoid membranes - the sites where photosynthesis occurs. During winter, Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII), typically separated in most plants, come closer together in a phenomenon known as spill-over.



"This helps them to safely dissipate extra energy and avoid damage from too much sunlight in the cold," explained Stefan Jansson, a professor in the <a href="https://www.upsc.se" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Umeå Plant Science Center</a>.



This mechanism prevents excess light from overwhelming their photosynthetic machinery, enabling them to survive harsh winters unscathed.



Previously, researchers referred to this process as "sustained quenching," likening it to a photosynthetic lockdown. However, the precise mechanism remained a mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alternative-electron-flow">Alternative electron flow</h2>



In addition to spill-over, conifers possess a second survival strategy: alternative electron flow - a key aspect of their resilience in harsh winter environments.



This method involves the use of&nbsp;flavodiiron proteins, which redirect electrons during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-cleverly-adapt-to-withstand-storms-and-high-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. This redirection ensures that the photosynthetic system remains balanced, even when faced with intense sunlight and freezing temperatures.



Alternative electron flow acts as a backup mechanism to handle excess energy, preventing the photosynthetic machinery from becoming overloaded and damaged. 



This is particularly critical in winter when sunlight can be strong but the freezing conditions make energy dissipation challenging.



Together with&nbsp;spill-over, where Photosystem I (PSI) and Photosystem II (PSII) collaborate to dissipate extra energy, these strategies form a dual defense system. 



Spill-over reduces the risk of light-induced damage, while alternative electron flow maintains the system's stability.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-adaptations-of-conifers">Unique adaptations of conifers</h2>



Conifers' photosynthetic apparatus also diverges from that of flowering plants (angiosperms) in other significant ways. 



For instance, they lack certain light-harvesting proteins found in angiosperms. This unique configuration might explain why conifers thrive in nutrient-poor, cold, and water-scarce environments.



"All together, this can explain why conifers are the dominant species in boreal forests, thriving where few others can, perhaps at the expense of advantages during less <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-in-the-wrong-place-can-make-cities-hotter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenging conditions</a>," noted Pushan Bag, lead author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-crop-resilience">Implications for crop resilience </h2>



Understanding the survival mechanisms of conifers goes beyond academic curiosity. As the climate changes, insights into how conifers adapt to extreme conditions may inform conservation strategies and predict forest responses to new environmental <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tree-diversity-makes-forests-more-resilient-against-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges</a>.



These findings could also guide the development of crops that are resilient to extreme weather, ensuring food security in an unpredictable future.



"This paper highlights the intricate adaptations of conifers to extreme winter conditions. By combining structural, molecular, and evolutionary insights, it advances our understanding of how these trees have come to dominate some of the harshest ecosystems on Earth," said study co-author Alexander Ivanov.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-resilience-of-conifers">Incredible resilience of conifers</h2>



Conifers’ ability to adapt and thrive in severe conditions is a proof of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-are-in-big-trouble-and-scientists-are-sounding-the-alarm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature's ingenuity</a>. Their unique photosynthetic strategies, refined over millennia, ensure their survival in environments where most plants would falter.



As researchers continue to explore these mechanisms, they uncover not only the secrets of these hardy evergreens but also pathways to address pressing challenges like climate change and food insecurity.



This festive season, as you admire the beauty of a Christmas tree, take a moment to appreciate the incredible resilience and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-trees-protect-their-genetic-diversity-for-millions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary brilliance</a> of conifers. 



They are not just symbols of joy and celebration but also living proof of nature's ability to overcome adversity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/fulltext/S1360-1385(24)00300-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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Christmas trees have unique strategies to survive harsh winters

As the holiday season approaches, homes worldwide are decorated with...

The world’s largest iceberg has astonished scientists by shaking free from a spinning ocean trap and continuing its trek across remote southern waters.



Its journey, marked by twists and turns since it separated from Antarctica, has become a focus for research on the changing ocean and the ice’s influence on life beneath the surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-breaks-free">A23a iceberg breaks free</h2>



The icy slab covers about 1,418 square miles, which makes it bigger than Rhode Island. 



It originally broke away from <a href="https://eros.usgs.gov/earthshots/filchner-ice-shelf-antarctica" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf</a> in 1986 and remained stuck close to the continent for decades. 



Ocean currents and seafloor topography restricted its path. After finally regaining momentum last year, the towering block ran into a swirling formation of water near the <a href="https://www.ndsu.edu/subantarctic/southorkney.htm">South Orkney Islands</a>, where it ended up spinning in place for months.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-iceberg-movements-in-the-ocean">Tracking iceberg movements in the ocean</h2>



“It’s exciting to see A23a on the move again after periods of being stuck,” said <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/media-post/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-breaks-free/">Dr Andrew Meijers</a>, an oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey.



