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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows dust storms blowing westward of the coast of Greenland.



According to NASA, the dust in this image is actually glacial silt or “flour” - the dusty remains of rock that has been ground to powder by flowing glaciers. The silt is lightweight and can be easily lifted into the air.



The photograph was captured on October 18, 2021 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite. At this time, at least four dust plumes are visible.&nbsp;



NASA remote sensing scientist Santiago Gassó explained that large plumes like these are most common during the transition from summer to winter. During the warmer summer temperatures, meltwater rushes through rivers to the ocean. By fall, the cooler temperatures lead to less meltwater, which exposes glacial silt as the rivers recede.



The winds that blow through Greenland’s glacial valleys can produce extremely strong gusts that pick up the silt. “This dust could get carried very far from the coast, potentially bringing nutrients to areas where nutrients are not easy to come by,” said Gassó.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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

Large dust plumes stream off the coast of Greenland

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...

The life and times of our ancient Scandinavian ancestors hold a captivating charm that invites us to explore the details of their daily lives.



What did these early farmers eat, and how did they prepare their meals? 



Recent discoveries from a 5,500-year-old Neolithic settlement has shed light on their surprising culinary practices.



Findings such as grindstones and charred grain kernels offer a glimpse into the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Funnel Beaker Culture, revealing not just their diets but also their relationship with the land and its wild resources.



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



Imagine large, flat stones that people would use to grind grains like wheat and barley into flour. These grindstones were essential for making bread and other staple foods, which helped communities settle down and develop agriculture. 



They often had grooves or patterns carved into them to make the grinding process more efficient. People would place the grains on the grindstone and use a hand-held stone to crush them, turning raw seeds into something edible and nutritious.



Besides grinding grains, Neolithic grindstones also played a role in everyday life and social activities. They were often found in or near villages, showing how important food production was to these early communities. 



Some grindstones were even decorated with carvings or symbols, indicating that they might have had cultural or ceremonial significance too. 



By studying these ancient tools, archaeologists can learn a lot about the daily lives, diets, and technological advancements of our ancestors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grindestones-and-grain">Grindestones and grain</h2>



Historians have unearthed an intriguing narrative from a settlement called Frydenlund, on the shores of Strandby Mark, southeast of Haarby on Funen.



The artifacts indicate that people from the Funnel Beaker Culture inhabited this settlement, which is remarkable for the fourteen grindstones that were discovered there.



In addition to these, over 5,000 charred grain kernels, including naked <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/barley-was-bred-for-exceptional-qualities-back-in-the-19th-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">barley</a>, emmer wheat, and durum wheat, were also found.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scandinavian-grinding-stones">Scandinavian grinding stones</h2>



One might easily conclude that our ancestors ground these grains into flour for baking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bread-wheat-gave-rise-to-civilization/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bread</a> -- a common presumption when one stumbles upon grindstones.



But, as it turns out, our ancestors had different culinary preferences!



As a research team from Denmark, Germany, and Spain discovered, cereals were not the being pulverized on these grindstones.



Upon analyzing mineral plant remains (phytoliths) and starch grains on the stones, the researchers found no evidence of cereals being ground. Instead, the starch grains identified came from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/billions-of-people-depend-on-wild-plant-and-animal-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild plants</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gruel-reality">The gruel reality</h2>



"We have not identified the plants the starch grains originate from. We have merely ruled out the most obvious candidates – namely the cereals found at the settlement, which were not ground, as well as various collected species, including hazelnuts," says archaeobotanist Dr. Welmoed Out from <a href="https://www.moesgaardmuseum.dk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moesgaard Museum</a>.



So what were the grinding stones used for? 



While the exact interpretation still remains up for debate, scientists have ruled out the possibility that they were used for grinding grain. 



The stones lack clear marks from the pushing movements typically associated with this process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-porridge-tale">A porridge tale</h2>



According to senior researcher Dr. Niels H. Andersen, also from Moesgaard Museum, the grindstones were struck with pestles made of stone, much like crushing in a mortar.



