Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a stunningly beautiful photo of the Hainan Strait. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite as it orbited over southern China.



“The Hainan Strait, or Qiongzhou Strait, separates Guangdong's Leizhou Peninsula on China’s mainland to the north and the island province of Hainan to the south. It also connects the Gulf of Tonkin on the west to the South China Sea on the east,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hainan-strait-nbsp">Hainan Strait&nbsp;</h2>



The Hainan Strait is narrow and shallow. At its narrowest point, the strait is about 19 miles wide. Despite this, the Hainan Strait is a busy route for shipping and transportation. It's also vital to local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> industries.



ESA pointed out that in the image, the water along the coasts is light brown due to sediment runoff. 



“The curved Leizhou Peninsula juts southward into the South China Sea. The largest island on the east coast, Donghai, forms two bays: Leizhou Bay to its south and Zhanjiang Bay to its north," noted ESA.



“Facing both bays are cities with the same names: Zhanjiang, the largest city on the peninsula, and Leizhou, which gave the peninsula its name." 



"Hainan Island dominates the bottom part of the image. The name Hainan means ‘south of the sea,’ reflecting the island's position south of the strait.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-hainan-island">History of Hainan Island </h2>



During the Mesozoic Era about 100 million years ago, Hainan Island was actually part of a larger landmass connected to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/denisovan-tooth-suggests-southeast-asia-was-a-human-diversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southeast Asia</a>. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-features">Geological features</h3>



Over time, the movements of Earth's plates caused this landmass to break apart and drift. Hainan separated from the continental shelf near Vietnam and moved to its current position.



This tectonic activity not only shaped the island's current location but also influenced its geological features. Hainan's landscape is characterized by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a>, volcanic formations, and rich mineral deposits, which are direct results of these ancient geological processes.



Understanding this geological history helps explain why Hainan Island has such unique and diverse natural features compared to the mainland of China and nearby regions. The island's distinct wildlife and terrain make it a fascinating subject for geologists and natural historians alike.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-diversity-nbsp">Cultural diversity&nbsp;</h3>



Hainan was once a remote and undeveloped part of China. It was used as a place of exile for disgraced officials during imperial times. 



However, it was also a place where diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultures</a> met, as evidenced by the many ethnic groups that live there, including the Li people, who are indigenous to the island.



The island really started to change in the 20th century. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Hainan was occupied by Japanese forces, which had a significant impact on its development. After the war, it became a part of the People’s Republic of China in 1950.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-development-nbsp">Rapid development&nbsp;</h3>



In the 1980s, Hainan was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which marked the beginning of its transformation into a major economic and tourist hub. 



The SEZ status attracted significant investment and spurred rapid development, particularly in the capital city of Haikou and the resort city of Sanya.



Today, Hainan is known for its lush landscapes, tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>, and booming tourism industry. It's also becoming a key player in China's efforts to develop its free trade zones, aiming to become a major center for trade and commerce in the region.



Image Credit: ESA/ Copernicus Sentinel-2&nbsp;



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Hainan Strait in southern China

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba about 43 million light-years away from Earth. 



This galaxy, discovered by British astronomer James Dunlop in 1826, is part of the larger NGC 1808 group of galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intimate-view-of-ngc-1792">Intimate view of NGC 1792</h2>



“An orange glow radiates from the center of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives us some insight into this galactic powerhouse,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The vast swathes of tell-tale blue seen throughout the galaxy indicate areas that are full of young, hot stars, and it is in the shades of orange, seen nearer the center, that the older, cooler stars reside.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigorous-star-formation-nbsp">Vigorous star formation&nbsp;</h2>



NGC 1792 is notable for its vigorous star formation, classifying it as a starburst galaxy. This high rate of star formation is thought to be triggered by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies, though the exact cause is still under study.



“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. “Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fierce-bursts-of-star-formation">Fierce bursts of star formation</h2>



ESA noted that when galaxies have a large reservoir of gas, like NGC 1792, these short-lived starburst phases can be sparked by galactic events such as mergers and tidal interactions.&nbsp;



“One might think that these starburst galaxies would easily consume all of their gas in a large forming event. However, supernova explosions and intense stellar winds produced in these powerful starbursts can inject energy into the gas and disperse it.”&nbsp;



“This halts the star formation before it can completely deplete the galaxy of all its fuel. Scientists are actively working to understand this complex interplay between the dynamics that drive and quench these fierce bursts of star formation.”



Due to its distance and brightness, NGC 1792 can be observed with medium-sized telescopes under favorable conditions.



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



Galaxy evolution refers to the process by which galaxies form and change over time. It begins in the early universe, shortly after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, when small density fluctuations in the primordial gas led to the collapse of matter into the first galaxies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-mergers">Galaxy mergers</h3>



These early galaxies were small and irregular, composed mostly of gas and dark matter. Over billions of years, galaxies grew larger by merging with one another and by accreting gas from the surrounding space.&nbsp;



These interactions often triggered bursts of star formation, and collisions between galaxies sometimes led to the creation of new, more massive galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes">Structural changes</h3>



As galaxies evolve, their morphology - their shape and structure - can change. Early galaxies were often irregular or disk-shaped, but over time, many galaxies formed into the elliptical or spiral shapes we see today.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation">Star formation</h3>



Star formation is a key driver of galaxy evolution, but it gradually slows down as galaxies age. 



The gas that fuels <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> can be used up, or it can be heated and pushed out of galaxies by supernovae or black holes, reducing the galaxy's ability to form new stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-environment-nbsp">Galaxy environment&nbsp;</h3>



The environment in which a galaxy resides also plays a role in its evolution. Galaxies in dense clusters are more likely to interact with their neighbors, which can alter their shape or trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



In contrast, galaxies in more isolated regions of space evolve more slowly and without as many dramatic interactions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter">Dark matter</h3>



Dark matter also plays a crucial role in galaxy evolution. It provides the gravitational framework that holds galaxies together and influences their interactions with one another.&nbsp;



Supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Galaxies%20merge&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, found at the centers of most large galaxies, can also affect their evolution by releasing energy that impacts star formation and the movement of gas within the galaxy.