Ocean experts have been monitoring this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-largest-iceberg-a23a-undergoing-major-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg’s</a> every move to understand how such massive blocks can influence sea circulation, temperature balance, and the distribution of nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-for-the-a23a-iceberg">New chapter for the A23a iceberg</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birth-of-an-iceberg-a-83-breaks-free-from-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg’s</a> latest departure from its watery prison has stirred up fresh discussions about its fate. 



As it progresses northward, warmer seas may take a toll on its bulk. Many large ice masses follow a similar route before gradually disintegrating. Scientists emphasize that ice already afloat in the water does not raise sea levels when it melts. That does not mean these events should be dismissed, though, since Antarctica’s overall health is a concern in a warming world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-and-its-ocean-impacts-nbsp">A23a iceberg and its ocean impacts&nbsp;</h2>



Researchers have pointed out that although this particular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg</a> calved naturally, Antarctic ice shelves are showing other, more concerning changes.



Experts worry that accelerated ice loss in certain areas could have far-reaching effects. Even small changes along coastal regions of the continent can result in shifts in glacial flow, which might eventually lead to an uptick in sea-level rise. 



Data gathered from icebergs like A23a helps build a clearer picture of these wider trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecosystems-under-the-ice">Ecosystems under the ice</h2>



Observations have shown that drifting ice blocks can stir the waters they pass through, sometimes generating short-lived plankton blooms. 



These blooms support fish, krill, and other marine life in areas that might otherwise lack resources. "These icebergs provide different sources of nutrients," explained Professor <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/profile/gant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geraint Tarling</a>, Biopole's principal investigator. By sampling the water where the giant iceberg has traveled, scientists hope to gauge whether this berg’s size and origin play a notable part in shaping ocean communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-future-holds">What the future holds</h2>



Many anticipate that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a23a-worlds-largest-iceberg-is-moving-after-30-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A23a</a> will continue meandering through the Southern Ocean currents. As it ventures closer to milder latitudes, the ice is expected to weaken and break into smaller chunks. 



Some fragments may persist for a while, but the main body of the iceberg will likely diminish.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a23a-iceberg-research-enhances-ocean-circulation">A23a iceberg research enhances ocean circulation</h2>



Ongoing research on these gargantuan ice blocks helps experts refine climate models, track ocean circulation patterns, and pinpoint areas most vulnerable to environmental changes. 



Observations from ships, satellites, and on-site measurements all combine to offer a clearer view of what is happening far from major population centers. The hope is that findings from the watery trails left by A23a will guide future decisions on how we manage and protect polar waters and fragile marine habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-lab-for-ocean-studies">Moving lab for ocean studies</h2>



A23a’s odyssey is important because it shows how an individual iceberg can become a moving lab for oceanographers and climate scientists. 



The iceberg's escape from a rotating water column this month hints at nature’s complexity, from shifting ocean currents to unseen underwater topography.



While it has been around for nearly four decades, its path in the coming months may reveal more about the chain reactions set in motion when a piece of Antarctica sets sail for open waters.



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World’s largest iceberg breaks free from ocean cyclone

The world’s largest iceberg has astonished scientists by shaking free...

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe touched the Sun's atmosphere, flying within 3.8 million miles (around 6.1 million kilometers) from the surface of the Sun on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 6:53 a.m. EST. 



During its closest approach, also called perihelion, mission operations will be out of contact with the spacecraft. 



Parker will transmit another beacon tone on Friday, Dec. 27, to confirm its health following the close flyby.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-where-no-human-made-object-has-gone">Going where no human-made object has gone</h2>



This approach is unlike anything previously accomplished by a human-made spacecraft, marking a landmark in solar science that may rewrite much of what we know about our star.



Arik Posner, <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker Solar Probe</a> program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, sees this effort as a new window into solar research. “This is one example of NASA’s bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe,” said <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-arik-posner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arik</a>. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>) in Laurel, Maryland, manages mission operations and is keeping a watchful eye on every step as Parker speeds by.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathtaking-pace-of-the-parker-solar-probe">Breathtaking pace of the Parker solar probe</h2>



The spacecraft is moving at approximately <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/parker-solar-probe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">430,000 miles per hour</a>. At that velocity, Parker could zip from New York to Los Angeles in about 20 seconds. 



By <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approaching the Sun</a> so closely, mission teams hope to retrieve data that no earlier craft could access. Particles in the corona -- where temperatures can exceed a few million degrees -- tend to behave in puzzling ways. 



Scientists aim to see how these intense conditions might shape <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, which jets out at more than one million miles per hour.



Engineers designed Parker’s trajectory with careful flybys of Venus to shrink its orbit gradually around the Sun. This path has taken years to perfect since launch in 2018. 



Each loop demanded detailed calculations to ensure the craft can survive the approach, collect the right measurements, and keep sending updates back to Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-battling-extreme-heat">Solar probe battling extreme heat</h2>



Because the Sun’s heat is punishing at such a short distance, Parker Solar Probe relies on a <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/Spacecraft/index.php#Extreme-Environments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon-composite shield</a> 4.5 inches thick.



This protective layer keeps sensitive instruments near room temperature while the shield’s front side can face extreme temperatures above 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit.