This technique emerged 500 years later and was more suited to preparing gruel or porridge from grains, rather than baking bread.



The research conducted by scientists from Moesgaard Museum and <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> in Denmark, in collaboration with scientists from <a href="https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiel University</a> in Germany and the Spanish National Research Council (<a href="https://www.csic.es/en/csic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IMF-CSIC</a>) in Barcelona, supports a hypothesis proposed by other archaeologists.



The first farmers of Northern Europe likely survived on water and gruel, along with berries, nuts, roots, and meat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-thirst-for-historical-accuracy">A thirst for historical accuracy</h2>



"And yes, they likely drank water," adds Andersen. 



Despite popular belief, there are no definitive traces of beer brewing in Denmark before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-drug-use-found-during-bronze-age-ceremonies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bronze Age</a>. Yet, researchers caution against applying these findings universally. 



"This study only involves one settlement. While it supports other findings from the Funnel Beaker Culture, we cannot rule out the possibility of different results emerging when this method is applied to finds from other excavations," Andersen concluded.



As contemporary explorers of ancient worlds, we're left fascinated by these delicious glimpses into our past. 



The next time you enjoy a hearty bowl of gruel or porridge, remember the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-age-diet-deer-and-trout-were-on-the-menu-10000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient Scandinavian</a> farmers who might have savored a similar meal, millennia ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scandinavian-farmers-and-their-connection-to-nature">Scandinavian farmers and their connection to nature</h2>



The findings from the Frydenlund settlement also highlight the deep connection between ancient Scandinavian farmers and their natural surroundings. 



By prioritizing wild plants and natural resources, these early settlers demonstrated an intricate understanding of their environment. 



The absence of cereal residues on grindstones, despite the abundance of charred grains, suggests that wild plants may have played a central role in their diet.



This reliance on natural resources extended beyond sustenance. It shaped their tools, agricultural practices, and perhaps even cultural rituals. 



The use of grindstones for purposes other than grain grinding hints at a flexible and adaptive approach to food preparation, relying on what was seasonally and locally available.



These findings challenge the modern assumption that early farmers in Northern Europe followed a grain-heavy diet. 



Instead, their culinary practices reflected a harmonious balance between cultivation and foraging, bridging the gap between agricultural innovation and traditional hunter-gatherer methods.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00334-024-01020-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vegetation History and Archaeobotany</a>.



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Discovering the diet of farmers who lived 5,500 years ago

The life and times of our ancient Scandinavian ancestors hold...

Coastlines face growing threats as climate change accelerates. Research from the <a href="https://www.upei.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Prince Edward Island</a> warns that warming waters, ocean acidification, sea-level rise, and erratic rainfall are driving coastal ecosystems toward irreversible changes.



Critical habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, which protect against storms and support fisheries, are at risk of steep decline. 



Global data reveals that heatwaves, shifting storm patterns, and disrupted river flows are pushing these ecosystems to the brink, threatening their stability and identity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-temperatures-and-coastal-climate">Rising temperatures and coastal climate</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/">Higher temperatures</a> mean higher stress. As seas warm, natural balance falters. Species that once thrived in certain temperature ranges must adapt or vanish. 



Recent ocean heat records have shown that key habitats are changing in ways that scientists never expected.



This new study is not alone in raising concerns. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) says there is “high confidence” that ocean warming and coastal habitat breakdown threaten marine biodiversity and human communities.



Short-term gains for warm-water species do not outweigh mass declines of sensitive ones. This reshuffling may lead to lower diversity and a loss of fisheries that many communities need.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-seas-submerged-shores">Rising seas, submerged shores</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/">As sea levels creep higher</a>, low-lying areas flood and coastal wetlands shrink. Some species can keep up by building new soil or shifting inland, but not all have room to move.



Once a marsh, reef, or mangrove forest loses its foothold, it may never return. This problem multiplies where development blocks inland migration. 