Overall, galaxy evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by interactions between stars, gas, <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">dark matter</a>, and black holes, and shaped by both internal processes and external influences.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, J. Lee



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 78 (M78), a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,350 light-years away from Earth. 



This image was released as part of the initial series of observations from ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a>.&nbsp;



All data collected during these early observations, including a series of incredible <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new views</a> of the nearby universe, is available to the public. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-messier-78">Image of Messier 78</h2>



Featured here is a high-resolution, detailed segment of a larger image showcasing Messier 78, a dynamic region of star formation obscured by cosmic dust.&nbsp;



This specific view highlights how young stars generate winds of charged particles, carving out “cavities” in the molecular clouds around them.&nbsp;



The blue hues in the image represent ionized atomic hydrogen, which is a primary component of the cloud, while the red indicates the absorption and scattering of light by dust particles.



The image captures hundreds of stars varying in brightness, illuminating their nebulous, purple surroundings. A dark, arch-like structure stretches from the upper left to the bottom right of the frame, merging into the densest, darkest clouds at the image’s base.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-site-of-star-formation-nbsp">Active site of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is not just a single nebula but part of a larger complex of stars and nebulous regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a>, which includes various other objects like dark nebulae that are visible as patches blocking light from behind.



This region is an active site of star formation, featuring many young stars and protostars, which are stars in the early stages of formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-messier-78">Viewing Messier 78</h2>



M78 is easily observable with small telescopes, and it appears as a hazy patch of light with two prominent stars near its center, which illuminate the surrounding dust.&nbsp;



The nebula is also a favorite among amateur astronomers for its beauty and relatively bright appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subject-of-scientific-interest-nbsp">Subject of scientific interest&nbsp;</h2>



Messier 78 is fascinating not only for its visual beauty but also for its scientific interest, particularly in the study of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> and interstellar matter.&nbsp;



The nebula consists of dense, cold gas and dust, which are essential ingredients for the birth of new stars.&nbsp;



The intense blue light that characterizes M78 is due to the reflection of starlight off these dust particles, a process known as scattering.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-region-surrounding-messier-78-nbsp">Region surrounding Messier 78&nbsp;</h2>



The region surrounding M78 includes several other interesting features. For instance, there are Herbig-Haro objects within it, which are small patches of nebulosity associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly born stars</a>.&nbsp;



These objects are formed when gas ejected by young stars collides with clouds of gas and dust at high speeds, creating shock waves that glow brightly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-stages-of-star-development-nbsp">Earliest stages of star development&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, infrared observations of M78 have revealed much about the dust and colder objects in the area, which are not visible in optical light.&nbsp;



The observations have helped astronomers identify numerous young stars and brown dwarfs (objects that are too large to be planets and too small to be stars) within the nebula. 



This makes M78 a critical area for studying the earliest stages of star development and the properties of the interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp-0">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-batch-of-brilliant-images-from-the-euclid-mission-live-up-to-the-hype/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a> is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study the dark universe, particularly focusing on dark energy and dark matter, which are fundamental components that are believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe and shape its large-scale structure.&nbsp;



The mission aims to map the geometry of the dark universe and better understand the physics of the cosmos.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-billions-of-galaxies-nbsp">Observing billions of galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Euclid uses two primary scientific instruments: a visible light camera (VIS) and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer (NISP).&nbsp;



These instruments will allow Euclid to measure the shapes and redshifts of galaxies at distances of up to 10 billion light-years. By surveying more than a third of the sky, the mission is expected to observe several billion galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-dark-universe-nbsp">Studying the dark universe&nbsp;</h3>



The data collected will help astronomers in studying the effects of dark matter and dark energy in depth, testing cosmological models, and exploring new theories about the nature of the universe.&nbsp;



The mission, named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, seeks to address key questions related to the structure of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics governing its evolution and expansion.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Messier 78: Young stars shine through dense dust

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a galaxy that is located about 600 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. The Hubble Space Telescope observed a supernova in this galaxy - which appears as a bright blue dot in the photograph.



“This picture was taken roughly two months after a supernova named SN 2022aajn was discovered in this galaxy. The supernova is visible as a blue dot at the center of the image, brightening the hazy body of the galaxy,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-supernova">What is a supernova?</h2>



Supernovae are spectacular explosions marking the violent deaths of stars. These cosmic events are so luminous they can briefly outshine entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and radiate more energy in a few weeks than our Sun will in its entire lifetime.&nbsp;



Supernovae explosions release heavy elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron into the interstellar medium. This stellar debris becomes the building blocks for new stars, planets, and even life itself. 



Supernovae also produce neutron stars or black holes, depending on the remaining core’s mass after the explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-supernovae-nbsp">Types of supernovae&nbsp;</h2>



There are two main types of supernovae, classified based on their causes. Type I supernovae occur when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a> in a binary system accretes material from its companion star, eventually reaching a critical mass and triggering a runaway nuclear reaction.&nbsp;



Type II supernovae happen when a massive star, at least eight times the mass of the Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel. Unable to support its own gravity, the core collapses, resulting in a massive explosion that ejects the outer layers into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-distance-to-faraway-galaxies-nbsp">Measuring the distance to faraway galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, SN 2022aajn is a Type Ia supernova. “Supernovae of this type help astronomers measure the distance to faraway galaxies. This is possible because Type Ia supernovae are thought to be of the same intrinsic luminosity - no matter how bright they seem from Earth, they put out the same amount of light as other Type Ia supernovae.”



This means that researchers can calculate the distance to the supernova and its host galaxy by comparing the observed brightness to the expected brightness.



“This seemingly simple measurement method is complicated by cosmic dust. The farther away a supernova is, the fainter and redder it will appear - but intergalactic dust can make a supernova appear fainter and redder as well,” explained ESA.



“To understand this complication, researchers will use Hubble to survey a total of 100 Type Ia supernovae in seven wavelength bands from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared.”