Sophisticated cooling systems also channel heat away from the core of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meet-the-fastest-human-made-object-ever-nasas-parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a>, helping to sustain the electronics that record measurements of plasma, magnetic fields, and solar wind particles.



Inside, the instruments are scanning for clues to explain the corona’s unusual temperatures, which skyrocket to levels far higher than the Sun’s visible surface. 



Those same instruments are also watching for charged particle bursts and fluctuations in magnetic fields that might help answer big questions about what accelerates the solar wind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-timing-and-limited-contact">Crucial timing and limited contact</h2>



Today’s perihelion means Parker is currently skimming the outer atmosphere of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-orbiter-spacecraft-sees-the-sun-through-three-different-lenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> while in autonomous mode, out of immediate radio contact.



This window of silence is standard because powerful solar emissions prevent reliable communication. Mission operators anticipate a beacon tone on December 27, which should confirm Parker has survived.



Scientists believe that data from this flyby could provide <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unprecedented detail on solar activity</a>. Periods of heightened activity, known as solar maxima, produce more flares and coronal mass ejections. These events can spawn auroras at unexpected latitudes and threaten satellites with bursts of charged particles. 



By collecting data from close range, Parker might reveal new insights into how these explosive happenings form and evolve.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visionary-behind-the-parker-solar-probe">Visionary behind the Parker solar probe</h2>



This trailblazer of solar research is named after <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Eugene N. Parker</a>, the late astrophysicist from the University of Chicago who proposed the existence of the solar wind back in the 1950s.



He changed our understanding of how stars interact with their surroundings. In 2018, he became the first person to witness the launch of a spacecraft bearing his name. 



Though he passed away in 2022, his legacy lives on in every close pass the probe completes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-solar-wind">A closer look at solar wind</h2>



One of the main motivations behind Parker Solar Probe mission is to figure out how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-solar-storm-warning-issued-as-two-cmes-will-hit-earth-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a>, that stream of charged particles racing from the Sun, accelerates to incredible speeds. Scientists hope Parker will pinpoint where and how energy is transferred to these particles. Such information could refine space weather forecasts, which are critical for protecting satellites, power grids, and astronauts in orbit.



<a href="https://www.plasmacoalition.org/plasma_writeups/solar_plasmas.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plasma</a> behavior at these altitudes can also inform theories about stellar physics beyond the Sun. 



Many stars release similar particle streams, so unraveling the inner workings of the solar wind could offer a template for understanding events happening light-years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-stakes-data-for-space-weather-predictions">High-stakes data for space weather predictions</h2>



Operators know that space weather can have major effects here on Earth. Sudden geomagnetic storms have been known to disrupt radio signals, damage satellites, and even cause power outages. By studying the Sun’s activity from the inside, Parker could lead to more accurate warnings for regions of the world vulnerable to blackouts. 



Air traffic, GPS services, and communication infrastructure may all benefit from improved predictions of <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/heliophysics/space-weather/solar-flares/what-is-a-solar-flare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a> and <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-radiation-storm#:~:text=Solar%20radiation%20storms%20occur%20when,of%20the%20speed%20of%20light." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particle storms</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-milestone-for-parker-solar-probe">A milestone for Parker Solar Probe</h2>



Now that the probe is at perihelion, mission managers will hold their breath for a few days.



“No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory,” explained <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=205" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Pinkine</a>, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager at <a href="https://www.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>. 



He added that the team is eager to see how Parker managed the flyby when the link reopens.



This moment is a milestone for solar science. If everything goes as planned, Parker will maintain its orbit for future close passes, each offering a renewed chance to investigate the corona’s strange properties.



Researchers anticipate more discoveries that will fill in knowledge gaps about the Sun’s extreme environment.



Far from being an isolated phenomenon, the Sun’s behavior plays a significant role in shaping conditions on Earth. 



Today’s brush with solar fury signals the continuing progress of human exploration -- and the promise of deeper insight into the star that illuminates our world.



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Mission accomplished? Solar Probe just touched the Sun, but we don't know if it survived

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe touched the Sun's atmosphere, flying within...

Giant sloths once roamed across much of the Americas. Modern humans often picture sloths as slow animals clinging to tree branches, but their prehistoric relatives weighed more than 8,000 pounds and sometimes reacted aggressively if they felt threatened. At the same time, ancient mastodons grazed across plains and wetlands, forming part of a landscape filled with towering mammals that would turn heads in any museum exhibit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-coexistence-with-sloths">Humans coexistence with sloths</h2>



For many years, scientists believed that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-early-humans-first-start-wearing-clothes-and-why-parasites-lice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> set foot in the Americas around 13,000 years ago and rapidly hunted massive creatures like giant ground sloths and saber-toothed cats into extinction.



This theory, called <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6202698/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pleistocene overkill</a>, painted a picture of speedy destruction. 



However, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383692589_Anthropogenic_modification_of_a_giant_ground_sloth_tooth_from_Brazil_supported_by_a_multi-disciplinary_approach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">researchers</a> from different archaeological sites have recently suggested that people may have arrived much earlier and may have coexisted with these animals for thousands of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-footprints-in-new-mexico">Ancient footprints in New Mexico</h2>



<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34554787/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daniel Odess</a>, an archaeologist at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, is among those revisiting the old timeline. 



His team has analyzed evidence from footprints and geological layers that could date <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human presence</a> in North America to more than 20,000 years ago.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/giant-sloth_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/giant-sloth_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1s.webp" alt="Giant Ground Sloth skeleton at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Credit: BMHNS" class="wp-image-1954670"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Giant Ground Sloth skeleton at the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science. Credit: BMHNS</figcaption></figure>



These footprints appear alongside the tracks of mammoths, giant ground sloths, and other ancient creatures. Some experts question why footprints remain but few other artifacts have turned up. 



Yet the discovery suggests that humans spent many generations adapting to a dramatic environment, rather than simply arriving and wiping out large species in a short period.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sloth-fossils-reveal-human-presence">Sloth fossils reveal human presence</h2>



Sloth fossils from <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383692589_Anthropogenic_modification_of_a_giant_ground_sloth_tooth_from_Brazil_supported_by_a_multi-disciplinary_approach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santa Elina</a>, an archaeological site in central Brazil, have stirred fresh discussions about the timeline.



<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383692589_Anthropogenic_modification_of_a_giant_ground_sloth_tooth_from_Brazil_supported_by_a_multi-disciplinary_approach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> there have unearthed the fossilized remains of giant ground sloths that show signs of human handiwork. These prehistoric bones feature small holes and polished edges that differ from untouched remains.



“We believe it was intentionally altered and used by ancient people as jewelry or adornment,” said researcher <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mirian-Pacheco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mírian Pacheco</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jewelry-from-fresh-bones">Jewelry from ‘fresh bones’</h2>



One puzzle centered on whether this jewelry came from old fossils or from bones that were still fresh and relatively new. 



Laboratory analysis suggests these <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Study-area-and-fossil-material-a-Map-of-the-location-of-the-tank-deposit-where-the_fig1_383692589" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sloth bones</a> were shaped and drilled not long after the animals died, hinting at a human presence in South America more than 25,000 years ago. 



Some bones also show dark coloration. Early findings point to possible burning at campfires, though researchers continue to explore alternative explanations, such as chemical changes in the soil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debates-and-different-interpretations">Debates and different interpretations</h2>



The site at Santa Elina is only one example among several that point to the idea of an older human presence in the Western Hemisphere. 



In Chile, Monte Verde gained worldwide attention when stone tools and preserved vegetation were <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17773106/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dated to about 14,500 years ago</a>. <a href="https://www.arroyodelvizcaino.org/en/el-lugar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uruguay’s Arroyo del Vizcaíno site</a> has yielded animal bones with possible cut marks that may date back 30,000 years. 



Older dates consistently generate skepticism from some experts. People often ask whether there might be errors in dating techniques or whether non-human processes could explain the markings. Scientists like Odess remain open to these critiques and emphasize that it takes time and multiple confirmations for a hypothesis to gain acceptance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-living-among-ice-age-giants">Living among Ice Age giants</h2>



As research grows, a new picture emerges of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-felt-emotions-in-unusual-body-parts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> who spent millennia wandering with mastodons, giant sloths, and other imposing animals. 



Paleontologist <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thais-Pansani-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thais Pansani</a> and her colleagues note that early campsites may have included hearths that left burn marks on large bones.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/american-mastodon_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1-1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/american-mastodon_skeleton_coexisted-with-humans_1s.webp" alt="Skeleton of an American mastodon, the elephant's Ice Age relative that went extinct around 13,000 years ago on display at the Natural History Museum in London. Credit: NHM London" class="wp-image-1954668"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Skeleton of an American mastodon, the elephant's Ice Age relative that went extinct around 13,000 years ago on display at the Natural History Museum in London. Credit: NHM London</figcaption></figure>



These details give us a sense of daily life in a time when massive creatures ambled across landscapes quite different from modern farms and highways.



Although the popular view once held that people showed up and immediately caused extinctions, the latest findings propose a longer period of coexistence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-shifts-disrupted-habitats">Climate shifts disrupted habitats</h2>



If <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-wooden-structure-completely-rewrites-early-human-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> arrived earlier, why didn’t they drive giant mammals to immediate extinction? Scientists have started to suggest a wider web of factors, including changes in climate. 



When the Ice Age ended, shifting habitats may have disrupted food sources and water supplies for large herbivores and the predators that hunted them.



People may have contributed to the extinctions, but it appears that climate shifts played a role, too. The timing of events is still under scrutiny, and not every site’s data line up perfectly, but the story is growing more complex.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-in-dating-and-evidence">Challenges in dating and evidence</h2>



Dating techniques rely on methods such as radiocarbon analysis of charcoal or bones, geological correlations, and DNA tests that reveal genetic timelines. 



