The morning ritual of walking the dog might be more than just a daily chore for older adults. New research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has revealed the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults.



The researchers found that walking a dog frequently can improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and lower the fear of falling - an important factor in maintaining independence and quality of life as people age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-falls-major-concern-for-older-adults">Falls: Major concern for older adults</h2>



Falls are a leading cause of hospital admissions among <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/not-all-aging-cells-are-bad-some-help-to-heal-the-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older people</a> and the most common cause of accidental death in later life. 



They often lead to fractures, including hip fractures, which can result in a loss of independence, increased reliance on healthcare services, admission to nursing homes, and even premature death. 



In Ireland, <a href="https://tilda.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TILDA</a> data shows that around 30% of people over the age of 70 experience a fall every year, and one in eight require emergency care due to a fall.



With an aging population, the number of older adults experiencing falls will only increase in the coming decades. 



This makes fall prevention a critical issue. Identifying simple, cost-effective strategies to reduce the risk of falls is essential for improving public health and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. 



Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to maintain strength, balance, and mobility, but finding enjoyable and sustainable ways to stay active is key.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-walks-benefit-older-adults">Dog walks benefit older adults</h2>



The study analyzed data from over 4,100 adults aged 60 and older who participated in TILDA Wave 5. 



The team categorized participants into two groups: those who walked their dogs at least four times a week and those who either did not own a dog or owned a dog but did not walk it regularly.



By using self-reported data on falls and fear of falling, combined with objective mobility assessments through the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, the researchers were able to determine whether regular dog walking had a measurable impact on fall risk and mobility.



The TUG test is a well-established method used to assess mobility and fall risk in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-undergo-very-rapid-change-aging-at-two-very-specific-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adults</a>. Participants are timed as they stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down again. 



The time taken to complete the task is a strong predictor of fall risk, with slower times indicating reduced mobility and a higher likelihood of falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regular-dog-walks-and-improved-mobility">Regular dog walks and improved mobility </h2>



The results of the study showed a clear link between regular dog walking and improved mobility. Participants who walked their dogs frequently completed the TUG test significantly faster than those who did not, with an average time of 10.3 seconds compared to 11.7 seconds for the group that did not walk a dog regularly.



This suggests that regular dog walking helps maintain agility and physical function, both of which are critical for preventing falls.



In addition to better mobility, regular dog walkers were also found to be 40% less likely to experience unexplained falls. 



This is a significant finding, as falls often lead to serious injuries and long-term disability. By engaging in regular walking with a dog, older adults may improve their balance and coordination, making them less prone to sudden falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-fear-of-falling">Reduced fear of falling</h2>



Another important outcome of the study was the reduction in fear of falling among dog walkers. Fear of falling is a major concern for many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older adu</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/muscles-defy-aging-with-remarkable-resilience/">lts</a> and can lead to a cycle of inactivity, reduced confidence, and further mobility decline. 



The study found that participants who walked their dogs regularly were 20% less likely to report fear of falling. This suggests that dog walking not only has physical benefits but also plays a crucial role in maintaining psychological well-being and confidence in mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-walking-is-more-than-just-exercise">Dog walking is more than just exercise</h2>



While physical activity in general is known to have numerous health <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-25-years-of-research-revealed-about-brain-aging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a>, this study suggests that the specific activity of dog walking provides unique advantages. 



Unlike structured exercise programs, which some older adults may find difficult to maintain, walking a dog is an enjoyable and routine-based activity that provides both motivation and companionship.



"While this may be partly due to increased physical activity, it is also likely that increased social interaction, companionship, and purpose derived from having a dog also plays an important role,"&nbsp;said Professor Robert Briggs, consultant geriatrician at St James’s Hospital and Trinity College, and co-author of the study.&nbsp;



"We see how important pets are in the lives of older people we encounter both in St James's Hospital and the TILDA study, and it is therefore heartening to see the benefits borne out in this study."