By analyzing the brightness of supernovae across multiple wavelengths, researchers can distinguish between the influences of dust and distance, refining our measurements of galaxies that exist billions of light-years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-galaxies-exist">How many galaxies exist?</h2>



The number of galaxies in the universe is estimated to be around two trillion, based on observations from Hubble and more recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope. 



This estimate is derived from deep-field surveys that reveal countless galaxies, each containing billions to trillions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>.&nbsp;



However, because our observations are limited by current technology and the vastness of the cosmos, the actual number could be even higher.&nbsp;



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> remain unseen due to their extreme distances, faintness, or obstruction by cosmic dust.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-gemini-nbsp">The constellation Gemini&nbsp;</h2>



Gemini is one of the 12 zodiac constellations and is best known for representing the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It is located in the northern celestial hemisphere and is most visible during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



The constellation is bordered by Taurus to the west, Cancer to the east, and Orion to the south.



The two brightest stars in Gemini - Castor and Pollux - represent the heads of the twins and are easy to spot. Pollux, the brighter of the two, is an orange giant star about 34 light-years from Earth, while Castor is a more complex system made up of six stars. 



The constellation also contains several notable deep-sky objects, including the open cluster Messier 35, which is a beautiful collection of young stars located near Gemini’s western border.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Hubble spots a supernova in the constellation Gemini 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-planetary-nebula">Complex planetary nebula </h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the cat’s eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-draco-nbsp">The constellation Draco&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study.&nbsp;



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Ksudach: A volcano shaped by explosive forces

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

Located in the western United States and spanning Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone is the country’s oldest national park. And over the years, millions of visitors have flocked there to take in its dramatic vistas and marvel at its famous geysers. But sometimes, they have left more than footprints behind. Photo Credit: Linda Aileen Photography

The oldest national park in the US

Researchers have uncovered a surprising behavior in boron-doped <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamonds-can-be-grown-in-a-lab-in-less-than-3-hours/">diamonds</a>, where electrons line up in collective waves that interact with light and electricity in ways that scientists did not think possible.



The discovery involves a special process in which boron atoms are introduced into the diamond structure, thus transforming an otherwise insulating crystal into a conductor while keeping much of its clarity intact.



This milestone could open fresh possibilities in the fields of quantum computing and advanced sensors. 



The research was coordinated by <a href="https://physics.case.edu/faculty/giuseppe-strangi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Giuseppe Strangi </a>from Case Western Reserve University, who oversaw the experiments that brought these unusual electronic waves into the spotlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peeking-into-electronic-waves">Peeking into electronic waves</h2>



Scientists explain that doping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pink-diamonds-were-formed-when-supercontinent-nuna-broke-up/">diamond with boron</a> creates “electronic holes” where an electron is missing. This vacancy can freely move through the crystal and carry current, which is why boron-doped diamond can conduct electricity while still maintaining its transparent appearance.



“These holes can also respond collectively to incoming light. This discovery changes our approach to manipulating light and electricity in materials, bringing us closer to the full potential of quantum technologies,” explained Strangi.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interval-plasmons-and-their-allure">Interval plasmons and their allure</h2>



Researchers refer to these special electron waves as interval <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/plasmon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plasmons</a>. Conventional metals exhibit similar phenomena, but metals are not transparent and tend to reflect light.



Diamond stands apart because it remains optically clear, allowing these waves to form without blocking light. 



This aspect could be used in next-generation quantum devices that rely on manipulating and detecting faint signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-computing-inspiration">Quantum computing inspiration</h2>



Diamond has long been used in cutting-edge applications, especially for quantum technologies. Boron doping adds an extra layer of interest, with these newly observed interval plasmons potentially suggesting new ways to control and transfer quantum information.



<a href="https://www.si.edu/spotlight/hope-diamond/history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hope Diamond</a> is famous for its blue color, which arises partly from traces of boron. That same impurity can now be harnessed for more advanced tasks, possibly including future developments in quantum chips and secure communication networks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-medical-and-sensing-benefits">Medical and sensing benefits</h2>



A boron-doped diamond can tolerate harsh environments because it is chemically inert. This stability means it can endure strong acids or high temperatures, making it suitable for medical imaging devices and sensitive detection tools.



“Understanding how doping alters the properties of semiconductors like diamond revolutionizes the way we design materials for advanced applications,” pointed out <a href="https://npre.illinois.edu/people/profile/rmohan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mohan Sankaran</a>, a nuclear and plasma engineering expert at the University of Illinois.



Researchers worked with sophisticated spectroscopy tools, which helped them identify the exact conditions that give rise to these plasmons. The interplay between electrical conductivity and optical clarity made the effort worthwhile.



These findings might influence other high-performance devices. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floating-solar-panels-could-power-entire-countries/">Solar cell technology </a>could benefit from the unique combination of transparency and electrical conduction, potentially improving the collection of light and its conversion into electricity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficulties-in-measuring">Difficulties in measuring</h2>



Precise control of boron concentration remains a hurdle. Achieving the perfect ratio without reducing transparency or damaging the crystal structure of the diamond requires careful tuning on the microscopic level.



Measuring interval plasmons also demands specialized equipment, and the complexity adds another layer to the engineering challenge. Scientists believe these obstacles can be overcome with improvements in synthesis methods.



Boron-doped diamond research has strong links to miniaturized electronics, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossible-quantum-effects-observed-atoms-positioned-closely-together/">quantum effects</a> become more relevant as devices shrink. 



Traditional materials often lose their appeal when size moves toward the nanoscale, but diamond may hold on to its advantages.



The conduction behavior, combined with optical clarity, is inspiring new designs in quantum circuits. These circuits are designed to run faster and more securely, ultimately helping data processing push beyond conventional limitations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-diamond-synthesis">Legacy of diamond synthesis</h2>



In the 1960s, researchers at Case Western Reserve laid important groundwork by synthesizing diamond under low pressure. 



Such developments set the stage for the present doping breakthroughs, which bridge old theories with modern practical applications.



This latest advance shows how small tweaks in the diamond lattice can yield big dividends. The interplay between electrons and light, that once was hidden, is finally in plain view.