Each tool has strengths and weaknesses, so researchers weigh multiple approaches. Unusual finds, like footprints without additional artifacts, make some archaeologists cautious. 



Yet repeated patterns of evidence are shifting attitudes toward the possibility that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-impacted-earth-than-previously-thought-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a> reached the Americas well before the traditional 13,000-year mark.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-sloths-and-mastodons">Humans, sloths, and mastodons</h2>



No single discovery will settle the debates. Instead, each new fossil sample and archaeological layer adds a piece to a changing puzzle. 



Researchers continue to test bones, re-check radiocarbon dates, and compare footprints to the surrounding sediments. 



Whether the first arrivals journeyed by land, sea, or both, many specialists agree that older dates are worth taking seriously. Giant sloths, mastodons, saber-toothed cats, and even ancient horses likely shared vast grasslands and wetlands with humans, at least for a while. 



Their interactions remain difficult to trace, but our understanding of the distant past grows richer as new investigations move forward.



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Discovery: Early humans in America coexisted with giant sloths and mastodons

Giant sloths once roamed across much of the Americas. Modern...

This,Man-made,Vehicle,Reached,A,Record,Speed,Of,635,Thousand

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most dangerous feat yet tomorrow, December 24, 2024. After a six-year journey of spiraling closer to the star at the heart of our solar system, the spacecraft is expected to come within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface. 



This tiny distance in cosmic terms lets scientists capture a new type of information, revealing secrets about solar winds, extreme heat, and magnetic fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-on-the-sun-s-doorstep">Solar probe on the Sun's doorstep</h2>



Engineers have spent years carefully adjusting <a href="https://blogs.nasa.gov/parkersolarprobe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker’s flight path</a> using multiple Venus gravity assists. These flybys reshape the spacecraft’s orbit and tighten its looping path around the Sun. “This is one example of NASA’s bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe,” explained <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/people/dr-arik-posner/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arik Posner</a>, Parker Solar Probe program scientist at NASA Headquarters, describing this mission’s significance.



Ever since the launch in 2018, Parker’s main goal has been to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Tomorrow’s approach, often called <a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/glossary/perihelion.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">perihelion</a>, marks a new milestone in that quest. The probe moves at speeds around 430,000 miles per hour, faster than any other spacecraft. At such high velocity, it can swing around our star without getting swallowed. Even so, mission managers won’t receive immediate updates once Parker hits its closest point because signals cannot travel through the intense solar environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-heat-and-lasting-protection">Extreme heat and lasting protection</h2>



What sets Parker apart is its resilient heat shield. This 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite barrier enables the spacecraft’s instruments to continue functioning in an environment where temperatures can reach roughly 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the harsh surroundings, the precious science instruments remain near room temperature, thanks to expert engineering by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (<a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APL</a>).



During every close approach, Parker is pelted by gusts of solar wind and bathed in radiation. Still, it keeps sending back readings about magnetic fields, <a href="https://www.plasmacoalition.org/plasma_writeups/solar_plasmas.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasma</a> behavior, and energetic <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/solar-radiation-storm#:~:text=Solar%20radiation%20storms%20occur%20when,of%20the%20speed%20of%20light." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">particles</a>. The probe’s data illuminates reasons behind the corona’s blazing heat, which can climb into the millions of degrees, significantly hotter than the visible surface of the Sun. Such puzzling behavior has fascinated scientists for decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chasing-the-solar-wind-s-origins">Chasing the solar wind’s origins</h2>



Solar wind, a stream of charged particles flowing away from the Sun at speeds topping one million miles per hour, plays a major role in <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">space weather</a>. 



By skimming through the corona, Parker records fresh evidence of how these particles speed up and scatter across the solar system. The answers may help experts forecast disturbances that affect satellites and astronaut safety. Surges of these charged particles can disable communication systems or even disrupt power grids on Earth.



For researchers, big questions remain. How does the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/sun/what-is-the-solar-wind/">solar wind</a> pick up its pace so dramatically? Is there a specific region in the corona that triggers bursts of fast-moving particles? 



Parker’s measurements bring us closer to unraveling these mysteries. Officials at NASA say that by tomorrow’s approach, new layers of data will help them see patterns not possible to detect from a greater distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-probe-and-the-sun-s-active-cycle">Solar probe and the Sun's active cycle</h2>



The Sun moves through an 11-year activity cycle. Right now, it is in an active phase, meaning increased sunspots, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secondary-peak-extreme-geomagnetic-solar-storm-expected-today/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar flares</a>, and <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/coronal-mass-ejections" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a>. 



Researchers are tracking not only Parker’s journey but also the Sun’s changing patterns. Sometimes these outbursts interact with Earth’s magnetosphere and spark colorful auroras, even in places unused to such displays. And although most solar weather events are harmless for life on Earth, severe storms can interfere with GPS systems or satellites.