"Our findings highlight the value of regular dog walking as a simple and accessible activity that not only improves physical health but also has benefits for mental well-being and confidence among older adults," said study lead author Dr. Eleanor Gallagher, Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine from <a href="https://www.tcd.ie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trinity College Dublin</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-encouraging-healthy-aging">Encouraging healthy aging</h2>



The study reinforces the idea that health-promoting activities should be both enjoyable and easy to incorporate into daily life. 



Walking a dog provides structure, companionship, and motivation - elements that help older adults stay consistent with their physical activity. Unlike other forms of exercise, which may feel like a chore, dog walking offers a sense of purpose and social connection, making it more sustainable over the long term.



For older adults looking to improve their mobility, reduce their risk of falls, and maintain their independence, adopting or regularly walking a dog may be a simple yet highly effective solution. 



The benefits extend beyond just physical health, contributing to overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discrimination-speeds-up-aging-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-being</a> and a higher quality of life in later years. 



As research continues to highlight the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, studies like this one offer practical and accessible strategies to help older adults age healthily and confidently.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/advance-article/doi/10.1093/gerona/glaf010/7951863?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences</a>. 



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Dog walking improves mobility and prevents falls in older adults

The morning ritual of walking the dog might be more than just a daily chore for older adults. New research from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin has revealed the significant benefits of regular dog walking for older adults. The researchers found that walking a dog frequently can improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and lower the fear of falling - an important factor in maintaining independence and quality of life as people age. Falls: Major concern for older adults Falls are a leading...

Have you ever wondered why animals engage in group hunting only to divide the spoils later? Turns out, there's more to it than just the thrill of the chase.



A research team from the Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence (SCIoI) embarked on an aquatic adventure to answer this question.



In collaboration with experts at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) and the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), the team dived into the ocean off the coast of Mexico to observe the striped marlin's hunting strategies in nature's wildest theater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-the-catch">What's the catch?</h2>



Interestingly enough, it all boils down to the speed of the prey. The faster the prey school flees, the higher the capture rate.



Why? Because as the school scurries away at a high pace, individual fish are more likely to break away from the pack. And these lonesome <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-discovery-large-sharks-are-hunting-each-other/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a> are nothing less than easy pickings for the non-attacking marlins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantage-of-group-hunting">Advantage of group hunting</h2>



On dry land, there is evidence showing that predators have a higher success rate when they chase groups of prey - targeting the slower, weaker animals that fall behind. The question was whether this strategy applies to the open ocean.



“Little is known on this topic for predators that hunt in groups in the open sea, as it is difficult to record the attack and capture rates of several predators together with the positions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators and prey</a>,” explained&nbsp;Professor Jens Krause, a behavioral ecologist and co-first author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-speed-in-group-hunting">Need for speed in group hunting</h2>



Meet the striped marlin (Kajikia audax), one of the ocean's most epic hunters. These behemoths, armed with spear-like mouth appendages, are renowned for their cooperative hunting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orcas-have-hunting-and-eating-habits-that-we-never-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strategy</a> to round up schools of small fish.



Using intricate underwater and aerial photography, the research team took to the seas, observing the marlins' movements while hunting approximately 30 kilometers off the coast of northern Mexico.



The experts collected data on the attack and capture rates during different states of the prey school's movements.



The researchers found that chasing schools of prey at high speed resulted in a greater number of isolated targets for the marlins. The likelihood of a fish breaking away from the school was directly associated with the speed of the school.



An increase of just 0.1 meters per second in the school's speed boosted the probability of isolation by a whopping 18 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-group-cohesion-among-prey">Group cohesion among prey</h2>



Understanding the dynamics of group cohesion among prey is crucial to comprehending the hunting success of predators like the striped marlin. 



In schools of fish, cohesion serves as a defense mechanism, decreasing the likelihood of any individual being singled out. This collective movement disrupts predator-promoting strategies, creating a bewildering spectacle of flashes and turns. 



However, as marlins capitalized on disorder within the ranks, it raises intriguing questions about the nexus of cooperation and competition within both predator and prey communities. 



