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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe is set to achieve its most dangerous feat yet tomorrow, December 24, 2024. After a six-year journey of spiraling closer to the star at the heart of our solar system, the spacecraft is expected to come within 3.8 million miles of the Sun’s surface. This tiny distance in cosmic terms lets scientists capture a new type of information, revealing secrets about solar winds, extreme heat, and magnetic fields. Solar probe on the Sun's doorstep Engineers have spent years carefully adjusting Parker’s flight path...

NASA’s ambitious <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/psyche" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Psyche mission</a>, launched on October 13, 2023, is set to explore what is believed to be the exposed metallic core of a primordial planet. This mission is not just about planetary exploration but also serves as a platform for a groundbreaking technological experiment: <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/press-kits/psyche/dsoc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC)</a> demonstration. This demonstration aims to test laser-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/">communication</a> for transmitting and receiving data from spacecraft far beyond the current capabilities of radio waves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-possibilities-for-space-communication">New possibilities for space communication</h2>



The challenge of using a narrow laser beam to communicate with a spacecraft 300 million km away is immense, involving both interplanetary and quantum mechanical complexities. The success of DSOC could revolutionize how we communicate in deep space, opening up new possibilities for data transmission in future space missions.



The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to join the DSOC demonstration in 2025, focusing on developing the necessary advanced laser technology and ground infrastructure in Europe. “Fiber optic technology on Earth has enabled incredible data transfer speeds for applications like the internet. However, data transfer with spacecraft at interplanetary distances is still limited to the use of radio waves,” explained Clemens Heese, the Head of the Optical Technologies section at ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESOC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Operations Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-optical-communication-nbsp">Optical communication&nbsp;</h2>



Heese points out the limitations of current technology and the need for innovation: “We have already shown that optical communication can offer much higher data rates for Earth observation and telecommunications satellites in low-Earth orbits. But to use it at deep space distances, we need high-power, high-accuracy lasers, and super-sensitive single-photon detectors that simply do not yet exist with the required performance.”



Optical communication’s advantage lies in its ability to use light pulses with a higher frequency than radio waves, allowing for the transmission of more data within the same time frame. This technology could enable future deep space missions to carry more sophisticated instruments and send back substantially more data to Earth than currently possible.



NASA’s DSOC is a pioneering step towards building confidence in optical communication for deep space exploration. ESA’s participation in this project aims to enhance European expertise in this crucial technology sector and strengthen the industrial capacity in single-photon quantum optical communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-international-partnership-nbsp">Strong international partnership&nbsp;</h2>



The collaboration between ESA and NASA symbolizes a strong international partnership in space exploration, drawing parallels to the compatibility of European mobile phones with American cellular networks. This cooperation is integral to the development of new satellite communication methods.



The ground infrastructure for DSOC, which must be situated at high altitudes to minimize atmospheric and cloud interference, is a critical component of this project. ESA and NASA are developing their respective infrastructures, with ESA’s team considering the <a href="https://helmos.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aristarchos telescope</a> at the <a href="https://helmos.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Helmos Observatory</a> in Greece for receiving laser pulses from DSOC.



The development process includes setting up a high-power laser transmitter at the nearby <a href="https://kryoneri.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kryoneri Observatory</a> and preparing a single-photon-sensitive detector/receiver at the Helmos Observatory. These observatories, operated by the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS) of the <a href="https://www.astro.noa.gr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Observatory of Athens</a>, play a pivotal role in this longest optical link ever to be performed in Europe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-project-challenges-nbsp">Project challenges&nbsp;</h2>



Sinda Mejri, the lead optical engineer of the ESA’s Ground Laser Receiver system, describes the challenges and intricacies of the project. “The receiver’s detector must be highly sensitive to detect individual quantum particles of light – photons – from DSOC, sent across hundreds of millions of kilometers. To detect the individual photons, the detector needs to be superconducting, meaning it can conduct electricity without any resistance. To achieve this, the receiver’s detector will be cooled to -272.15 degrees Celsius (1 Kelvin). Absorbing a photon disrupts the detector’s superconducting state, creating a measurable electrical pulse.”



The receiver’s design involves integrating 36 pixels to work in unison, which presents substantial challenges in quantum mechanics and electronic circuitry. Additionally, maintaining cryogenic cooling while allowing the telescope to track the spacecraft across the sky adds to the complexity of the project.



The development of ESA’s ground receiver, set to be tested at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, represents a significant stride in this venture.



“The laser has to be so powerful that it would actually break down the protective coating of its own optical components and mirrors and melt conventional fiber optics if not designed with the necessary precautions. And we are combining up to seven separate beams that have to work together seamlessly,” said Andrea Di Mira, ESA Ground Laser Transmitter optical lead engineer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-nbsp">Broader implications&nbsp;</h2>



This ambitious project, funded through ESA’s <a href="https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Shaping_the_Future/About_the_General_Support_Technology_Programme_GSTP" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">General Support Technology Program</a> and <a href="https://technology.esa.int/program/tde" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technology Development Element</a>, is a testament to European industry’s capability to meet technological challenges. Mejri notes the broader implications: “The work they carry out here could also give them an edge in the development of important technologies for applications such as Quantum key distribution, used for secure communications, and quantum imaging.”



Deep-space optical communication, considered the most challenging form of optical communication, promises to significantly benefit ESA’s missions in fields like quantum optical communication.



The Psyche mission, alongside the DSOC technology demonstration, is poised to enhance our understanding of the universe and revolutionize our ability to transmit vast amounts of scientific data back to Earth. This mission, exploring the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, provides a unique opportunity to study the history and formation of Earth-like planets.



The DSOC demonstration, scheduled for 2025, could pave the way for a new era of Solar System exploration and the development of deep space optical communication stations on Earth. This journey to an ancient metal world represents not only a milestone in space exploration but also a leap forward in communication technology, heralding a new chapter in humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos.



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Psyche mission uses lasers for deep space communication with Earth

NASA’s ambitious Psyche mission, launched on October 13, 2023, is...

A new study published by <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/">Frontiers</a> shows that intermittent energy restriction (IER) diets alter communication between the gut and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-healthy-diet-can-reduce-brain-aging/">brain</a>, suggesting a complex interaction between our diet, gut health, and brain function. 



The research highlights the potential of tailored dietary interventions in managing obesity and its related health risks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance-nbsp">Study significance&nbsp;</h2>



The study is particularly relevant given that over a billion people globally struggle with obesity, a condition linked to numerous health risks including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.&nbsp;



Despite the high prevalence of obesity, effective, long-term weight loss remains challenging due to the intricate interplay of gut physiology, hormones, and brain function.