Scientists note that without major emission reductions, sea-level rise could accelerate even more, forcing expensive decisions about what to protect and what to abandon.



Over time, this could transform coastlines from productive wetlands and beaches to less diverse environments, putting people at risk from storms and erosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-acidification-and-brittle-defenses">Ocean acidification and brittle defenses</h2>



Oceans absorb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-based-carbon-dioxide-removal-may-not-be-effective/">carbon dioxide</a>, becoming more acidic and making it harder for shellfish, corals, and some plankton to grow. Weakening these creatures means less food for predators and fewer stable habitats.



Laboratory work and field studies show that corals already struggle with bleaching and diseases when seas heat. Acidified waters add another layer of stress by reducing their ability to build and maintain reef structures.



According to the <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pew Charitable Trusts</a>, “unless global climate change is curbed, some of the world’s most productive coastal habitats could be irreversibly transformed.” 



This spells trouble for communities relying on reefs for coastal protection, tourism, and sustenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-rain-and-freshwater-flows">Unpredictable rain and freshwater flows</h2>



As climate patterns shift, certain regions see intense rains and floods while others endure droughts. Changing water flows alter salinity and nutrient patterns that shape estuaries and wetlands.



Erratic flows harm sensitive species that depend on steady conditions to breed or feed. Shifts in river outputs can spark harmful algae blooms or flush away nursery grounds.



Reduced freshwater may transform once-thriving marshes into saltier, less hospitable places. Over time, this can weaken fisheries and water quality, leaving local communities grappling with higher costs and fewer natural resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-shift-and-coastal-currents">Climate shift and coastal currents</h2>



With more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hurricanes-will-increase-in-frequency-on-the-gulf-coast/">intense hurricanes</a> and unexpected winds, coastal habitats must work harder to recover from pounding waves and scoured seabeds.



Extreme storms can break coral skeletons, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drowning-mangroves-climate-change-is-pushing-nature-past-its-limits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uproot mangroves</a>, and bury seagrasses under sediment. 



<a href="https://www.noaa.gov/climate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> notes that “coastal ecosystems are on the frontline of climate change, with rising seas, warming waters, and coastal acidification already impacting fisheries, wetlands, and coral reefs.”



If protective habitats vanish, shorelines will feel the full brunt of storms. Altered ocean currents and changed upwelling patterns can also redirect nutrient flows, starve certain zones of essential ingredients, and shift fish stocks away from regions that depend on them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-local-fuel-to-the-fire">Adding local fuel to the fire</h2>



Coastal development, runoff, and unsustainable fishing make climate problems worse. By degrading water quality, removing natural buffers, and altering sediment flows, human actions reduce the resilience of coastal habitats.



<a href="https://files.worldwildlife.org/wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/5dqysd8gh6_Living_Blue_Planet_Report_2015_Final_LR.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWF’s Living Blue Planet report</a> states that “climate change is affecting coastal systems at all levels -- from coral reefs to Arctic ice-edge zones -- and urgent action is needed to preserve these essential ecosystems.”



When layered on top of warming, acidification, and sea-level rise, these local pressures lock ecosystems into downward spirals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-stronger-communities">Building stronger communities</h2>



These findings point to the need for bold, informed decisions. By understanding where and how climate stressors strike hardest, leaders can plan better coastal defenses and shape responsible policies.



Restoration efforts that maintain and reconnect habitats can buffer waves, store carbon, and supply food. Protecting key species that hold communities together means healthier fisheries, more stable economies, and cleaner coastlines.



Local managers can use this information to adjust fishing rules, safeguard migration corridors, and support projects that enhance water quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-climate-coastal-action">A call for climate coastal action</h2>



Halting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/">greenhouse gas emissions</a> is a big step. Reducing local stress -- like runoff and destructive construction -- helps too. 



Many places already experiment with restoring marshes, planting mangroves, or opening fish passages in tidal zones. These steps buy time and boost resilience, but they are not a substitute for cutting emissions.