Scientists view the new findings as an encouraging path for other, wide-bandgap semiconductors. If boron can <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-diamond-dust-reverse-global-warming-and-cool-the-planet/">enhance diamond</a> in this way, related techniques may boost materials like silicon carbide or gallium nitride in similar fashion.



Though commercial-scale applications may still be some distance down the road, researchers are optimistic.



They see new opportunities for biochips, imaging devices, and quantum technologies that rely on materials with long-term stability and precise control.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-55353-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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'Doped' diamonds discovery may reshape quantum computing

Researchers have uncovered a surprising behavior in boron-doped diamonds, where...

Science lovers across Europe are buzzing about a new, record-breaking discovery. It’s a shrub, not a towering tree, that holds the title of the continent’s oldest woody plant.



This tiny juniper, found in Finnish Lapland, measures around four inches across its trunk. Researchers say it’s 1,647 years old, making it <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/older-trees-help-the-endangered-wolf-lichen-survive/">older than any known tree</a> in Europe.



An international research team led by <a href="https://intra.tesaf.unipd.it/carrer/Marco_Carrer_CV.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marco Carrer</a>, forest ecologist at the Department of Territory and Agroforestry Systems of the University of Padua, confirmed these findings. 



They also highlight that this shy-looking plant has surpassed existing records by more than four centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-old-shrubs">The significance of old shrubs</h2>



Many people envision centuries-old giants when they think of ancient woody life. Yet shrubs, like the <a href="https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/common-juniper/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common juniper</a>, can endure through the extremes of climate, and illustrate how adaptation and survival can span more than a thousand years.



Shrubs in challenging environments often face harsh weather, limited nutrients, and slow growth. Their longevity may be a key to understanding how plants adapt to rapid global changes.



Several previous reports have noted exceptionally old shrub individuals from localities as diverse as the Tibetan Plateau and the Mediterranean. They are also sometimes found living in harsh conditions at high altitudes.



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



The common juniper tree is the most widely distributed conifer species in the world. It's trunks can reveal clues about past environmental shifts and weather events. 



“We study wood rings from which we extract precious information about climate change and vegetation development,” said <a href="https://www.unipd.it/en/yr-msca-prendin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Angela Luisa Prendin</a>, one of the authors of the study paper.



“However, when you go to the far north, trees give way to smaller plants,” she noted. Her team decided to focus on this particular, low-lying juniper species and to investigate its fascinating growth rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-the-new-record-matters">Why the new record matters</h2>



“The <a href="https://brill.com/display/title/17009?language=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">common juniper</a> is known to everyone as a spice in the kitchen or an ingredient in the production of gin,” said Carrer. It might not look majestic, but its longevity is rewriting what we know about the upper limits of shrub life.



“From today, this record is also added to that of being the oldest shrub in the world,” said Carrer. The hardy nature of this plant helps it thrive in diverse habitats, from glacial regions to scorching dunes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-a-changing-climate">Navigating a changing climate</h2>



Scientists <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/6/4/045509" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggest</a> that rising temperatures may lead to the northward dispersal of tree populations, which will put pressure on established shrubs. 



In some areas, though, harsher conditions could favor shrubs if trees struggle to survive with limited resources.



Shrubs have already expanded in certain high-latitude spots, reflecting a unique interplay between warming trends and local ecosystem limits. 



Still, older junipers stand firm against many environmental twists, establishing their place as strong survivors in these habitats.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-window-into-past-climates">A window into past climates</h2>



Dendrochronology, the study of annual growth rings in woody plants, isn’t limited to towering trunks. Even a small juniper stem can show centuries of environmental records etched into its wood.



Such data can help researchers pinpoint past temperature fluctuations, precipitation patterns, and extreme events. 



By comparing <a href="https://www.ltrr.arizona.edu/~ellisqm/outgoing/dendroecology2014/readings/Grissino_mayer_COFECHA_2001.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ring widths</a>, they identify specific years that may have brought unusual cold snaps or droughts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-small-giants">Protecting small giants</h2>



Unlike many iconic old-growth forests, these shrubs often go unnoticed and unprotected. With warming trends and shifting ecological boundaries, conservationists worry that ancient junipers could be squeezed out.



Once they disappear, centuries of subtle ecological memories vanish with them. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9303657/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Experts</a> believe careful monitoring and protection strategies can ensure they remain part of the landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-legacy-worth-celebrating">A legacy worth celebrating</h2>



This record-breaking discovery speaks to the patience and persistence of nature. The shrub may be small, but it carries a long story of survival.



As scientists keep uncovering new details, these ancient individuals may rewrite our understanding of longevity in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-are-uniquely-adapted-to-withstand-harsh-winter-climates/">harsh climates</a>. 



The study is published in <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11751590/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology</a>.



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Tiny shrub holds the record for Europe's oldest tree

Science lovers across Europe are buzzing about a new, record-breaking...

Earth system models (ESMs) are essential tools for studying complex planetary processes, including interactions between the atmosphere and biosphere. These models help scientists and policymakers better understand climate change and its impacts.&nbsp;



However, improving the accuracy of Earth system models often requires gathering vast amounts of data - an effort that can take decades, if not centuries.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-plant-data-for-climate-models-nbsp">Expanding plant data for climate models&nbsp;</h2>



A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-04254-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Scientific Data</a> presents a breakthrough approach to this challenge. The researchers have developed a method to bypass the need for extensive field data collection across all known tree species.&nbsp;



Instead, they leveraged evolutionary relationships between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-plants-actively-shaped-earths-climate-cycle-throughout-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a> to estimate key hydrologic traits, significantly expanding the data available for global climate modeling.



Study lead author James Knighton is an assistant professor in the <a href="https://uconn.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Connecticut</a>’s Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.



Pablo Sanchez-Martinez from the University of Edinburgh and Leander Anderegg from the University of California Santa Barbara are co-authors of the study.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-plants-in-water-movement">The role of plants in water movement</h2>



Plants play a fundamental role in Earth’s environmental systems, from capturing carbon and producing oxygen to influencing the movement of water across ecosystems.&nbsp;



According to Knighton, an estimated 60% of all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainwater</a> is returned to the atmosphere through plant transpiration, a process that moves water from soil to air through plant tissues.