“Here we show that an IER diet changes the human brain-gut-microbiome axis. The observed changes in the gut microbiome and in the activity in addition-related brain regions during and after weight loss are highly dynamic and coupled over time,” said study co-author Dr. Qiang Zeng, a researcher at the Health Management Institute of the <a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/universities/Chinese_PLA_General_Hospital/">PLA General Hospital</a> in Beijing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The study involved a thorough investigation of 25 obese participants, both women and men, from China. These individuals, averaging 27 years of age with BMIs ranging from 28 to 45, were asked to follow a strict IER diet.&nbsp;



The researchers used a range of techniques including metagenomics of stool samples, blood measurements, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to track changes in the gut microbiome, physiological parameters, serum composition, and brain activity.



“A healthy, balanced gut microbiome is critical for energy homeostasis and maintaining normal weight. In contrast, an abnormal gut microbiome can change our eating behavior by affecting certain brain area involved in addiction,” explained study co-author Dr. Yongli Li from the Department of Health Management of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital in Henan, China.



The study was conducted in two phases: a 32-day high-controlled fasting phase with stepwise reduced calorie intake, and a subsequent 30-day low-controlled fasting phase with specific dietary recommendations.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



The impact of this diet was profound: participants lost an average of 16.7 pounds, showing reductions in body fat, waist circumference, blood pressure, and serum levels of various markers like fasting plasma glucose and cholesterol. This indicates the potential of IER diets in mitigating obesity-related comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and liver dysfunction.



The experts observed changes in both brain activity and the gut microbiome. They noted alterations in brain regions related to appetite and addiction control, as well as shifts in the abundance of specific gut bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Parabacteroides distasonis, and Bacterokles uniformis.&nbsp;



Intriguingly, the study found correlations between the abundance of certain gut bacteria and the activity of specific brain regions involved in executive functions and emotional processing.



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



The findings open new avenues for understanding the complex relationship between weight loss, the brain, and the gut microbiome. However, as Dr. Xiaoning Wang noted, the study is correlational, and the exact causality remains unclear.&nbsp;



“The gut microbiome is thought to communicate with the brain in a complex, two-directional way. The microbiome produces neurotransmitters and neurotoxins which access the brain through nerves and the blood circulation. In return the brain controls eating behavior, while nutrients from our diet change the composition of the gut microbiome,” explained Dr. Wang.



“The next question to be answered is the precise mechanism by which the gut microbiome and the brain communicate in obese people, including during weight loss," said study co-author Dr. Liming Wang. "What specific gut microbiome and brain regions are critical for successful weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight?”



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2023.1269548" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology</a>.



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Appetite control: Intermittent fasting alters gut-brain communication 

A new study published by Frontiers shows that intermittent energy...

A study from the <a href="https://www.idiv.de/en/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research</a> (iDiv) has brought a new perspective to the discussion on insect biodiversity. Contrary to the belief that rare species are most at risk, the research indicates that the most common or abundant insect species are facing the biggest losses. This revelation challenges existing ideas about how changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-greening-projects-can-dramatically-boost-urban-biodiversity/">insect biodiversity</a> occur.



The iDiv researchers focused on terrestrial insects like beetles, moths, and grasshoppers. They discovered that the declines in locally common species contribute significantly to overall insect declines. The term "common species" refers to insects found in the highest numbers locally, and these vary by location.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-loss-of-insect-species">Studying the loss of insect species</h2>



The research is timely, as it addresses the growing concerns about the dramatic decline in the total number of insects globally. However, detailed trends among locally rare and abundant species over extended periods have remained less understood.&nbsp;



Roel van Klink, the study's lead author and a senior scientist at iDiv and Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), emphasized the need to study these trends.



"It was obvious this needed exploring,” said van Klink. “We had to know whether observations about declines in total abundances of insects differed among common and rare species, and how this translated into changes in the overall insect diversity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-from-the-study">Key insights from the study</h2>



To investigate, the researchers compiled a database from 106 studies, with data spanning 9 to 64 years. One notable study included in their database, focused on ground beetles, began in 1959 in the Netherlands and is still ongoing.



The findings are striking: land-based insects in these studies are declining by an average of 1.5% annually. However, the most abundant species at the start of the studies showed an average decline of about 8% per year, a much steeper rate than that of rarer species. 



The decline in dominant species is not offset by increases in other species, which has significant implications for ecosystems. Abundant species serve as crucial food sources for birds and other insectivores, and their loss indicates substantial changes in food webs and ecosystem functioning.



"Food webs must already be rewiring substantially in response to the decline of the most common species," explained van Klink. “These species are super important for all kinds of other organisms and for the overall functioning of the ecosystem."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-local-insect-species-losses">Local insect species losses</h2>



The experts also found that while formerly abundant species are losing the most individuals, less abundant and rare species are not spared, contributing to a decrease in local species numbers.&nbsp;



Despite some rare species going locally extinct, there was a modest overall decrease in species numbers by just under 0.3% annually. Interestingly, some new species have successfully established themselves, occasionally becoming very abundant, like the invasive Asian Ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis).



While the study did not explicitly investigate causes, the declines are likely linked to human-related impacts such as climate change and urbanization.&nbsp;



According to the study authors, further research is needed to determine the underlying causes of these trends.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disproportionate-impacts">Disproportionate impacts</h2>



Professor Jonathan Chase, senior author of the study and professor at iDiv and MLU, pointed out that insects seem to be disproportionately affected by human activities compared to other species groups.



“Insects seem to be taking a heavier hit than many other species as humans continue to dominate the planet,” said Professor Chase. “Other studies, including those our team has worked on, have not found such diversity declines at local scales from many other groups of animals and plants."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lifeboat-effect-nbsp">The lifeboat effect&nbsp;</h2>



The study's results are primarily based on data from Europe and North America, meaning they might not represent a global phenomenon.&nbsp;



"The patterns we observed might be a best-case scenario for quantifying the real impact of people on insects,” said Professor Chase, referring to what scientists call the lifeboat effect.&nbsp;



“These declines were observed in long-term data from areas that have remained largely intact, sort of like a lifeboat, rather than in areas where massive conversion of natural areas into human-dominated landscapes has occurred, such as malls and parking lots."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06861-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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Common insect species face the greatest declines

A study from the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research...