To keep vital resources intact, global and local efforts must move together. The sooner we make changes, the better our odds of passing on healthy coastal ecosystems to future generations.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2752-5295/ad9f90" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Climate</a>.



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New climate warning could reshape how we see our shores and coastal areas

Coastlines face growing threats as climate change accelerates. Research from...

An alarming new study has revealed that Earth’s major carbon sinks are nearing their limits, signaling that natural processes may soon be unable to compensate for rising greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;



According to research published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.34133/ehs.0278" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecosystem Health and Sustainability</a>, the world’s terrestrial carbon absorption capacity has diminished sharply, challenging the very foundation of current climate mitigation strategies.



The findings center on gross primary productivity (GPP), a vital indicator of how quickly plants can fix carbon dioxide (CO₂) through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-foundation-of-life-is-at-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a>. By analyzing multiple datasets spanning 1982 to 2016, scientists discovered a marked decrease in GPP across more than two-thirds of Earth’s land surfaces.&nbsp;



This phenomenon underscores the fragility of the natural systems on which humanity relies to offset global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-functioning-of-natural-carbon-sinks">Functioning of natural carbon sinks </h2>



Gross primary productivity reflects the carbon intake capabilities of plants, making it central to the functioning of natural carbon sinks such as forests and soils. These sinks serve as buffers, capturing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/concrete-becoming-great-carbon-sink-capturing-storing-co2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant portions</a> of human-produced CO₂. 



However, if they lose effectiveness, atmospheric carbon levels will inevitably climb faster, intensifying climate change and diminishing plant growth.



Researchers divided their analysis into two periods - 1982–1999 and 2000–2016 - to investigate how GPP has evolved over time.&nbsp;



Although some stabilization was observed in the earlier time frame, the latter period displayed a marked decline in GPP.&nbsp;



Employing advanced statistical techniques, including the optimal-fingerprint approach often used in climate studies, the team identified key drivers behind these shifts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slowdown-of-the-co₂-fertilization-effect">Slowdown of the CO₂ fertilization effect</h2>



A central finding from the study highlights the decreasing impact of the CO₂ fertilization effect - the phenomenon where higher CO₂ concentrations stimulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-how-climate-change-will-alter-plant-growth-cycles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant growth</a>. Once seen as a potential counterbalance to emissions, this effect now appears less potent.



“The decline in the CO₂ fertilization effect is suggested to be the main driver accounting for the slowing-down of global GPP trends,” explained Songhan Wang, a researcher at <a href="https://english.njau.edu.cn/mainm.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nanjing Agricultural University</a> and the study’s lead author.&nbsp;



“Although it still has positive effects, the impact of rising CO₂ on GPP on a global scale fell by about one-half from 2000 onwards compared to its impact in 1982–1999.”



Scientists point to nutrient constraints in soils and leaves as a likely reason for this slowdown. Without sufficient nutrients, plants cannot fully capitalize on the surplus CO₂ in the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diminishing-capacity-of-carbon-sinks">Diminishing capacity of carbon sinks</h2>



This research suggests that natural ecosystems - forests, grasslands, and other vegetation - are approaching a saturation point. Once they reach it, these habitats will no longer be able to compensate for anthropogenic emissions, potentially triggering an acceleration in global warming.



It also raises concerns about the feasibility of existing climate strategies. Many proposals aiming to cap temperature increases at 2℃ (a key goal of the Paris Agreement) heavily rely on terrestrial carbon sinks to balance emission trajectories. If carbon sinks can no longer perform this role effectively, a crucial pillar of climate policy is at risk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-climate-solutions">Implications for future climate solutions</h2>



The study’s findings intensify calls for swift and comprehensive action to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas emissions</a>.&nbsp;



While protecting and restoring ecosystems remains indispensable, a reliance on nature’s carbon-storage capacity alone may be insufficient if that capacity continues to weaken.