The marlin's ability to exploit breaks in cohesion demonstrates nature's intricate checks and balances, where equilibrium often dictates survival and success.



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



The work led by <a href="https://www.scienceofintelligence.de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SCIoI</a>, <a href="https://www.hu-berlin.de/de" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HU Berlin</a>, and <a href="https://www.igb-berlin.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGB</a> delivers vital implications for understanding marine ecosystems and the role of apex predators like the striped marlin. 



By highlighting the importance of water dynamics and prey behavior in shaping predator-prey interactions, this research sheds light on the delicate balance of aquatic food webs. 



The findings emphasize the interconnectedness within marine ecosystems and highlight the potential impacts of environmental changes on predator efficacy and prey vulnerability. 



As climate change alters ocean temperatures and currents, continued exploration of these dynamics is essential to predict and mitigate future ecological shifts, ensuring the health and resilience of marine biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advantage-of-rapid-group-hunting">Advantage of rapid group hunting </h2>



The marlins' group hunting strategy doesn't necessarily mean every marlin has to actively chase the school. Fish that become isolated from the school are quickly snapped up by nearby marlins. 



According to Korbinian Pacher, a behavioral biologist and co-first author of the study, the research clearly shows the advantage of rapid group hunting for predatory fish.



“The rapid movement of the swarm of prey makes it easier to isolate and catch individual fish. This significantly increases the hunting success of the group of marlins,” noted Pacher. 



Dr Matthew J. Hansen, who led the study, said that another interesting aspect of group hunting at high speed is that in this form of hunting, prey also falls to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-animal-day-2024-building-a-legacy-of-compassion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> that are not actively attacking the prey school.



"This effect probably favors group hunting in striped marlins and may be a principle that applies to many large predatory fish in the open sea that join together to hunt schooling fish," concluded Dr. Hansen. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.14638" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Functional Ecology</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Striped marlin demonstrate the advantages of group hunting

Have you ever wondered why animals engage in group hunting...

Struggling with the bathroom scale or sighing into the mirror doesn't expose the hidden secrets of aging. What if standing on one leg to test your balance is a more accurate gauge of aging than changes in strength or walking style?



Balance, muscle strength, and gait are essential to independence and well-being as people age. Improving leg balance is crucial in maintaining these aspects.



Scientists studied how these factors change and at what pace to develop effective programs for healthy aging. The good news? People can train their balance without special equipment and maintain it over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-on-one-leg">Balancing on one leg</h2>



40 spry, independent individuals over 50 were central figures in a study measuring their walking ability, balance, grip strength, and knee strength.



They braced themselves on force plates under various situations. This included standing on both feet with eyes open and closed, and standing on their non-dominant and dominant leg with eyes open.



The most significant revelation? Standing on the non-dominant leg showed the highest rate of decline with age, highlighting the importance of consistent leg balance exercises.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-the-balance">The science behind the balance</h2>



"Balance is an important measure because, in addition to muscle strength, it requires input from vision, the vestibular system and the somatosensory systems," says <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/biographies/kaufman-kenton-r-ph-d/bio-20054278?mc_id=us&amp;utm_source=newsnetwork&amp;utm_medium=l&amp;utm_content=content&amp;utm_campaign=mayoclinic&amp;geo=national&amp;placementsite=enterprise&amp;invsrc=other&amp;cauid=100721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenton Kaufman, Ph.D.</a>, senior author of the study and director of the <a href="https://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/motion-analysis/overview?mc_id=us&amp;utm_source=newsnetwork&amp;utm_medium=l&amp;utm_content=content&amp;utm_campaign=mayoclinic&amp;geo=national&amp;placementsite=enterprise&amp;invsrc=other&amp;cauid=100721" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Motion Analysis Laboratory</a> at Mayo Clinic. "Changes in balance are noteworthy. If you have poor balance, you're at risk of falling, whether or not you're moving. Falls are a severe health risk with serious consequences."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-aspects-of-aging">Other aspects of aging</h2>



In addition to balance, the study measured participants' grip and knee strength using custom-made devices.