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-great-for-mosquitoes/">climate change</a> is expected to have on the world's natural capital by 2100. This research, supported by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, anticipates a 9% decline in ecosystem services, a measure of the benefits nature provides to humanity.



The concept of "natural capital" encompasses a range of vital services including breathable air, clean water, healthy forests, and biodiversity. These elements are crucial to human well-being, though they are often challenging to quantify in economic terms. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-natural-capital">Studying natural capital</h2>



The study was led by Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, who was a doctoral student at <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> during the research and is now a postdoctoral fellow at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>.&nbsp;



The researchers investigated how the redistribution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terrestrial ecosystems</a> due to climate change will negatively impact natural capital.



The team combined global vegetation models, climate projections, and World Bank data on natural capital values to assess the impact of climate shifts on various countries' ecosystem services, economic production, and natural capital stocks. 



The research reveals a stark reality: by the end of the century, climate-induced changes, such as alterations in vegetation, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-diversity-is-driven-by-global-precipitation-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall patterns</a>, and increased CO2 levels, are expected to reduce global gross domestic product (GDP) by an average of 1.3%. This economic impact, however, will not be evenly distributed. 



The researchers found that the poorest 50% of countries are projected to bear about 90% of the GDP losses, while the wealthiest 10% may experience only a 2% reduction. 



This discrepancy highlights the greater dependency of lower-income countries on natural resources for their economic output and the larger proportion of their wealth tied to natural capital.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservative-estimates-nbsp">Conservative estimates&nbsp;</h2>



While comprehensive, the authors acknowledge that their estimates might be conservative, as they primarily focused on land-based systems like forests and grasslands. 



The researchers also did not factor in disturbances such as wildfires or insect-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emerging-diseases-threaten-trees-globally-and-the-trend-is-escalating/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree mortality</a>, which could further impact these ecosystems. Future research is planned to address the impacts on marine ecosystems.



Study senior author Frances C. Moore, an associate professor in the <a href="https://desp.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Environmental Science and Policy, emphasized the importance of integrating the unique values derived from natural systems into climate policies. 



“With this study, we’re embedding natural systems and human well-being within an economic framework,” said Professor Moore. “Our economy and well-being depend on these systems, and we should recognize and account for these overlooked damages when we consider the cost of a changing climate.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-capital-implications-and-future-study">Natural capital implications and future study</h2>



Jeffrey Mantz, an NSF program officer, highlighted the significance of this study.



“Thanks to the efforts of this research team, we now know that damage to ecosystems impacts human well-being in ways that are both measurable and wildly disproportionate across populations. The results will be critical to abating economic losses in the coming decades.”



In summary, this research sheds light on the urgent need to consider the full scope of climate change's impact on natural systems and human economies, and to develop policies that comprehensively address these challenges.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06769-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>. 



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How climate change will impact the world's "natural capital"

In a new study, researchers have uncovered the profound impact...

In a recent study conducted in China's Wolong Nature Reserve, researchers have made a remarkable discovery about the social lives of pandas. The experts found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/why-are-pandas-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandas</a>, traditionally viewed as solitary creatures, actually maintain social networks much like humans do.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-panda-social-lives">Studying panda social lives</h2>



The study was led by Thomas Connor for his PhD at <a href="https://msu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michigan State University</a>’s Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability (MSU-CSIS).



Connor spent months in the forest looking for signs of pandas. His work was built on previous observations by MSU-CSIS scientists who suspected that pandas are not the loners that everyone thinks they are. 



The research has produced surprising new details about a unique method of communication used by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-pandas-have-the-perfect-camouflage-for-their-natural-habitat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandas</a> – scent marking on trees.



“Once you’ve gotten an eye for it, you can see on ridge tops and different trails the scent-marking trees, which are stained with a waxy substance – and the pandas seem to be doing this a lot,” said Connor. “It was pretty evident they were exchanging information through scent marking behavior.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandas-practice-social-networking">Pandas practice social networking</h2>



The research suggests that these scent-marking trees act as a social media platform for pandas, like Facebook for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wealth-inequality-exists-in-the-animal-kingdom-too/">animal kingdom</a>. Pandas use these trees to keep track of family and friends, share updates on life events, and even explore potential mates.&nbsp;



This method of communication is asynchronous, allowing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pandas-have-fake-thumbs-to-manipulate-bamboo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandas</a> to broadcast information without being in the same place at the same time.



Connor teamed up with MSU Foundation Professor of Sociometrics Ken Frank, an expert on social networks and a co-author of the article.



The researchers did not have a camera on a bear every time it sniffed a tree, so they did not know which pandas were interacting.



“That’s a key part,” said Professor Frank. “I told him that once he has data on which bears are close to each other we can use the techniques and theories that apply to humans to understand their social networks.



“And these scent trees are a social media. Like Facebook, it’s asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to be in the same place at the same time. It allows one to broadcast to many, and it’s a record. A panda marking a tree isn’t so different from a Facebook post."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clues-in-panda-poop">Clues in panda poop</h2>



One of the most innovative aspects of Connor's research involved analyzing panda poop. Given that pandas defecate about 90 times a day, their scat offers a wealth of data.&nbsp;



By collecting and examining fresh panda scat, Connor and his team were able to extract DNA to identify specific pandas in the vicinity of the scent-marking trees. This allowed them to determine relationships between individual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/captive-pandas-become-jet-lagged-outside-of-their-natural-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pandas</a> and construct their social networks.



“We defined two panda individuals within a certain distance from each other as an association," said Connor. “Even if they’re not directly communicating or running into each other physically – they can exchange information in the chemical scent signature. That built up the social network for the analysis.”



According to Frank, once they could determine which bears were in close proximity, they could apply the social network technique of community or clique detection.



“It’s pretty much like high school,” Frank said. “And like in high school, cliques have lots of implications. There are strong norms within a clique – and while encountering those outside a clique is rare the information can be very important.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exchanging-valuable-information-nbsp">Exchanging valuable information&nbsp;</h2>



Ultimately, the study revealed that pandas are far from reclusive. They form associations and exchange information through chemical scent signatures left on trees.



Interestingly, the experts observed that pandas tend to associate more with family members during non-mating seasons and broaden their social circles in mating seasons, possibly using the scent-marking trees as a territorial map. This behavioral shift is significant in preventing inbreeding and reducing competition among pandas.



Study senior author Jianguo “Jack” Liu emphasized the importance of the research.&nbsp;



"The discoveries in this study shed new light on how pandas use their habitat,” said Liu. “Pandas are a part of coupled human and natural systems where humans share their habitat."