To safeguard the planet’s resilience, scientists emphasize the need to shift toward low-carbon technologies, adopt sustainable land management practices, and investigate novel carbon-capture methods.&nbsp;



They also advocate for more robust long-term studies to clarify how local soil properties, water availability, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> influence plant growth rates and carbon absorption capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-for-policymakers">A warning for policymakers</h2>



The research underscores a critical turning point in the fight against climate change. With rising global temperatures already causing extreme weather events, melting ice sheets, and other serious impacts, a drop in GPP exacerbates these issues by reducing the natural systems’ ability to counteract emissions.&nbsp;



Governments, industries, and societies must now accelerate their decarbonization efforts to avoid deeper climate disruptions.



This work implies that relying on the world’s forests and soils to mop up our emissions is becoming less reliable. Mitigating climate change by reducing carbon outputs is more essential than ever if we hope to maintain a stable climate and meet the 2℃ target.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-environmental-damage-nbsp">Irreversible environmental damage&nbsp;</h2>



By revealing that most of Earth’s surface is witnessing a decrease in plant productivity, this study confronts humanity with a stark reality: pushing Earth’s natural systems to their breaking points could lead to irreversible environmental damage.&nbsp;



The dismantling of the CO₂ fertilization effect underscores how intricately balanced and sensitive the global climate truly is.



Ultimately, safeguarding terrestrial carbon sinks demands a multi-pronged strategy - reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems from deforestation and degradation, and improving our scientific understanding of how nature’s complex feedbacks operate in a warming world.&nbsp;



As this newest research shows, halting climate change requires more than hopeful reliance on Earth’s greenery: it necessitates immediate, transformative change at every level of society.



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Earth’s carbon sinks are being pushed to their limits

An alarming new study has revealed that Earth’s major carbon...

In the vast, featureless expanse of the open ocean, sardines rely on their collective behavior to survive against predators such as the striped marlin.&nbsp;



A recent study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-07267-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Biology</a>, has delved into the predator-prey interactions between sardine shoals (Sardinops sagax caerulea) and striped marlins (Kajikia audax).



The research uncovers how sardines use self-organized maneuvers to evade predators - and how predators exploit these strategies.



The study was conducted by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.scienceofintelligence.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cluster of Excellence “Science of Intelligence” (SCIoI)</a>, <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin</a>, the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), and the University of Cambridge.



The team utilized computational modeling and aerial video footage to analyze these behaviors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sardine-survival-strategy-the-fountain-effect-nbsp">Sardine survival strategy: The “fountain effect”&nbsp;</h2>



One of the most striking maneuvers observed during attacks is the “fountain effect.” This collective response emerges when a sardine shoal splits into two subgroups, creating an arched trajectory around the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-predator-found-in-one-of-the-deepest-parts-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator</a> before rejoining behind it. 



This pattern is an effective defensive mechanism that helps sardines outmaneuver faster, less agile predators.



The fountain effect not only allows prey to evade attacks but also enables the separated subgroups to reunite, preserving the benefits of group cohesion.&nbsp;



According to the experts, the fountain effect helps slower-moving prey to outmaneuver the fast but less maneuverable predator. This also allows the separated subgroups to rejoin after the attack - retaining the benefits of belonging to a larger group - and to be fully prepared for the next attack.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sardines-maximizing-their-survival-chances">Sardines maximizing their survival chances</h2>



Despite its advantages, the fountain effect comes with trade-offs. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/japanese-sardines-may-be-signaling-major-shifts-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sardines</a> face a balance between distancing themselves from the predator and minimizing the time it takes to regroup. 



The researchers’ simulations revealed that the optimal “prey-fleeing angle” is 30 degrees, which maximizes survival chances but increases the time required for the shoal to recover its cohesion.