This water movement is currently represented in ESMs in a simplified manner, often grouping plants into broad categories called Plant Functional Types (PFTs).



“Plant Functional Types (PFTs) are used because we don’t know a lot about the details of individual plant species,” Knighton explained. “It would be harder to take a detailed map of vegetation over a continent and put in all the right values for each individual species, so it’s easier just to consider one generic PFT.”



While PFTs provide a manageable approach for modeling, they overlook key differences in plant hydrologic traits - such as root depth, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-cycles-through-plants-with-unexpected-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> transport efficiency, and transpiration rates - that can significantly affect climate projections.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-climate-models">A new approach to climate models</h2>



To improve the representation of plant traits in climate models, scientists have built databases like the <a href="https://www.try-db.org/TryWeb/Home.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRY Plant Trait Database</a>, which compiles field measurements of plant characteristics. However, progress in cataloging traits has been slow.



“There are around 60,000 to 70,000 tree species on Earth, meaning that after 200 years, we know maybe 5 to 10% of what’s happening,” noted Knighton.&nbsp;



“If that were the way we would do things, it would take us another 2,000 years or so to learn about all the plants that we needed to, and at that point, climate change has set in, and it’s too late.”



Given the urgency of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate modeling</a>, waiting for field researchers to collect direct measurements is not a viable solution. Instead, Knighton and his colleagues devised a faster method to estimate missing plant traits using evolutionary relationships.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-evolution-to-predict-hydrologic-traits">Using evolution to predict hydrologic traits</h2>



To address the knowledge gap, the researchers turned to phylogenetics, the study of evolutionary relationships between species. They examined available trait data - such as tree height, root depth, and water transport speed - across known species and then analyzed how closely related species share these traits.



“We looked to see how similar trait values are between closely related species, and the idea behind that is, if these traits are critical for their survival, evolution will have preserved the trait values, they won’t be randomly dispersed,” Knighton explained.&nbsp;



“For example, if growing deep roots was critical for a certain type of plant to survive, the species that branch off from that one will probably also have deep roots, and everything that’s in that family or that genus will have a similar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/autophagy-what-makes-plant-roots-grow-faster-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">root structure</a>.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-missing-data-for-thousands-of-tree-species-nbsp">Missing data for thousands of tree species&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found that hydrologic traits are highly conserved across evolutionary lineages, meaning that closely related species tend to have similar characteristics. This discovery enabled them to predict missing data for over 55,000 tree species by inferring trait values from their known relatives.



“We used different numerical machine learning techniques, and in doing that, we were able to come up with a database of these very critical tree values for 55,000 tree species on Earth,” Knighton said.&nbsp;



This approach allows modelers to move beyond the oversimplified PFT system, providing a much more detailed representation of plant diversity in climate simulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-the-estimated-plant-traits">Confirming the estimated plant traits</h2>



While the research marks a major step forward, the scientists acknowledge that their method represents a first approximation. The next phase of their work involves validating the estimated traits against real-world observations.



“We consider this work to be a low-order approximation, but it is an important starting point,” Knighton explained. “As more data is collected from field researchers, the data can be used to update and refine the interpolated data to improve the accuracy of this approach.”



To test their estimates, the researchers are comparing their predictions against observational data from 10 well-documented forest sites across the United States. 



Master’s student Caroline Stanton is currently constructing ecosystem models for each site and calibrating them with high-resolution plant trait data. 



These models will then be compared to field data collected over the past two decades to assess how well the inferred traits match real-world measurements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-tool-for-climate-simulation">A new tool for climate simulation</h2>



If successful, the method could be applied to forested ecosystems worldwide. Beyond simply improving climate models, the dataset could help scientists understand what drives variation in plant traits and how these variations affect global environmental processes.



“If you want to do global modeling that includes more detail in the vegetation, which is important, you now have a starting point,” Knighton emphasized.



By dramatically expanding the dataset available for climate simulations, this research provides a new tool for modelers, ecologists, and policymakers working to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change.&nbsp;



With further refinement, it could play a key role in shaping more accurate forecasts of Earth’s future climate and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/distress-signals-earths-water-cycle-is-becoming-more-erratic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water cycles</a>.



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Smarter climate models: How plants influence the water cycle

Earth system models (ESMs) are essential tools for studying complex...

Matter in intergalactic space is not randomly scattered - it forms a vast network of filamentary structures that make up the cosmic web. These filaments, composed of gas and dark matter, serve as the backbone on which galaxies develop and evolve.&nbsp;



Now, an international team of researchers has obtained the sharpest image to date of one such filament. 



This cosmic web spans three million light-years and connects two actively forming galaxies from when the universe was only about two billion years old.



The study was conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://en.unimib.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Milano-Bicocca</a> and the <a href="https://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute </a>for Astrophysics (MPA). 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-the-shape-of-a-cosmic-web">Tracing the shape of a cosmic web</h2>



The team used the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument on the Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile.&nbsp;



The findings provide direct insight into how intergalactic gas flows through cosmic webs to fuel star formation in galaxies.



“By capturing the faint light emitted by this filament, which traveled for just under 12 billion years to reach Earth, we were able to precisely characterize its shape,” explained Davide Tornotti, a Ph.D. student at the University of Milano-Bicocca.&nbsp;



“For the first time, we could trace the boundary between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mechanism-discovered-that-creates-the-gas-disks-around-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas</a> residing in galaxies and the material contained within the cosmic web, through direct measurements.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-detecting-intergalactic-gas-nbsp">Challenge of detecting intergalactic gas&nbsp;</h2>



A cornerstone of modern cosmology is the concept that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/existence-of-dark-matter-confirmed-by-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a> constitutes about 85% of all matter in the universe. Gravity causes dark matter to arrange itself into a complex network of filaments, with the brightest galaxies forming at their intersections. 



These filaments act as conduits, channeling gas to feed star formation. Yet, directly imaging the gas within these structures has long been a formidable challenge due to its extremely faint emission.