"Anything we can learn about how they live and what they need can ultimately help inform good conservation policies and maybe understand our own behavior a little more."



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2192/URSUS-D-22-00011.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ursus</a>.



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Secret social lives: Pandas have their own version of Facebook

In a recent study conducted in China's Wolong Nature Reserve,...

Researchers have identified three potentially unique acoustic features of healing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-that-listen-to-music-grow-faster-and-healthier/">music</a> that are consistent across various genres.&nbsp;



This discovery could revolutionize how music therapy is personalized and how its effectiveness is evaluated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



Music therapy has long been recognized for its therapeutic effects on mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. However, there's been no consensus on what exactly constitutes healing music.&nbsp;



To address this, the researchers sought to determine if healing music shares specific acoustic features, regardless of genre, and how these differ from regular music.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted</h2>



Drawing from the expertise of 35 music therapists, a library of 165 diverse pieces of healing music was compiled.&nbsp;



These pieces, believed to aid emotional and mental health issues, were compared with a wide range of other music types, including 330 classical pieces, 50 traditional 5-element Chinese music pieces, 100 Jazz recordings, and 300 tracks from the Chinese affective music system.



The team analyzed the music using the Mirtoolbox and identified 370 acoustic features, grouped into five dimensions: energy, volume, loudness, rhythm, timbre, pitch, and key. Remarkably, over 25 percent of these features were genre-specific, but the rest were common across all genres.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-insights-nbsp">Key insights&nbsp;</h2>



A comparison of these common features with healing classical and traditional Chinese music showed significant differences, leading to the identification of three distinct acoustic features of healing music.&nbsp;



These are the standard deviation of roughness, mean of the third coefficient of the mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC3), and period entropy of MFCC3. These features, which relate to the perceived irregularity of sound, energy distribution in frequency ranges, and randomness in frequency patterns over time, were found to predict subjective emotional responses in listeners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transcending-boundaries-nbsp">Transcending boundaries&nbsp;</h2>



This discovery suggests that music's healing properties may indeed transcend cultural and genre boundaries. The researchers note that roughness in music can evoke various moods and emotional responses, such as tension or relaxation, depending on its level and context.



The findings were further validated by comparing the acoustic features of jazz pieces in the healing collection with regular jazz music. This supports previous research suggesting music's universal appeal and impact, regardless of culture or genre.



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



While acknowledging limitations due to a small expert pool and potential cultural biases, the researchers propose that these three acoustic features could be used to tailor therapeutic playlists for patients using AI algorithms.&nbsp;



This approach could analyze physiological and psychological responses in real time, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of music therapy in various contexts, including stress reduction, mental health, and chronic pain management.



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2023-101145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">General Psychiatry</a>.



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Music therapy: Key features of healing music identified

Researchers have identified three potentially unique acoustic features of healing...

Killer,Whale,(orcinus,Orca),Jumping,Out,Of,The,Water

In the pristine waters off the coast of British Columbia (B.C.), a concerning discovery has emerged. Researchers have found toxins in both Southern Resident and Bigg’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-orca-day-the-crucial-role-of-the-oceans-apex-predator/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whales</a>, shedding light on the unseen dangers lurking in our oceans.



This discovery marks the first time polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lack-of-prey-is-changing-the-behavior-of-killer-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orcas</a> in these waters, revealing a direct impact on marine life from human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toxins-called-pahs-are-harming-killer-whales">Toxins called PAHs are harming killer whales</h2>



PAHs, a group of chemicals found in coal, oil, and gasoline, are ever-present in our oceans. Now, scientists have confirmed that these toxins are moving through food chains, ultimately accumulating in top predators like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxin-from-toilet-paper-production-found-in-killer-whales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whales</a>. 



These compounds, known for their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, enter the ocean through various sources, including oil spills, burning coal, and forest fires. The study's alarming revelation that PAHs are transferring from mother orcas to their fetuses underscores the pervasiveness of this pollution.



Dr. Juan José Alava, the study's senior author and a principal investigator at the <a href="https://oceans.ubc.ca/research/research-units/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UBC Ocean Pollution Research Unit</a>, highlights the significance of these findings. 



"Killer whales are iconic in the Pacific Northwest, playing a critical role culturally, economically, and ecologically. Their ability to metabolically process PAHs indicates recent exposures. These majestic creatures are like our 'canary in the coal mine' for oceans, indicating the health of our waters."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orcas-and-ocean-health">Orcas and ocean health</h2>



The research team analyzed muscle and liver samples from twelve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/killer-whales-dietary-preferences-expose-them-to-pollutants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whales</a> stranded between 2006 and 2018. Their findings were startling. 



All samples contained PAHs, with one particular compound, C3-phenanthrenes/anthracenes, accounting for a significant portion of the total contamination. These results tell a story of an environment under stress, with implications that ripple through ecosystems and communities.



The contaminants varied between the two orca groups. Bigg’s killer whales, ranging from California to southeastern Alaska, showed signs of exposure to PAHs from burning coal and vegetation. In contrast, the Southern Residents, inhabiting areas closer to urban centers, bore the chemical signature of oil spills and fossil fuel combustion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-source-of-toxins-in-killer-whales">Source of toxins in killer whales</h2>



Kiah Lee, the study's first author, points out the various activities contributing to this toxic load. "From oil pipeline developments to tanker traffic and forest fires, these sources introduce PAHs into the marine food web, ultimately affecting orcas, the apex predators." 



The presence of these toxins in such a critical species raises alarm bells for the health of the entire marine ecosystem.



Dr. Stephen Raverty is a co-author of the study and IOF adjunct professor and veterinary pathologist with the <a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food</a>. He emphasizes the limited population of Southern Residents and how pollution is one of the many threats they face. 



“There’s only a small population to draw from -- 74 individuals in the case of the Southern Residents,” said Raverty. “There are many potential causes for their decline, pollution being one.”



The case of 'Luna', an orca with a unique life history, highlighted how varied habitats can lead to a mix of hydrocarbon contaminants, further complicating the picture.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-action">Conservation and action</h2>



Paul Cottrell from <a href="https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/index-eng.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fisheries and Oceans Canada</a> sees this study as a vital step in understanding and managing the impacts on killer whale habitats. Baseline data on current PAH levels are essential for monitoring future trends and impacts. 



“The preliminary findings from this study will add key information to inform management approaches in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-orca-decline-may-be-tied-to-hunting-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">killer whale</a> habitats,” said Cottrell. “The source of the PAHs is often from human activity and it is important we have baseline data on current PAH levels in killer whales to monitor those trends and impacts in marine ecosystems into the future.”