Lead researcher Palina Bartashevich is an expert in collective behavior at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.&nbsp;



“Using agent-based computer simulations, we discovered that there is an optimal ‘prey-fleeing angle’ of 30°, which not only produces a fountain-like pattern at the collective level but also maximizes individual survival chances independent of the attack direction,” explained Bartashevich.&nbsp;&nbsp;



“But we also showed that this comes at a cost: the group takes longer to recover after an attack.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marlins-work-around-the-sardines-strategy">Marlins work around the sardines’ strategy</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/striped-marlin-demonstrate-the-advantages-of-group-hunting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Striped marlins</a> capitalize on this delay by attacking from the sides, a strategy that disrupts the group’s cohesion and isolates individual prey. 



The study confirmed that side attacks were the most effective for marlins, as they increase the time it takes for the group to reassemble.



The researchers observed distinct differences in sardine behavior based on the direction of the marlins’ attacks. Side attacks often triggered the fountain effect, causing the shoal to split and regroup.&nbsp;



Conversely, back attacks led to more cohesive evasive movements, with the entire group fleeing in a single direction rather than splitting.



“With our predator-prey computer model, we were able to predict that if the prey in the group uses the mentioned optimal fleeing angle of 30°, predators are more effective in attacking from the side of the school,” Bartashevich explained.&nbsp;



“That’s because attacking from the sides represents the best compromise between getting close to the prey and increasing their splitting time, making it an efficient strategy for a predator balancing both objectives at the same time.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constant-battle-between-predator-and-prey">Constant battle between predator and prey</h2>



The study highlights the dynamic and adaptive nature of predator-prey interactions. Sardines use collective behaviors to enhance their chances of survival, while marlins refine their hunting techniques to counter these defenses. This ongoing evolutionary arms race underscores the complexity of life in the ocean’s open waters.



By combining computational modeling with real-world observations, the researchers were able to provide new insights into the strategies used by both predators and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-predator-prey-feast-ever-seen-in-the-ocean-enormous-quickly-altered-food-chain/">prey</a>.&nbsp;



“Our simulations, as explained above, provide a plausible explanation as to why the prevalence of both side and back attack directions and the observed prey response can be the case, suggesting that there is an ongoing arm wrestle between predators and prey in the strategies they use to improve their own success at the expense of the other,” Bartashevich concluded.



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Dance of survival: How sardines outsmart striped marlins in the open ocean

In the vast, featureless expanse of the open ocean, sardines...

The energy world is always on the lookout for new ways to store and deliver electricity. Amid these efforts, one idea for a new energy source has gathered interest: converting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/technological-leap-turns-carbon-dioxide-co2-into-methanol-fuel/">methanol into power</a>.



Some think this approach may help balance out renewable sources, as methanol is liquid at everyday temperatures and simpler to handle than certain other fuels. 



Others see it as a detour, wondering why we should bother with a route that still lags behind proven renewables.



The latest <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652624039507?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> investigates these concerns with fresh eyes, and compares several methanol-to-power setups in terms of their efficiency, economic hits, and overall ecological footprints. 



There are some sobering numbers that come to light as a result of the researchers' analyses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methanol-and-energy-efficiency">Methanol and energy efficiency</h2>



The marketplace already demands smart, stable power solutions that do not cost an arm and a leg. 



Renewables, like solar and wind, have dropped in price and offer steady competition. Against that backdrop, methanol conversion systems <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">struggle</a> to stack up.



Recent power-to-methanol <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382292385_Comparative_evaluation_of_the_power-to-methanol_process_configurations_and_assessment_of_process_flexibility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> also notes that current production techniques are not cheap.



One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212982024000933" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> that modeled a power-to-methanol approach using proton-conducting high temperature electrolyzers found that the final methanol price would soar more than four times above standard market levels.



Although new methods and better scaling might improve the math down the line, today’s numbers are not warm and fuzzy.



Some argue that cost hurdles could ease if methanol prices tumble. Models suggest that cutting methanol’s cost by a decent chunk could align the price of electricity from these routes more closely with other, established renewable options. But that is a big ask.