Traditional methods of detecting intergalactic gas have relied on observing its absorption of light from distant, bright background sources.&nbsp;



Even hydrogen, the most plentiful element, emits only a weak glow, making it nearly impossible to capture with earlier instruments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-detailed-view-of-a-cosmic-web-nbsp">Most detailed view of a cosmic web&nbsp;</h2>



To overcome these obstacles, Tornotti and his colleagues embarked on one of the most ambitious observation campaigns ever attempted with MUSE.&nbsp;



The team dedicated hundreds of hours to one region of the sky, which enabled them them to capture an ultrasensitive image of a cosmic filament at high significance. The resulting image is the most detailed view ever obtained of such a structure, and directly reveals how gas bridges the gap between galaxies.



“When compared to the novel high-definition image of the cosmic web, we find substantial agreement between current theory and observations,” noted Tornotti.



The detailed data allowed the team to delineate the filament’s structure and provided direct measurements of its shape, which gave new information concerning the constraints on the gas properties within these intergalactic bridges.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulations-confirm-observations">Simulations confirm observations</h2>



In addition to direct imaging, the researchers used advanced supercomputer simulations from the MPA to model the expected emissions from cosmic filaments, based on current cosmological theories.&nbsp;



When the simulated predictions were compared with the high-definition image obtained from MUSE, the results showed significant agreement.&nbsp;



This alignment between simulation and observation is crucial, as it reinforces our understanding of how gas is distributed and flows in the cosmic web.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-paving-the-way-for-future-discoveries">Paving the way for future discoveries</h2>



The study of this filament marks a significant step forward in our ability to directly observe the structures that feed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation</a>.



“We are thrilled by this direct, high-definition observation of a cosmic filament,” said Fabrizio Arrigoni Battaia, an MPA staff scientist involved in the study.&nbsp;



“But as people say in Bavaria: 'Eine ist keine' - one doesn't count. So we are gathering further data to uncover more such structures, with the ultimate goal of having a comprehensive vision of how gas is distributed and flows in the cosmic web.”



Future observations with MUSE, combined with additional data from upcoming astronomical surveys, promise to unveil more such filaments.&nbsp;



These efforts will ultimately help scientists map out the detailed distribution of gas in the cosmic web and refine models of how galaxies are fueled and evolve over cosmic time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-galaxy-formation">Secrets of galaxy formation</h2>



By directly imaging this cosmic filament, researchers have opened a new window into the fundamental processes that govern galaxy formation and evolution.&nbsp;



This breakthrough not only confirms key aspects of our cosmological models but also demonstrates the power of modern astronomical instruments in revealing the delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structure of the universe</a>. 



As more data becomes available, scientists hope to further constrain the physical properties of intergalactic gas, which would lead to a deeper understanding of the intricate web that connects all galaxies across the cosmos.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02463-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Image Credit: Alejandro Benitez-Llambay/Universität Mailand-Bicocca/MPA



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Threads of the universe: Cosmic web revealed in unprecedented detail

Matter in intergalactic space is not randomly scattered - it...

If an extraterrestrial civilization existed with technology comparable to ours, would they be able to detect Earth and recognize evidence of human activity? If so, what signals would be most visible, and from how far away?



These thought-provoking questions have been explored in a new study led by Dr. Sofia Sheikh of the SETI Institute.



Using a theoretical, model-based approach, this research is the first to analyze multiple types of technosignatures - the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/searching-for-technosignatures-from-intelligent-life-in-the-cosmos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">indicators</a> of advanced technology - together, rather than examining them separately. 



The results suggest that radio signals, particularly planetary radar emissions from the now-defunct Arecibo Observatory, would be the most detectable human-made signatures. These signals are potentially visible from as far as 12,000 light-years away.



Other signals, such as atmospheric pollutants, could also be detected, though at significantly shorter distances.&nbsp;



As observational technology continues to improve, scientists may be able to identify similar signatures on distant exoplanets, offering new ways to search for intelligent extraterrestrial life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-most-detectable-signals">Earth’s most detectable signals</h2>



Among all of the potential signals emanating from Earth, radio transmissions appear to be the most prominent on a galactic scale.&nbsp;



Radio telescopes remain the primary tool for <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI</a> (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) research, as scientists scan the skies for unnatural radio waves that might originate from advanced civilizations.&nbsp;



Given the strength of Earth's planetary radar emissions, researchers hypothesize that if extraterrestrials use similar technology to search for signals, Earth might stand out as a detectable world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-atmospheric-technosignatures">Exploring atmospheric technosignatures</h2>



Beyond radio waves, the study explored atmospheric technosignatures, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) - a byproduct of industrial activity.&nbsp;



Recent advances in space-based instruments, such as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO), could enable astronomers to detect such gases in exoplanet atmospheres.



According to the study’s findings, extraterrestrials equipped with similarly advanced telescopes could detect Earth's atmospheric pollutants from a maximum distance of 5.7 light-years, just beyond Proxima Centauri, the closest known exoplanetary system.



This suggests that industrial emissions could serve as an indirect way of identifying advanced civilizations. If scientists were to detect unusual levels of pollutants in an exoplanet’s atmosphere, it might hint at the presence of a technologically developed society.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-aliens-detect-on-earth">What would aliens detect on Earth?</h2>



As an observer approaches our planet, additional technosignatures become detectable. At closer distances, extraterrestrial astronomers would begin to detect multiple forms of human activity on Earth. 



City lights from urban centers could be visible from space. High-powered laser emissions used for communication, military applications, and scientific research would also be detectable. 



The thermal signature of cities, where artificial structures retain more heat than surrounding natural landscapes, would reveal urban heat islands. Additionally, the growing number of satellites and debris in Earth's orbit could be observed by advanced extraterrestrial telescopes.



Taken together, these overlapping signals would paint a compelling picture of an industrialized world, potentially making Earth one of the most recognizable planets to an alien observer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-earth-as-a-cosmic-mirror">Using Earth as a cosmic mirror</h2>



The experts emphasized that understanding Earth’s own technosignatures is critical for refining the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. By identifying which of our own signals are most detectable, researchers can better anticipate what kinds of signatures to look for on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>.