Dr. Alava concludes with a call to action. Reducing and eventually eliminating fossil fuel consumption is crucial not only for combating climate change but also for preserving marine biodiversity. This effort will benefit coastal communities and future generations, reinforcing the interconnectedness of our actions and the health of our planet.



In summary, this study is a wake-up call. It reminds us of the intricate connections within our environment and the responsibility we have to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats. The health of the orcas is a reflection of the health of our oceans, and ultimately, our planet.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-45306-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Toxins from oil spills and wildfires are found in killer whales and their offspring

In the pristine waters off the coast of British Columbia...

Snowflake,On,A,Blue,Background

Snowflakes and the science behind their formation have long captivated us, with their intricate structures and graceful descent from the clouds to the Earth's surface. <a href="https://www.inscc.utah.edu/~tgarrett/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Garrett</a>, an atmospheric scientist from the <a href="https://www.utah.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Utah</a>, and his team of researchers in the College of Engineering have made a remarkable discovery about how snowflakes respond to air turbulence during their fall. 



Through their analysis of over half a million snowflakes and the development of novel instrumentation, they have revealed a surprisingly simple pattern underlying the movement of these delicate ice crystals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-snowflake-movement">Science behind snowflake movement</h2>



The speed at which snowflakes fall is of great interest in weather prediction and climate change research. According to Garrett, "How snowflakes fall has attracted a lot of interest for many decades because it is a critical parameter for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-weather-is-becoming-more-difficult-to-predict/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predicting weather</a> and climate change. This is related to the speed of the water cycle. How fast moisture falls out of the sky determines the lifetime of storms."



Snowflakes, often referred to as "letters sent from heaven" by the renowned Japanese physicist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukichiro_Nakaya" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ukichiro Nakaya</a>, contain valuable information about temperature and humidity fluctuations in the clouds. Although each snowflake is believed to be unique in its intricate structure, researchers have discovered patterns in how they move through the air.



The movement of snowflakes has far-reaching consequences beyond weather forecasting. It also affects climate change predictions, even in tropical regions. 



Garrett explains, "Most precipitation starts as snow. The question of how fast it falls affects predictions of where on the ground precipitation lands, and how long clouds last to reflect radiation to outer space. It can even affect forecasts of a hurricane trajectory."



Understanding the factors that influence snowflake movement is crucial for improving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountains-face-low-to-no-snow-winters-in-a-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasts of precipitation</a> distribution and the behavior of weather systems.



Measuring individual snowflakes accurately has been a long-standing challenge due to their low mass. Snowflakes often weigh around 10 micrograms, making high-precision measurements difficult. 



To address this issue, Garrett collaborated with engineering faculty to develop the Differential Emissivity Imaging Disdrometer (<a href="https://amt.copernicus.org/articles/14/6973/2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DEID</a>). This innovative instrument measures snowflakes' hydrometeor mass, size, and density. The DEID has been successfully commercialized by Particle Flux Analytics, a company co-founded by Garrett, and is now deployed by the Utah Department of Transportation for avalanche forecasting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprisingly-simple-pattern-emerges">A surprisingly simple pattern emerges</h2>



To study snowflake movement in natural environments, Garrett's team conducted field experiments at Alta, a renowned ski destination and Utah's snowiest place during the winter of 2020-21. They deployed the DEID alongside measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, and turbulence. 



Additionally, a particle tracking system consisting of a laser light sheet and a single-lens reflex camera was set up to observe the movement of the snowflakes.



By analyzing the science and interaction between snowflakes and turbulence, while simultaneously measuring their mass, density, size, and observing their meandering paths, the researchers were able to obtain a comprehensive understanding of snowflake movement that was previously unavailable.



Contrary to expectations, the intricate shapes of snowflakes and their encounters with turbulent air did not result in unpredictable movements. Instead, the researchers discovered a surprisingly simple pattern. Snowflake acceleration was found to correlate with a parameter known as the Stokes number (St), which describes how quickly the particles respond to surrounding air movements.



Upon analyzing the acceleration of individual snowflakes, the researchers observed that the average acceleration increased nearly linearly with the Stokes number. Moreover, the distribution of these accelerations followed a single exponential curve that was independent of the Stokes number. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowflakes-and-atmospheric-science-mysteries">Snowflakes and atmospheric science mysteries</h2>



This mathematical pattern could also be connected to how changes in snowflake shapes and sizes influence their falling speed. It suggests a fundamental relationship between air movement and the transformation of snowflakes during their descent from the clouds.



Garrett reflects on this unexpected finding, stating, "That, to me, almost seems mystical. There is something deeper going on in the atmosphere that leads to mathematical simplicity, rather than the extraordinary complexity we would expect from looking at complicated snowflake structures swirling chaotically in turbulent air. We just have to look at it the right way, and our new instruments enable us to see that."



Through meticulous analysis and the development of innovative instrumentation, the study led by Tim Garrett at the University of Utah has uncovered a surprisingly simple pattern in the movement of snowflakes. This research sheds light on the connection between air turbulence and the behavior of snowflakes during their descent. 



In summary, these findings have important implications for weather forecasting, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-snowmaking-sustainability-must-become-a-priority/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change predictions</a>, and our understanding of atmospheric dynamics. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries and science of snowflake formation and movement, we can expect further insights into the intricate processes occurring within our atmosphere.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pof/article/35/12/123336/2930274/A-universal-scaling-law-for-Lagrangian-snowflake" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physics of Fluids</a>. The research received funding from the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, further highlighting the significance of this groundbreaking investigation.



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The science of snowflakes and their astonishingly predictable movement

Snowflakes and the science behind their formation have long captivated...

In a significant shift towards sustainable energy, U.S. utilities have committed to achieving 100 percent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-could-be-powered-entirely-by-renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a> by 2060. This move, as highlighted in a study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10584-023-03645-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climatic Change</a>, is primarily driven by the utilities themselves, rather than state mandates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-transition-nbsp">Rapid transition&nbsp;</h2>



Study co-author Matthew Burgess, assistant professor at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CU Boulder</a>, commented on the pace of this transition. 



“Many people feel the transition on the policy side isn’t going fast enough,” Burgess said. “But the private sector is moving faster than we thought. A lot has to do with technology, costs going down, natural gas replacing coal, and renewables replacing fossil fuels - policy is not the only lever.”