Both showed significant declines by decade, but not as much as balance. Grip strength decreased faster than knee strength making it another <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monthly-aging-treatment-helps-you-live-long-die-healthy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">potent predictor</a> of aging.



Gait parameters didn't change with age, and there were no substantial age-related declines in strength tests tied to gender. This suggests age impacted male and female subjects alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-implications">Practical implications</h2>



Understanding the nuances of the research has implications for everyday practice including those endeavoring to sustain functional independence as they age. Maintaining good leg balance significantly helps.



Engaging in exercises that enhance balance seamlessly incorporate into daily routines without requiring complex equipment or specialized training environments.



Simple practices such as standing on one leg while brushing teeth or incorporating tai chi and yoga into weekly activities positively influence balance and reduce the risk of falls.



Emphasizing balance-enhancing activities is the cornerstone of a robust <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-undergo-very-rapid-change-aging-at-two-very-specific-times/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">approach to aging healthily</a>, aligning with the study’s insights into maintaining physical autonomy.



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



The study's findings signal new horizons in gerontological research, highlighting the necessity to explore the multifaceted nature of aging including leg balance.



Future studies will delve deeper into the interplay between neural feedback and physical performance over time. They could consider psychological and lifestyle factors that might mitigate or accelerate age-related declines in balance and strength.



Longitudinal studies involving diverse populations help craft personalized intervention programs tailored to individual strengths and limitations.



By advancing the understanding of these dynamics, researchers better equip societies with the tools to support aging communities to maintain their quality of life and well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-long-should-we-balance-on-one-leg">How long should we balance on one leg?</h2>



So, where do researchers go from here? Dr. Kaufman believes people can take steps to train their balance such as standing on one leg.



Coordinating the muscle responses required for leg balance helps maintain overall stability. If a person can stand on one leg for 30 seconds, they're doing well.



"If you don't use it, you lose it. If you use it, you maintain it," Kaufman said. "It's easy to do. It doesn't require special equipment, and you can do it every day."



As people <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-bodies-begin-breaking-down-very-precise-age/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">age</a>, staying active becomes more crucial, and this research highlights the importance of balance in daily routines.



Balance isn't just about standing up straight. It's about embracing a healthier, more dynamic way of aging.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0310764" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLoS ONE</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Leg balance is a key indicator of healthy aging

Struggling with the bathroom scale or sighing into the mirror...

Enigmas of life are often hidden in unexpected places, and the python offers a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of human physiology. Surprisingly, we can find answers to human intestinal regeneration by studying the remarkable pythons.



Let's unravel the intriguing connection between the regenerative abilities of boas, pythons, and the human digestive system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intestinal-regeneration-humans-and-pythons">Intestinal regeneration, humans, and pythons</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toxic-chemicals-from-food-production-pass-into-the-human-body/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human body</a> is a marvel of nature, constantly replenishing itself. A prime example of this is the lining of our intestines. Our bodies regularly repair and replace it to keep up with our dietary needs. 



This turnover of cells is driven by stem cells that originate in the tiny pits scattered throughout our intestine known as intestinal crypts.



However, the same mechanism doesn't apply to all creatures. A case in point is infrequently feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/move-over-burmese-pythons-these-snakes-are-the-true-eating-champions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snakes</a> like boas and pythons. These creatures don't have intestinal crypts but display a considerable degree of intestinal regeneration.



Without a meal for weeks, their intestines shrink and become practically non-functional. Within 48 hours of feeding, though, their intestines radically regenerate, more than doubling in mass and reforming the cells and structures necessary for food digestion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regeneration-ability-of-pythons">Regeneration ability of pythons</h2>



A team of scientists from <a href="https://www.uta.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas at Arlington</a>, <a href="https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UT Southwestern Medical Center</a>, and <a href="https://www.ua.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the University of Alabama</a> embarked on an intriguing journey to uncover how these massive snakes accomplish this feat. 