Study co-author Macy Huston is a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley’s Department of Astronomy.



“Our goal with this project was to bring SETI back 'down to Earth' for a moment and think about where we really are today with Earth's technosignatures and detection capabilities,” explained Huston.&nbsp;



“In SETI, we should never assume other life and technology would be just like ours, but quantifying what 'ours' means can help put SETI searches into perspective.”



Sheikh echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing that studying Earth's own impact on its environment can provide valuable insights into how extraterrestrial civilizations might be identified.



“One of the most satisfying aspects of this work was getting to use SETI as a cosmic mirror: what does Earth look like to the rest of the galaxy? And how would our current impacts on our planet be perceived?” said Sheikh.



“While of course we cannot know the answer, this work allowed us to extrapolate and imagine what we might assume if we ever discover a planet with, say, high concentrations of pollutants in its atmosphere.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-technosignature-research">The future of technosignature research</h2>



SETI research has long focused on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-aliens-sending-radio-signals-to-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio signals</a> as the primary method for detecting extraterrestrial intelligence, but this study demonstrates the importance of a multi-wavelength approach - examining different forms of technosignatures across the electromagnetic spectrum.



Current and future telescopes will improve detection sensitivity, allowing scientists to expand the search for life beyond Earth. Advanced observatories may eventually identify new atmospheric technosignatures, such as alternative industrial pollutants or artificial climate alterations.



Additionally, long-term studies tracking the evolution of Earth's technosignatures may provide fresh insights into how civilizations modify their environments over time.



As new space-based observatories come online and human activities continue to reshape Earth’s atmospheric composition, periodic reassessments of the planet's detectability could refine our approach to discovering extraterrestrial life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-the-nbsp-study">Implications of the&nbsp;study</h2>



Ultimately, this study highlights both the strengths and limitations of current SETI efforts. While Earth is highly detectable via radio waves, other technosignatures - such as pollution - would require relatively close proximity for extraterrestrials to observe.&nbsp;



As astronomers continue their search, understanding these limitations will help shape strategies for identifying distant technological civilizations.



Whether or not intelligent extraterrestrial beings are currently observing Earth, this research emphasizes the importance of looking outward to understand our place in the cosmos.



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If aliens could detect Earth from their planet, what would they see?

If an extraterrestrial civilization existed with technology comparable to ours,...

In the last few years, scientists have tracked a noticeable uptick in Earth’s average temperature. As experts investigate why warming is accelerating, a new study suggests that changes in ship aerosols may be a contributing factor.



To explore the connections between human activity and the climate system, researchers use data on greenhouse gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-and-arctic-ice-clouds-an-unexpected-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">airborne particles</a>, and shifting ocean patterns.



The latest <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00139157.2025.2434494#abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> offers a surprising analysis of recent temperature spikes and the role of aerosols in ship pollution.



The research was conducted by Dr. James Hansen, the director of the Climate Science, Awareness, and Solutions Program at Columbia University, along with his co-authors.



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



The study notes a sudden jump of more than 0.7°F over the last two years. That is about twice what experts expected from a moderate El Niño pattern alone. In January of this year, NASA confirmed this spike, denoting <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/temperatures-rising-nasa-confirms-2024-warmest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024</a> as the “warmest year on record.”



The authors suggest this amplified warming is linked to changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosol pollution</a>. They specifically spotlight new regulations on ship fuel that reduce sulfur emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ship-aerosols-once-cooled-the-planet">Ship aerosols once cooled the planet</h2>



Aerosols are tiny specks in the air that can reflect incoming sunlight. In many oceanic regions, these particles had offset some of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosols-have-an-underestimated-effect-on-clouds-and-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming effect</a> of greenhouse gases.



Because ships were a major source of sulfur-based aerosols, cutting this pollution reduced the reflective haze. According to the paper, less haze means more solar energy staying in the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hotter-earth-as-ship-aerosols-vanish">Hotter Earth as ship aerosols vanish</h2>



Incoming solar energy and outgoing heat must stay in sync to keep surface temperatures stable. The <a href="https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> points out that the planet has been soaking up more energy than it loses since at least the early 2000s.



The researchers found that ocean waters store most of this excess heat, fueling storms and increasing the threat of rapid intensification in tropical systems.



 The warming also amplifies extreme weather, such as sudden droughts or record-breaking rainfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-policy-implications">Possible policy implications</h2>



The research implies that the world may have underestimated how sensitive the climate is to rising carbon dioxide levels. If the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aerosol-formation-earths-lower-atmosphere-soas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> was larger than we thought, then trimming fossil fuel use is even more pressing.



Fresh restrictions on pollution from ships do improve air quality for people. However, the study authors note that removing these cooling aerosols adds an extra kick to global warming unless greenhouse emissions decline.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-melting-ice">Concerns about melting ice</h2>



High latitudes face special risks. Warmer ocean currents can erode the edges of ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, raising sea level by several feet over time.



Although the paper warns of a potential point of no return for key ice shelves, there is still a window to stabilize the situation. 



The researchers emphasize that faster cuts in greenhouse gases, along with stronger tracking of ocean and atmospheric changes, could help avert large-scale loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-currents-and-climate-extremes">Ocean currents and climate extremes</h2>



Tropical storms often draw energy from elevated ocean temperatures. This can lead to hurricanes or typhoons ramping up rapidly, resulting in more destructive coastal impacts.



Higher sea-surface temperatures also expand the area in which storms can strengthen. This increases the chance of unexpected events in places that once considered themselves safe from severe cyclones.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-local-and-global-concerns">Balancing local and global concerns</h2>



Leaders in various regions are prioritizing reduced pollution to safeguard human health. Cutting sulfur aerosols from ships is just one example of curbing harmful air contaminants.



Yet these choices can have unintended global consequences if greenhouse gases remain unchecked. Scientists hope that local gains do not overshadow the wider need to slash <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tiny-aerosols-in-sea-spray-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a>.



The authors recommend more precise tracking of ocean heat storage and ice sheet behavior. Satellites and deep-diving floats can clarify how quickly seas are warming and how fast land ice is weakening.