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



The study, led by Grace Kroeger for her honors thesis in Environmental Studies at CU Boulder, was motivated by her experiences in energy and sustainability during an internship.&nbsp;



“I wanted to look critically at what the people on the ground are doing. For example, the companies that are responsible for the energy that we all use and consume,”&nbsp; Kroeger said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted-nbsp">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



Kroeger and Burgess analyzed 30 years of data, comparing state renewable energy targets with the utilities’ own goals.&nbsp;



They examined the impact of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and Clean Energy Standards (CES) across various states and how utilities’ own commitments align with these mandates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-insights-nbsp">Critical insights&nbsp;</h2>



Interestingly, the researchers found that the industry is generally surpassing policy-driven efforts. Utilities appear to be on track to meet or exceed state goals, with projections indicating a fully decarbonized electric grid by 2060, assuming utilities adhere to their commitments. Inclusion of nuclear power in renewable portfolios could hasten this timeline to 2050.



A notable discovery was that utility companies plan to decarbonize even in states lacking renewable policies or goals. “For example, Southern Company has goals to decarbonize. But the states the company operates in - Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama - don’t have portfolio standards,” Kroeger said.



The study also revealed differences in approaches between blue and red states, with blue states generally adopting stricter renewable energy policies. However, most states, including red ones, are likely to decarbonize based on utilities’ own objectives.



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



While the findings are based on stated future plans of utilities, historical data shows a trend of utilities transitioning to renewables faster than anticipated. This progress, however, still falls short of the Biden Administration’s goal to eliminate fossil fuels from the U.S. energy sector by 2035, a target announced without accompanying policies or mandates.



“There’s a lot of really interesting stuff happening in the private sector. The private sector creates interesting decarbonization connections across states, and it has interesting connections to the policy space,” Burgess concluded.



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U.S. utilities may be 100 percent renewable energy by 2060

In a significant shift towards sustainable energy, U.S. utilities have...

New research involving <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a> researchers has uncovered important insights into a puzzling anomaly in Earth's magnetic field 3,000 years ago, thanks to <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mesopotamian-brick_earth-magnetic-field_credit-Slemani-Museum_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient bricks</a> inscribed with the names of Mesopotamian kings.



The research describes how changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a> left a distinct imprint on iron oxide grains within these clay bricks, allowing scientists to reconstruct these changes based on the kings' inscriptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-earth-s-magnetic-field-anomaly">Unveiling Earth's magnetic field anomaly</h2>



This research utilizes a field known as "archaeomagnetism," which seeks magnetic field signatures in archaeological artifacts. The team hopes that by employing this method, they can enhance our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-can-switch-their-perception-of-earths-magnetic-field-on-and-off/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a> history while also providing more accurate dating of artifacts that were previously difficult to determine.



Co-author Professor Mark Altaweel of UCL Institute of Archaeology explains the significance of this work. He said, "We often rely on dating methods like radiocarbon dating to establish chronology in ancient Mesopotamia. However, common cultural remains such as bricks and ceramics cannot be easily dated because they lack organic material. This work establishes a crucial dating baseline for others to benefit from absolute dating using archaeomagnetism."



Over time, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-bats-use-earths-magnetic-field-as-a-compass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a> undergoes weakening and strengthening, leaving a distinct signature on minerals that are sensitive to magnetic fields. 



In this study, the team examined the latent magnetic signatures in iron oxide grains found in 32 clay bricks from various archaeological sites throughout Mesopotamia, which corresponds to present-day Iraq. These minerals acquired the strength of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-reversal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a> when the bricks were first fired thousands of years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-the-earth-s-magnetic-field">Mapping the Earth's magnetic field</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mesopotamian-brick_earth-magnetic-field_credit-Slemani-Museum_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Each brick</a> was inscribed with the name of a specific king, enabling archaeologists to estimate the likely timespan during which the bricks were made. By combining the imprinted names and the measured magnetic strength of the iron oxide grains, the researchers constructed a historical map of the changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-field-disturbances-can-lead-migratory-birds-astray/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a>.



The study ultimately confirmed the existence of the "Levantine Iron Age geomagnetic Anomaly." This anomaly denotes a period from approximately 1050 to 550 BCE when the Earth's magnetic field was exceptionally strong in the region of modern-day Iraq for unknown reasons. 



Evidence of this anomaly has been detected as far as China, Bulgaria, and the Azores, but data from the southern part of the Middle East itself have been scarce.



Lead author Professor Matthew Howland of <a href="https://www.wichita.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wichita State University</a> explains how ancient artifacts can be dated using this magnetic insight. He said, "By comparing ancient artifacts to our knowledge of the magnetic conditions in ancient times, we can estimate the dates when these items were heated up."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-archaeomagnetic-dating-advantages-and-precision">Archaeomagnetic dating: Advantages and precision</h2>



To measure the iron oxide grains, the team delicately chipped tiny fragments from the broken faces of the bricks and used a magnetometer for precise measurements. Aside from shedding light on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-not-likely-to-reverse-any-time-soon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a> changes, this data provides archaeologists with a valuable tool for dating ancient artifacts.



The magnetic strength of iron oxide grains embedded within fired items can be measured and compared to the known strengths of past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-birds-sense-earths-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth magnetic fields</a>. This approach offers better resolution than radiocarbon dating, which only provides a date range within a few hundred years, as the reigns of kings often lasted from years to decades.



Moreover, archaeomagnetic dating helps to pinpoint the reigns of ancient kings with greater precision. While the length and order of their reigns are well-known, conflicting historical records have led to disagreements among archaeologists regarding the exact years of their reigns. The researchers found that their technique aligns with the archaeological understanding of the "Low Chronology" of these kings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-magnetic-field-changes-and-anomalies">Rapid magnetic field changes and anomalies</h2>



The study also revealed that during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II from 604 to 562 BCE, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migrating-turtles-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's magnetic field</a> appeared to undergo rapid and substantial changes in just a short period. This finding adds weight to the hypothesis that intense spikes in magnetic field strength can occur.



Co-author Professor Lisa Tauxe of the <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a> (US) emphasizes the unique opportunity provided by well-dated archaeological remains from Mesopotamian cultures. 



She explains, "The geomagnetic field is one of the most enigmatic phenomena in earth sciences. The rich Mesopotamian cultures, with their well-dated remains, especially bricks inscribed with the names of specific kings, provide an unprecedented opportunity to study changes in field strength with high time resolution, tracking changes that occurred over several decades or even less."