This is why Parker’s findings are so relevant. Gaining a better understanding of how energetic solar events begin could lead to timelier warnings, giving operators on Earth a heads-up to power down sensitive instruments or adjust satellite orbits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paying-tribute-to-eugene-parker">Paying tribute to Eugene Parker</h2>



In 2017, NASA renamed the probe after <a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/story/eugene-parker-legendary-figure-solar-science-and-namesake-parker-solar-probe-1927-2022">Dr. Eugene N. Parker</a>, the first person to predict the solar wind in the 1950s. He introduced key ideas about how stars interact with their surroundings. The mission’s name honors his influential work. Dr. Parker passed away in 2022, but his legacy continues. 



The data this spacecraft is sending back not only expands knowledge of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tracing-solar-wind-directly-to-its-source-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar physics</a> but also shows how correct Dr. Parker’s early theories were.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-setting-solar-probe-flyby">Record-setting Solar Probe flyby</h2>



Mission operations expect Parker to reach perihelion at 6:53 a.m. EST on December 24. 



At that time, the spacecraft will run autonomously, and engineers at APL will wait until December 27 for a beacon tone confirming a safe passage around the Sun. “No human-made object has ever passed this close to a star, so Parker will truly be returning data from uncharted territory. We’re excited to hear back from the spacecraft when it swings back around the Sun,” explained <a href="https://parkersolarprobe.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/Show-Article.php?articleID=205" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Pinkine</a>, Parker Solar Probe mission operations manager. 



When that update arrives, scientists will study Parker’s recent measurements to identify potential clues about solar wind origins and coronal heating. Each orbit is another chance to witness the scorching conditions near our star. At the same time, the probe helps refine predictions about solar eruptions that might drive future storms toward Earth.



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



Beyond the scientific breakthroughs, Parker’s success can have practical benefits for technology we rely on every day. Our society depends on GPS signals and stable power systems, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">major solar events</a> can disrupt both. By learning how to anticipate strong solar winds or flares, experts might one day keep satellites out of harm’s way or shield power grids from unexpected surges.



Tomorrow’s close approach continues a streak of remarkable achievements for NASA. As Parker zips through the corona, it gathers observations that no other mission could obtain. The craft appears ready for another sizzling pass, thanks to the robust thermal design and careful planning. 



Whether it’s helping forecast solar tempers or refining our knowledge of basic astrophysical processes, Parker remains on track to change the way we see the Sun.



Learn more about <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA's Parker Solar Probe here...</a>



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Spacecraft flew through the Sun's atmosphere today for the first time ever

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most...

If all the world's a stage, and all the species merely players, then their exits and entrances can be found in the rock record. This poetic perspective highlights the continuous evolution and unfolding of life’s history, a narrative that is etched into fossils and the layers of sediment in which they are found.



A recent Virginia Tech analysis has now extended this narrative back to nearly 2 billion years ago, offering a more complete picture of life's origin, diversification, and extinction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-chart-of-life">Expanding the chart of life</h2>



Fossil evidence has charted evolutionary milestones over the past half-billion years, but researchers have now pushed this timeline even further back.



The study, led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> geobiologist Shuhai Xiao, expands our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-evolution-not-random-gene-families-pangenome-influence-called-revolutionary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of ancient life</a> to the Proterozoic Eon, which spans 2,500 million to 539 million years ago. 



During this era, life forms were typically smaller and softer, such as sea sponges without mineral skeletons, which were less likely to leave fossil traces.



“This is the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of this period to date,” said Xiao. "And more importantly, we’ve used a graphic correlation program that allowed us to achieve greater temporal resolution.”



The team’s findings provide a high-resolution analysis of the global diversity and evolution of Proterozoic life. This chart now offers valuable insights into how life’s story played out during this vast period.



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



During the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewrite-the-textbooks-life-on-earth-did-not-arise-due-to-increased-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proterozoic eon</a>, which lasted from about 2.5 billion to 541 million years ago, life on Earth was mostly simple and microscopic. Imagine tiny single-celled organisms like bacteria and algae swimming in the oceans. 



These early life forms played a huge role in shaping our planet. For example, they produced oxygen through photosynthesis, which gradually filled the atmosphere and made it possible for more complex life to develop later on. 



Around the middle of the Proterozoic, more advanced cells called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oldest-organisms-ever-discovered-show-dazzling-diversity-and-complexity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eukaryotes</a> appeared. These cells are the building blocks of all plants and animals today, featuring a nucleus and other specialized structures inside them.



As the Proterozoic eon progressed, life started to get a bit more interesting. Towards the end of this time, some of these eukaryotic cells began to form simple multicellular organisms, laying the groundwork for the incredible diversity of life we see today. 



Fossils from this era show the first signs of tiny colonies of cells and simple sea creatures. Even though life was still mostly confined to the oceans, these early innovations set the stage for the explosion of life that would happen in the next eon, the Phanerozoic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-proterozoic-marine-eukaryotes">Evolution of proterozoic marine eukaryotes</h2>



Xiao and his team studied the evolution of ancient marine eukaryotes, which are organisms with cells that have a nucleus. 