They focused on understanding the intestinal regeneration process in pythons hoping that this would provide valuable insights into human gastrointestinal diseases like diabetes, celiac disease, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-with-pet-dogs-have-a-lower-risk-of-crohns-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crohn's disease</a>, and cancer.



The researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate. The key discovery was that pythons use conserved pathways similar to those found in humans but trigger them uniquely.



The study further revealed that the signaling pathways directing python regeneration bear significant resemblance to the ones seen in humans after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery for weight loss and type 2 diabetes treatment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-best4-cells">Shedding light on BEST4+ cells</h2>



The researchers also highlighted the significance of a particular intestinal cell type called BEST4+ cells.



These cells, present in both pythons and humans but absent in commonly studied mammals like mice, are powerful orchestrators of the initial phases of regeneration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zooming-out-to-the-bigger-picture">Zooming out to the bigger picture</h2>



The findings unearthed in this study have profound implications for understanding intestinal physiology across varied species, including humans. 



They offer a fresh perspective on the intersections between intestinal regeneration and the body's metabolic adjustments in response to changes like nutrient availability and stress. 



These insights may ultimately lead to novel therapeutic approaches for treating intestinal or metabolic diseases.



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



In the end, the question remains, can studying snakes boost our comprehension of human health? According to the scientists, the answer is a resounding "yes."



By expanding our knowledge about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-humans-have-shockingly-different-digestive-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive functions</a> in different creatures, we gain a broader understanding of the evolutionary design of these vital body functions. 



This knowledge will shape our perception of the human body with the ultimate aim of enhancing the treatment and prevention of many common human <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">digestive disorders</a>.



The world within us is intricate and incredibly dynamic. As we explore into it, aided by unexpected allies like pythons, we continue to unravel intriguing stories that could illuminate the path to healthier lives for millions around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-python-regeneration">Harnessing python regeneration </h2>



The potential for translating python intestinal regeneration into human medical treatments is an exciting frontier. 



By understanding how pythons regenerate their intestines so rapidly and efficiently, researchers believe this knowledge can be applied to develop new therapies for gastrointestinal disorders.



The unique pathways activated during python regeneration may hold the key to stimulating similar processes in humans, allowing for faster recovery from injuries or surgeries.



Furthermore, the discovery of BEST4+ cells, which play a critical role in both python and human regeneration, opens the door to targeted therapies that could harness these cells’ natural regenerative powers. 



By exploring these biological parallels, scientists hope to one day engineer treatments that can mimic the extraordinary healing abilities found in the animal kingdom, ultimately improving human health.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Python gut regeneration offers clues for treating human diseases

Enigmas of life are often hidden in unexpected places, and...

Deep in the cosmos, quasars shine brightly. Their luminescent cores showcase the activity of supermassive black holes at the heart of a galaxy.



Tracking quasars back to the early days of the universe, several hundred million years after the Big Bang, a cosmic conundrum emerges. How did these luminous and massive quasars come to be?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outshining-entire-galaxies">Outshining entire galaxies </h2>



Quasars, short for "quasi-stellar objects," are incredibly bright and energetic regions found at the centers of some distant galaxies. They are powered by supermassive black holes that actively consume surrounding material.



As this material (often gas and dust) spirals into the black hole, it heats up and emits enormous amounts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. 



This process makes quasars some of the brightest objects in the universe, often outshining entire galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-with-mysterious-origins">Quasars with mysterious origins</h2>



Attempting to unravel the mystery of early quasars' rapid growth, some experts have suggested they emerged from regions abundant with primordial matter. This results in smaller galaxies populating quasar fields. 



A study led by astronomers at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> is now challenging this theory. 



The researchers uncovered ancient quasars floating alone when the universe was relatively young - between 600 and 700 million years old.&nbsp;



The experts explained that luminous quasars are expected to reside in massive overdensities at early cosmic times, which implies that one should find a high number of companion galaxies in their vicinity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-challenge-prevailing-theories">Observations challenge prevailing theories</h2>



The team used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to peer back more than 13 billion years. They looked at five quasars and found a staggering diversity in the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/merging-quasars-cosmic-dawn-reveal-how-early-universe-formed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasar fields</a>."