The research conducted with funding from the <a href="https://www.bsf.org.il/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S.-Israel Binational Science Foundation</a> paves the way for a deeper understanding of Earth's magnetic field history and offers a new tool for more precise artifact dating. 



In summary, by examining iron oxide grains within <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mesopotamian-brick_earth-magnetic-field_credit-Slemani-Museum_1medium-scaled.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient bricks</a> and correlating them with the inscribed names of Mesopotamian kings, scientists have gained invaluable insights into the mysterious magnetic field anomaly from 3,000 years ago. 



This study demonstrates the power of archaeomagnetism in unraveling Earth's ancient secrets and sheds light on the reigns of ancient kings, providing a more accurate timeline of their rule.



The full study was published in <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2313361120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Mesopotamian bricks reveal anomaly in Earth’s magnetic field 3,000 years ago

New research involving UCL researchers has uncovered important insights into...

A new study from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">John Hopkins University</a> reveals that apes can recognize photographs of their groupmates, even after a separation of over 25 years. This discovery highlights the longest-lasting social <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-have-a-generic-memory-of-their-ancestral-environments/">memory</a> documented outside of humans, offering profound insights into the evolution of human culture from our shared ancestry with apes.



“Chimpanzees and bonobos recognize individuals even though they haven’t seen them for multiple decades,” said study senior author Professor Christopher Krupenye. 



“And then there’s this small but significant pattern of greater attention toward individuals with whom they had more positive relationships. It suggests that this is more than just familiarity, that they’re keeping track of aspects of the quality of these social relationships.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-memory-mechanisms-of-apes">Memory mechanisms of apes</h2>



Study lead author Laura Lewis is a biological anthropologist and comparative psychologist at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>. She reflected on the cognitive similarities between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-may-have-begun-walking-upright-to-eat-leaves-not-fruits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apes</a> and humans.



“We tend to think about great apes as quite different from ourselves but we have really seen these animals as possessing cognitive mechanisms that are very similar to our own, including memory. And I think that is what’s so exciting about this study," said Lewis.



The study was inspired by the researchers' personal experiences with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-can-understand-the-gestures-of-other-great-apes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apes</a>, noting their apparent recognition and enthusiastic responses after long absences. 



“You have the impression that apes are responding like they recognize you and that to them you’re really different from the average zoo guest,” said Krupenye. “They’re excited to see you again. So our goal with this study was to ask, empirically, if that’s the case: Do they really have a robust lasting memory for familiar social partners?”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-apes-recognize-their-families">How apes recognize their families</h2>



The research involved chimpanzees and bonobos at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland, Planckendael Zoo in Belgium, and Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/are-children-more-curious-than-apes-yes-and-no-finds-new-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apes</a> were shown photographs of former groupmates - including some they had not seen for up to 26 years - alongside images of strangers.



The results were striking. The apes demonstrated a significant preference for looking at former groupmates over strangers, and even more so at friends.&nbsp;



In a notable instance, bonobo Louise showed a strong bias towards her sister Loretta and nephew Erin, whom she hadn't seen for over 26 years.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-memory-of-apes">Social memory of apes</h2>



These findings suggest that great ape social memory could outlast the majority of their 40 to 60-year lifespan, comparable to human memory, which can persist as long as 48 years after separation.&nbsp;



This longevity in memory might have been present in our common evolutionary ancestors and could have played a crucial role in the development of human culture, including maintaining long-term intergroup relationships.



The idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/apes-evolved-shoulders-as-brakes-to-safely-climb-down-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apes</a> remember information about the quality of their relationships, years beyond any potential functionality, is another novel and human-like finding of the work, said Krupenye.



“This pattern of social relationships shaping long-term memory in chimpanzees and bonobos is similar to what we see in humans, that our own social relationships also seem to shape our long-term memory of individuals,” said Lewis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications">Study implications</h2>



The research raises intriguing questions about the emotional depth of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-spin-to-experience-altered-states-of-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">apes</a>. Do they miss their friends and family members they no longer see? 



“The idea that they do remember others and therefore they may miss these individuals is really a powerful cognitive mechanism and something that's been thought of as uniquely human,” said Lewis. “Our study doesn’t determine they are doing this, but it raises questions about the possibility that they may have the ability to do so.”



The team hopes the findings will improve our understanding of great apes while shedding new light on how deeply they could be affected when poaching and deforestation separate them from their groupmates.



“This work clearly shows how fundamental and long lasting these relationships are. Disruption to those relationships is likely very damaging,” said Krupenye.



Looking ahead, the research team aims to investigate whether this remarkable social memory is unique to great apes or shared by other primates. They also plan to explore the richness of ape memories, probing whether they can remember experiences as vividly as they remember individuals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2304903120" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins University



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Apes recognize long-lost friends after decades

A new study from John Hopkins University reveals that apes...

Coral,Reef,At,Reef,Building,Coral,At,Bunaken,National,Marine

A recent study conducted by scientists at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> sheds light on the ability of certain coral species to withstand marine heat waves by "remembering" previous events. This phenomenon, known as ecological memory, appears to be intricately linked to the microbial communities living within the corals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-coral-resilience">Importance of coral resilience</h2>



Alex Vompe, the study's lead author and a doctoral student under microbiology professor Rebecca Vega Thurber, emphasized the importance of this finding. 



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-in-some-parts-of-the-world-actually-benefit-from-warming-el-nino-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coral reefs</a> are vital to our planet's ecosystem, but they face significant threats from various human-induced pressures, including climate change," Vompe stated. He highlighted the urgent need to understand how reefs adapt to increasing and repeated disturbances like marine heat waves, pointing out the potential role of coral microbiomes in this rapid adaptation process.



The study arrives at a critical time as marine heat waves are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Understanding and enhancing coral resilience is a key conservation goal. 



Vompe notes that recognizing the role microbes play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/recent-coral-recovery-in-the-great-barrier-reef-has-paused/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral adaptation</a> can significantly impact coral gardening and planting efforts. He also suggests that a deeper grasp of microbial processes and the organisms responsible for ecological memory could aid in developing probiotics or monitoring protocols to enhance coral health.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Corals</a>, though occupying less than 1% of the ocean, are home to nearly a quarter of all marine species. They play a crucial role in regulating the sea's carbon dioxide levels and are invaluable for scientific research, particularly in medicine. 



These fascinating organisms, consisting of interconnected polyps, house not only microscopic algae but also a diverse array of bacteria, viruses, archaea, and microeukaryotes, collectively known as the coral microbiome.