These early eukaryotes were the ancestors of animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ferns-evolving-backward-a-new-look-at-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, and fungi, and thus they paved the way for complex life on Earth.



The researchers found that eukaryotes first appeared at least 1.8 billion years ago. For the next billion years, often called the "boring billion," not much changed.



Species evolved slowly, and diversity remained stable, with few new species emerging or old ones going extinct.



This calm period eventually ended as Earth experienced dramatic changes. Shifts in the environment and evolution then brought a surge in diversity and set the stage for the development of the complex ecosystems we know today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowball-earth-s-impact-on-the-evolution-of-life">Snowball Earth's impact on the evolution of life</h2>



Between 720 million and 635 million years ago, the planet experienced at least two severe ice ages, known as Snowball Earth events. These global glaciations plunged Earth into an icy grip, and reshaped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life’s trajectory</a>.



“The ice ages were a major factor that reset the evolutionary path in terms of diversity and dynamics,” Xiao explained. “We see rapid turnover of eukaryotic species immediately after glaciation. That’s a major finding.”



When the ice melted, evolutionary activity surged, marking the end of the “boring billion” and ushering in a more dynamic era of biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-questions-than-answers">More questions than answers</h2>



The study on eukaryotic evolution raises important questions about how environmental and evolutionary forces influenced the development of life on Earth. 



For instance, why did eukaryotic evolution remain so slow and stable during the "boring billion," a period marked by low species turnover?



What triggered the rapid evolutionary changes after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snowball-earth-event-set-the-stage-for-complex-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth events</a>, when the planet thawed from extreme glaciation?



Key factors under consideration include whether changes in climate and rising atmospheric oxygen levels played a role in accelerating evolution. 



Additionally, scientists wonder whether competition and interactions among organisms created an "evolutionary arms race," that drove species to evolve faster. 



According to Xiao, the team's findings create a foundation for future research. By analyzing the patterns revealed in this study, scientists can delve deeper into the complex relationship between Earth's changing environments and the evolution of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-perspective-on-the-evolution-of-life">New perspective on the evolution of life</h2>



The study of proterozoic life enhances our understanding of how early eukaryotes - the ancestors of modern animals, plants, and fungi - evolved.



The research also reveals how living organisms and Earth’s environment influenced each other in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-evolution-was-shaped-by-environmental-crises-land-and-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex and interconnected ways</a> over billions of years.



By extending the timeline of life’s history, this research gives scientists a detailed framework to explore unanswered questions about Earth’s ancient past. It helps us see how events from billions of years ago shaped the planet and life as we know it today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm9137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Timeline of life’s evolution extended by nearly 1.5 billion years

If all the world's a stage, and all the species...

This,Is,A,3d,Illustration,Of,Cosmic,Microwave,Background,,Electromagnetic

Dark energy has long been seen as the invisible force behind our Universe’s accelerating expansion. This mysterious component was thought to make up nearly 70 percent of the cosmic energy budget. A new study, however, raises a different idea: maybe the Universe is expanding in a “lumpy” manner, which means dark energy might not be needed to explain those puzzling measurements of distant supernovae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-energy-and-expansion">Dark energy and expansion</h2>



For almost a century, scientists have assumed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-suggests-that-dark-energy-comes-from-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmos</a> spreads out uniformly in every direction, with dark energy speeding up that expansion. The notion was adopted after researchers saw exploding stars, known as supernovae, appearing farther away than expected. 



When calculations showed that galaxies seemed to be drifting apart too quickly, dark energy became an easy placeholder for the unknown physics.



Professor <a href="https://profiles.canterbury.ac.nz/David-Wiltshire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">David Wiltshire</a> from the <a href="https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Canterbury</a> in Christchurch, New Zealand has been examining this challenge in more detail. 



His research team’s <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/537/1/L55/7926647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> of supernova light curves suggests the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mapping-the-universe-may-reveal-secrets-of-dark-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a> may be more uneven than we assumed.



Their approach leads to a fresh explanation for the changes in light we see, one that focuses on how time passes differently in various gravitational conditions rather than appealing to an unseen substance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-many-have-relied-on-dark-energy">Why many have relied on dark energy</h2>



Dark energy has been tied to the so-called Lambda Cold Dark Matter model, or <a href="https://lambda.gsfc.nasa.gov/education/graphic_history/univ_evol.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ΛCDM model</a>. 



This model has served as the bedrock of modern cosmology for decades. Scientists had no direct means to detect or measure dark energy, so they relied on the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/aca5fa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apparent acceleration</a> seen in distant supernovae. They also looked to patterns in the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Cosmic_Microwave_Background_CMB_radiation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmic Microwave Background</a>, which is often described as the faint afterglow of the Big Bang. 