As predicted by original models, some quasars inhabit crowded fields with more than 50 neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. However, some defy predictions, drifting in isolation with only a small number of galaxies nearby.



These solitary quasars raise questions. How could luminous objects form early in the universe without a significant reservoir of matter to fuel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> growth?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-in-the-middle-of-nowhere">Quasars in the middle of nowhere</h2>



Anna-Christina Eilers, the lead scientist on the project and assistant professor of physics at MIT, elaborated on the study's findings.



“Contrary to previous belief, we find on average, these quasars are not necessarily in those highest-density regions of the early universe," noted Eilers. "Some of them seem to be sitting in the middle of nowhere.”



The quasars may not be as solitary as they seem. Galaxies could surround them but be concealed by dust and hidden from view.



The research team aims to fine-tune their observations and seek out clues on how these quasars grew so large (so quickly) in the early universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasar-neighborhoods-a-varied-landscape">Quasar neighborhoods: A varied landscape</h2>



For this study, the scientists used the JWST to investigate the environments of five of the earliest known&nbsp;quasars. Despite their age, the objects still manage to retain their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quasar-j0529-4351-brightest-object-ever-seen-eats-one-star-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luminosity</a>. 



Quasars cast their light across the expanse of the universe and JWST’s sensitive detectors find it.



“It’s just phenomenal that we now have a telescope that can capture light from 13 billion years ago in so much detail," said Eilers.



"For the first time, JWST enabled us to look at the environment of these quasars, where they grew up, and what their neighborhood was like."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lonely-quasars-and-our-understanding-of-the-universe">Lonely quasars and our understanding of the universe </h2>



Ultimately, the study creates more questions than answers. The isolation of some quasars goes against models predicting quasar formation in regions populated with smaller galaxies - a result of dark matter attracting gas and dust.



“Our results show that there’s still a significant piece of the puzzle missing of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-spots-two-supermassive-black-holes-spiraling-on-collision-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> grow," said Eilers. 



"If there’s not enough material around for some quasars to be able to grow continuously, that means there must be some other way that they can grow, that we have yet to figure out."



The enigma of lonely quasars challenges our understanding of the universe, particularly black hole growth, and pushes scientists to question and refine current models.



The research is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad778b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Lonely quasars in the early universe cannot be explained

Deep in the cosmos, quasars shine brightly. Their luminescent cores...

Imagine gazing into the endless cosmos and discovering a hidden population of brown dwarfs deep within a distant star cluster named NGC 602. 



Located in the outskirts of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way approximately 200,000 light-years from Earth, the brown dwarf cluster is unlike anything observed locally. 



Its environment mirrors the early universe with limited elements heavier than hydrogen and helium and dominated by dark clouds of dense dust. This unique setup coupled with a richness in ionized gas signals ongoing star formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-young-brown-dwarfs">Searching for young brown dwarfs </h2>



An international team of astronomers embarked on a quest to examine this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hyades-star-cluster-may-contain-the-closest-black-holes-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star cluster</a> using the James Webb Space Telescope.



The goal was to uncover young brown dwarf candidates outside of the Milky Way, a feat that has never been attempted before.



“Only thanks to the incredible sensitivity and resolution in the right wavelength range we are able to detect these objects at such great distances," said study lead author Peter Zeidler, an expert at the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>.



"This has never been possible before and also will remain impossible with telescopes on the ground for the foreseeable future.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-world-of-brown-dwarfs">The world of brown dwarfs</h2>



What exactly are brown dwarfs? Picture them as the more substantial siblings of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant gas planets</a>. Their mass usually falls roughly 13 to 75 times that of Jupiter, and they are not gravitationally bound to any stars.



Brown dwarfs bear an uncanny resemblance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> and share similar atmospheric compositions and storm patterns.