The symbiotic relationships within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-growth-cannot-keep-pace-with-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral reef ecosystem</a> are foundational. Microbes assist coral hosts in various vital functions, including cycling of essential elements and protection against pathogens. In return, the coral polyps provide nutrients and shelter to these microbes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coral-reefs-and-climate-change">Coral reefs and climate change</h2>



However, climate change poses a significant threat to these delicate relationships, with warming oceans potentially leading to the collapse of these symbiotic partnerships, a phenomenon known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deepest-known-coral-reef-bleaching-discovered-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral bleaching</a>. But, as Vompe points out, there is a glimmer of hope. 



"Acropora retusa, a prevalent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-coral-adaptations-challenge-conservation-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> species in the Mo'orean coral reef, displays a powerful ecological memory response to heat waves, hinting at a greater resilience to climate change than previously thought," he explains.



This conclusion was drawn from a five-year study conducted by Vompe, Vega Thurber, and their colleagues from various universities. They examined 200 coral colonies in a reef on the north shore of Mo’orea, French Polynesia, which had undergone a drastic ecological reset in 2010 due to natural disasters. 



This unique setting allowed the researchers to closely observe the coral's response to consecutive heat waves in 2016, 2017, 2018-2019, and 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-corals-survive-bleaching-by-remembering-0">Some corals survive bleaching by "remembering"</h2>



Vega Thurber noted that some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-skeletons-improve-reef-recovery-after-bleaching/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral</a> species seemed to maintain better health during subsequent heat waves, likely due to their exposure to past events. "The memory response of Acropora retusa was strongly linked to changes in its microbiome, supporting the idea that the microbial community plays a part in this process," she said.



Cauliflower corals in the genus Pocillopora also demonstrated resilience. Despite the initial disturbance caused by the 2019 heat wave, they recovered to their pre-disturbance state, even amidst the subsequent 2020 heat wave. The corals seemed to "remember" how to survive.



Vega Thurber attributes this resilience to the unique biological features of coral microbial communities. These include short generation cycles and large population sizes, which enhance adaptability and responsiveness to environmental change.



"In two of the three coral species we focused on, we observed initial microbiome resilience, host and microbiome acclimatization, or developed microbiome resistance to repeated heat stress," Vega Thurber concluded. "These patterns are consistent with the concept of ecological memory, highlighting the critical role of the microbiome in coral resilience."



In summary, this research not only sheds light on the complex interactions within coral ecosystems but also opens new avenues for conservation efforts and strategies to combat the effects of climate change on these vital organisms.



The full study, funded by the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a>, was published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17088" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Change Biology</a>,



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Some corals survive warming waters by 'remembering' heat waves

A recent study conducted by scientists at Oregon State University...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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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.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" 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 Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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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.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&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.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&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> Staff Writer 



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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



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The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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



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Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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



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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.



“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”



The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.



The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.



“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.



Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science



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



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Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.



"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.



"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."



"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."



According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.



"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."



Video Credit: ESA&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.

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes a new map of Mars that is providing insight into the planet’s watery past. The map also reveals where future missions could safely land on Mars.&nbsp;



The map has been created over the last decade using observations of water-rich rocks and mineral deposits. The images were captured by ESA’s Mars Express and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.



"A big surprise is the prevalence of these minerals, with the map revealing hundreds of thousands of water-affected locations in the oldest parts of the planet," says ESA. "The new data will help answer exciting questions about Mars’ climate history, whether water was globally persistent or confined to short, intense episodes, and whether the conditions were ever suitable for life."



"Specifically, the map shows the locations and abundances of aqueous minerals. These are from rocks that have been chemically altered by the action of water in the past, and have typically been transformed into clays and salts."



According to John Carter of the Institut d’Astrophysique Spatiale (IAS), our collective understanding of Mars has been oversimplified. He explained that planetary scientists have tended to think that only a few types of clay minerals on Mars were created during its wet period, then as the water gradually dried up, salts were produced across the planet.



The new map shows that the composition of Mars is much more complicated than what we thought. For example, while many salts formed after Martian clays, there are some salts that are presumed to be older than some of the clays.&nbsp;



“The evolution from lots of water to no water is not as clear cut as we thought, the water didn’t just stop overnight. We see a huge diversity of geological contexts, so that no one process or simple timeline can explain the evolution of the mineralogy of Mars. That’s the first result of our study. The second is that if you exclude life processes on Earth, Mars exhibits a diversity of mineralogy in geological settings just as Earth does,” said Carter.



Video Credit: ESA



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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.

The history of Mars is much more complex than we thought

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.stowers.org/">Stowers Institute for Medical Research</a> describes how cavefish adapted to a sedentary lifestyle over tens of thousands of years. 



The experts found that the muscle metabolism of cavefish has been genetically reprogrammed over time. As a result, the animals have experienced major changes in their morphology and behavior. Despite these changes, however, the cavefish remain healthy and fit.



The research may provide new clues about the evolutionary consequences of prolonged physical inactivity in humans.&nbsp;



“It’s no surprise that people are moving less and less as technology has advanced,” said Rohner. “With cavefish, we have a unique system where we can study what might happen if people remained couch potatoes over very, very long periods of time.”



Video Credit: Stowers Institute for Medical Research



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



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Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> some of the most incredible waves in the world, as seen by Landsat satellites.



"With more than 370,000 miles of coastline on Earth, there are plenty of places where epic waves build up, curl over, and hurtle toward the shore.- much to the thrill of surfers," says NASA. "There are some places where these waves are so magnificent that they can be seen from space."



"With the broad perspective of satellites, we can see how these iconic waves develop into the world’s tallest, longest, fastest, and heaviest."



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes why satellite images and measurements of our planet have become "essential to our survival, offering a new outlook of our world."&nbsp;



Rising sea levels pose one of the biggest societal threats associated with climate change. According to ESA, satellite altimeter missions such as Copernicus Sentinel-6 are essential in monitoring global and regional changes in sea level.



"Unbeknown to many, the island of Crete, Greece, plays an important role in the Copernicus satellite altimetry constellation and on an international stage," reports ESA.



"Satellite altimetry data have to be continuously monitored at the ESA’s Permanent Facility for Altimetry Calibration where different techniques have pioneered the use of transponders to provide the best measurements to validate satellite altimeters in space soon after launch."



Dr. Craig Donlon explains that, by understanding planet Earth through satellite measurements, we are able to find evidence of change.&nbsp;



Video Credit: European Space Agency&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

Satellites have become essential to our survival

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