Over the years, more data have hinted that there could be tension between early and recent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expansion</a> rates, sparking serious questions about whether we are missing some major puzzle piece.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enter-the-timescape-model">Enter the timescape model</h2>



The new work supports something called the timescape model, which does not need dark energy to explain cosmic acceleration. Instead, it notes that local physics can vary depending on how mass is distributed. One clock drifting through a sparse region of the cosmos might tick faster than the same clock inside a galaxy packed with more gravitational pull. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dark-energy_doesnt-exist_history-of-universe-graphic_credit-NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/dark-energy_doesnt-exist_history-of-universe-graphic_credit-NASA_1s.webp" alt="This graphic offers a glimpse of the history of the universe, as we currently understand it. The cosmos began expanding with the Big Bang but then around 10 billion years later it strangely began to accelerate thanks to a theoretical phenomenon termed dark energy. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1954661"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This graphic offers a glimpse of the history of the universe, as we currently understand it. The cosmos began expanding with the Big Bang but then around 10 billion years later it strangely began to accelerate thanks to a theoretical phenomenon termed dark energy. Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



The team’s findings were featured in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters.



“Our findings show that we do not need dark energy to explain why the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a> appears to expand at an accelerating rate,” noted Professor David Wiltshire, who led the study. 



He sees this approach as an opportunity to rethink the way we average cosmic expansion. “The Universe’s biggest mystery could be settled by the end of the decade,” Professor Wiltshire claimed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-tension-and-the-lumpy-universe">Hubble tension and the lumpy Universe</h2>



Part of the growing dispute involves something called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unknown-factors-are-accelerating-the-expansion-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble tension</a>.



<a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2020/09/aa33910-18/aa33910-18.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Measurements</a> of the early cosmos from the Cosmic Microwave Background suggest a certain rate of expansion, while observations of supernovae in the present day reveal a faster pace. This inconsistency has triggered re-examinations of old assumptions. Adding to that, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/aca5fa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DESI</a>) has discovered that the standard ΛCDM model may not line up perfectly with some of its new high-precision data. Researchers are looking into models where dark energy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">might change over time</a>, but the timescape idea takes a different path: it challenges the uniformity assumption at its core.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-dark-energy">Rethinking dark energy </h2>



If the Universe is lumpy, with matter clumping in some regions and emptier voids in others, then local gravitational effects might skew the calculations that gave dark energy its place in cosmic theory. <a href="https://www.astro.uvic.ca/~jwillis/teaching/astr405/astr405_lecture6.pdf?utm_blank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Traditional equations</a> used to describe expansion were first introduced almost a hundred years ago, so some researchers argue that the Universe’s complex structures were overlooked. This new study insists that a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-expansion-rate-dark-energy-measured-11-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uniform expansion</a> might not be the full story. When you allow for different gravitational influences, dark energy becomes optional.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-ahead-to-fresh-data">Looking ahead to fresh data</h2>



Several upcoming projects are on the horizon. 



The European Space Agency’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> satellite launched in July 2023, and future missions like the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/roman-space-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope</a> promise more comprehensive observations of supernovae. The timescape team believes that at least 1,000 high-quality supernova measurements could be enough to show if their approach really works. 



If timescape ideas pass these tests, the so-called “biggest mystery” might get resolved sooner than people think.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-all-of-this-mean">What does all of this mean?</h2>



To sum it all up, the Universe is more intricate than any simple map might reveal. If the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2011MNRAS.413..367S/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">timescape model</a> holds up under further scrutiny, there could be wide-ranging effects on cosmic models, especially those that rely on dark energy as a key ingredient. Astronomers, physicists, and cosmologists will be watching closely as more data come in from cutting-edge surveys and instruments. 



These results might bring clarity to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble tension</a> or uncover new clues about the structure and history of everything around us.



Dark energy has been the leading explanation for cosmic acceleration for decades. Yet, if local gravitational differences and variable clock speeds can account for what we see, the door may be open to a more nuanced story of cosmic growth. There is no shortage of skepticism within the scientific community, but unexpected solutions to old puzzles are often how we expand our understanding of the Universe. 



If the timescape approach stands the test of fresh observations, future textbooks might look a little different.



The full study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/mnrasl/article/537/1/L55/7926647" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters</a>.



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Timescape: Dark energy doesn't exist, resulting in 'lumpy' universe expansion

Dark energy has long been seen as the invisible force...

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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



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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

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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...

This Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90692&amp;eocn=image&amp;eoci=moreiotd">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at a phytoplankton bloom in the Norwegian Sea. This type of phytoplankton <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-lasers-phytoplankton-blooms/">bloom</a> in the Norwegian Sea is common during the summer, when water temperatures begin to warm and the longer days mean more sunlight for algae to photosynthesize and develop.

Phytoplankton Bloom in the Norwegian Sea

Today’s Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=81310">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features an overhead look at Little Rock, Arkansas. 

The <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/flooding-on-the-arkansas-river/">Arkansas River</a> runs down the center of the photo, with the metropolitan city center located on the left side.

This image was captured by an astronaut on board the International Space Station.

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By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="http://earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=81310">NASA Earth Observatory</a>