The complexity of producing renewable methanol and the capital needed for advanced equipment do not vanish overnight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-new-directions-and-routes">Exploring new directions and routes</h2>



Techno-economic assessments do not come down to just one scenario. Other research groups have tried weaving in carbon capture, shifting their focus to integrated units that pull <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-moisture-swing-carbon-capture-tech-sucks-co2-straight-from-the-air/">CO2 straight</a> in and turn it into methanol or alternative fuels.



One <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212982024002142" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">team</a> compared methanol production to synthetic natural gas (SNG), noting that while you can trim net emissions, the gains still hinge on careful heat integration and smart process design. 



Even in these advanced setups, the bottom line favors large-scale adoption only if significant tweaks slash production costs and tighten the supply chain.



Another angle involves making methanol from renewable hydrogen and captured CO2. This trick sounds promising because it ties in nicely with the green energy initiative. 



<a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ee/c8ee01157e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that feeding in cleaner hydrogen from sources like high-temperature electrolyzers might help.



Some tests feature proton-conducting membranes to boost efficiency and produce dry hydrogen straight from water at about 650 °F (340°C). 



Although this can increase conversion rates and streamline downstream processes, scaling up remains a major sticking point.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-twists-and-turns">Environmental twists and turns</h2>



The climate angle cannot be ignored. Methanol production and use create carbon emissions unless linked to renewable feeds. 



If methanol comes from processes powered by clean electricity and captured CO2, its climate scorecard improves a lot.



In some integrated setups, the net greenhouse gas footprint shrinks, and fossil fuel depletion takes a hit too. Although certain routes <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306261920311211" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">promise</a> decent carbon cuts, achieving real decarbonization calls for cleaner upstream sources.



Without them, it is just shifting numbers around on a spreadsheet and not delivering a real decrease in emissions.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-market-realities-of-methanol-energy">Market realities of methanol energy</h2>



Markets evolve based on policies, subsidies, consumer choices, and unpredictable events. Methanol-to-power might find its footing in unique situations. 



Some users might want a flexible liquid that can power smaller installations, mobile units, or serve as backup energy.



Others might see value in integrating methanol production with local industries to tap into shared infrastructure. But broad, everyday use at competitive prices remains out of reach right now.



The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959652624039507" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> concluded that although existing methanol-to-power pathways are currently not cost-competitive, their potential can be greatly enhanced through targeted cost reductions, advances in technology, and the incorporation of renewable methanol production.



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



As the world chases solutions to meet emissions targets and stabilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-worlds-renewable-energy-capacity-will-take-a-record-leap-this-year/">energy supplies</a>, many ideas pop up, and methanol-to-power is one of them. But interest alone does not guarantee success.



This recent work, along with parallel studies, sends a strong message: methanol may hold potential in some corners, but plenty of stumbling blocks remain.



Until engineers and entrepreneurs can tame the costs, improve efficiencies, and secure cleaner inputs, methanol’s energy promise may remain an ambitious vision rather than a real game-changer.



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Is methanol the next green power player in the hunt for clean energy?

The energy world is always on the lookout for new...

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...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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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

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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...

Today&#8217;s Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of Lake Pueyrredón and Lake Posadas in the Patagonia region of southern Argentina.&nbsp;



According to NASA, streaks on the lake surface are produced by the strong winds that are very common in the Patagonia region.&nbsp;



The snow-covered foothills of the Andes Mountains are visible along the bottom of the photograph.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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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

The Patagonia region of southern Argentina

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of the Ionian Sea and the Acarnanian Mountains on the Balkan Peninsula.



The Acarnanians are a small range of limestone mountains. The largest peak is Psili Koryfi, reaching nearly 3,800 feet above sea level.&nbsp; The photograph also shows the Ionian Islands, which are located off the west coast of Greece.



Lake Voulkarias (located between the mountains and the Ionian Sea) is a protected area for many endangered migratory birds. The Ionian Islands also include a marine protected area for birds other wildlife, such as the Mediterranean monk seal.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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