Improved understanding of aerosol-cloud dynamics is also essential. More continuous observations of these particles at different latitudes would resolve uncertainties about their climate impact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adjusting-for-the-loss-of-ship-aerosols">Adjusting for the loss of ship aerosols</h2>



Experts have stressed that major climate organizations, including the <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change</a>, must keep refining their models. The recent findings highlight that overlooked sources of cooling, such as ship aerosols, can mask the real warming trend.



Considering that we might cross critical temperature milestones sooner than anticipated, there is an urgent need to integrate these fresh insights into policymaking and climate resilience measures.



The next few decades will show whether nations can adapt and lower emissions swiftly enough. The discussion around shipping routes, aerosol policies, and carbon pricing is now in sharp focus.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00139157.2025.2434494" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development</a>.



A conversation between the authors can be viewed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6wOjk2OCZQ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



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Faster global warming linked to fewer aerosols in ship pollution

In the last few years, scientists have tracked a noticeable...

Newly,Forming,Protoplanets,,Planetesimals.,Evolution,By,The,Process,Of,Accretion.

Planetary formation has always fascinated scientists. Understanding how Earth and Mars formed, and why they contain fewer essential elements than expected, remains one of the biggest mysteries in planetary science. 



The chemical composition of planets plays a crucial role in shaping their ability to support life. Some elements, such as copper and zinc, help regulate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chinas-rare-earth-jackpot-1-15-million-tons-of-minerals-uncovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary chemistry</a> and often accompany water, carbon, and nitrogen - the building blocks of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elements-on-mars-and-earth">Elements on Mars and Earth</h2>



For years, researchers believed that Earth and Mars started out with fewer of these moderately volatile elements (MVEs). 



The prevailing idea was that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unlocking-rare-earth-metals-in-the-ruins-of-extinct-volcanoes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements</a> either failed to condense in the early solar system or were lost during the process of planetary formation.



However, a new study published in Science Advances challenges this long-standing assumption. 



Led by Assistant Professor Damanveer Grewal from <a href="https://www.asu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a>, in collaboration with researchers from <a href="https://www.caltech.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caltech</a>, <a href="https://www.rice.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a>, and <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>, the study takes a fresh approach to understanding how planets acquired their chemical constituents.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-approach-to-an-old-mystery">A new approach to an old mystery</h2>



The research team turned to iron meteorites - remnants of the metallic cores of ancient planetesimals. These small, celestial bodies were the first building blocks of planets. 



By studying their chemical composition, scientists hoped to uncover clues about how Earth and Mars formed.



Their findings were unexpected. Many of these early planetesimals were surprisingly rich in MVEs. This contradicts earlier theories suggesting that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/promethium-new-rare-earth-element-transforming-science-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements</a> never made it into planetary bodies in the first place. 



Instead, the study suggests that Earth and Mars initially had plenty of these elements but lost them later through a different process.



“We found conclusive evidence that first-generation planetesimals in the inner solar system were unexpectedly rich in these elements,” said Grewal. “This discovery reshapes our understanding of how planets acquired their ingredients.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-violent-collisions">Role of violent collisions</h2>



If these essential elements were present in the early building blocks of Earth and Mars, why are they missing today? 



The answer, according to the study, lies in a chaotic period of planetary growth. During this time, massive collisions reshaped young planets, stripping away many of their original components.



Previous theories focused on two possible explanations for the missing MVEs. One suggested that these elements never fully condensed in the solar nebula, meaning that they were never available for planets to collect.



The other proposed that they were lost when planetesimals underwent differentiation, a process in which heavy materials sink to form a core while lighter <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-coal-ash-holds-tons-of-rare-earth-elements-worth-8-4-billion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">materials</a> rise. However, the new study presents a different explanation.



Surprisingly, many inner solar system planetesimals preserved their original MVE levels. This suggests that the depletion of these elements did not happen in the earliest stages of planetary formation. 



Instead, Earth and Mars likely lost their MVEs over time as they experienced powerful impacts and mergers with other celestial bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-planetary-formation">Understanding planetary formation</h2>



“Our work redefines how we understand the chemical evolution of planets,” Grewal explained. “It shows that the building blocks of Earth and Mars were originally rich in these life-essential elements, but intense collisions during planetary growth caused their depletion.”



This finding changes how scientists view planetary chemistry. Instead of assuming that Earth and Mars were always missing MVEs, the study suggests that they were lost gradually due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-rare-earth-elements-discovered-coal-mines-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic impacts</a>. 



This insight could help researchers refine models of planetary formation, offering a clearer picture of how Earth became the habitable world it is today.



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



Beyond reshaping theories about the formation of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-pulls-earth-closer-to-the-sun-warming-our-climate-scientists-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth and Mars</a>, this research has broader implications for understanding other planets. 



If violent collisions played a major role in determining the chemical makeup of planets, then similar processes may have shaped other worlds as well.



Planets in different solar systems may have started with similar elemental compositions, only to lose or retain certain elements depending on their history of collisions. 



This means that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-super-earth-hd-20794-found-just-20-light-years-away-is-best-target-yet-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studying exoplanets</a> - planets outside our solar system - could provide further clues about how common these processes are.



The study also raises new questions. If Earth lost MVEs due to collisions, how did it still manage to retain enough essential ingredients for life? 



Did certain planetary conditions help preserve water, carbon, and nitrogen while allowing MVEs to escape?



These are questions that scientists will continue exploring in future research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-missing-elements-and-the-future">Earth's missing elements and the future</h2>



This study marks an important step in understanding planetary chemistry. It challenges old assumptions and offers a new way to think about how planets form and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-mantle-may-contain-a-wealth-of-green-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolve</a>. 



By analyzing ancient meteorites, researchers have revealed a history of planetary growth shaped by violent events rather than simple elemental scarcity.



The mystery of Earth's missing elements may not be fully solved yet, but this research adds a new piece to the puzzle - one that could change how we view planetary evolution forever.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq7848" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Earth's missing elements were lost in violent collisions during formation

Planetary formation has always fascinated scientists. Understanding how Earth and...

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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

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Yellowstone National Park