“Until now, we’ve known of about 3,000 brown dwarfs, but they all live inside our own galaxy,” said Elena Manjavacas, an astronomer at the European Space Agency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-telescope-duo-hubble-and-webb">The dynamic telescope duo: Hubble and Webb</h2>



The discovery highlights the synergistic relationship between the Hubble and Webb telescopes in unraveling the mysteries of young stellar clusters.



Antonella Nota, executive director of the <a href="https://www.issibern.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Science Institute</a> in Switzerland and the previous Webb Project Scientist for ESA, emphasized the significance of this collaboration.



“Hubble showed that NGC602 harbors very young low mass stars, but only with Webb we can finally see the extent and the significance of the substellar mass formation in this cluster. Hubble and Webb are an amazingly powerful telescope duo!” Nota said.



“Brown dwarfs seem to form in the same way as stars, they just don’t capture enough mass to become a fully-fledged star. Our results fit well with this theory," noted Zeidler.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-image-of-a-star-cluster">Incredible image of a star cluster</h2>



The team’s data includes a new image from Webb’s Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam) of NGC 602. 



The image shows the cluster stars, young stellar objects, and surrounding gas and dust ridges. It captured many background galaxies and stars from the Small Magellanic Cloud.



This achievement represents the first detection of giant exoplanet analogs beyond the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



“We need to be ready for groundbreaking discoveries in these new objects!” Manjavacas said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-brown-dwarf-exploration">The future of brown dwarf exploration</h2>



This discovery marks the beginning of what could be a new chapter in brown dwarf research.



"Although further detailed work is required to quantitatively derive the initial mass function and confirm the true nature of the brown dwarf candidates, this discovery is particularly relevant in the effort to refine our understanding of the subsolar mass function at very low metallicities and young ages," wrote the researchers.



As astronomers push the boundaries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a>, the next steps involve studying the atmospheres and compositions of these enigmatic objects.



Brown dwarfs bridge the gap between stars and planets and help scientists better understand the formation of both.



With the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities, scientists can observe these objects in remarkable detail.



The power of the JWST will allow researchers to confirm the presence of brown dwarfs in the Small Magellanic Cloud and uncover additional substellar objects beyond the Milky Way. 



This research could greatly expand our knowledge of how stars, planets, and exoplanet analogs form and evolve across the universe.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad779e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, P. Zeidler, E. Sabbi, A. Nota, M. Zamani



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Brown dwarfs detected outside the Milky Way for the first time

Imagine gazing into the endless cosmos and discovering a hidden...

EarthCARE, a scientific endeavor by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has delivered the initial images from its cutting-edge onboard instruments.



These images confirm that the instruments can work together to accurately measure how clouds and aerosols influence the heating and cooling of our atmosphere.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enigma-of-earth-s-energy-balance">The enigma of Earth's energy balance</h2>



Earth's energy balance is a crucial aspect of the climate. It represents the total energy the Earth receives from the Sun, contrasted with the thermal radiation it pushes into space.



Regulated by various factors such as greenhouse gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-clouds-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a>, aerosols, and more, this balance is vital in maintaining Earth's climate.



Even though clouds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> cool the atmosphere, there is an intricate interplay between them and heat exchange, and the process isn't completely understood.



With the launch of EarthCARE in May 2024, scientists inch closer to unraveling these mysteries and obtaining a detailed understanding of how clouds and aerosols deflect incoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/suns-fury-secrets-of-solar-energy-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energy</a> back to space and trap outgoing infrared energy.



"Although we are still in the early stages of the mission and busy with the satellite’s commissioning phase, the results we present today are truly remarkable," said Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes.



She further emphasized the effectiveness of the combined measurements and their role in achieving mission objectives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-earthcare-s-instruments">Insights from EarthCARE's instruments</h2>



The preliminary data provided an extensive view from Central Europe to Sweden. It uncovered the signatures of a thunderstorm over northern Italy, near Milan. 



EarthCARE’s cloud profiling radar, supplied by JAXA, provided information on the vertical structure and internal dynamics of the clouds.



Simultaneously, the atmospheric lidar profiled aerosols and thin clouds, and the multispectral imager provided a broad-scene overview in multiple wavelengths.



The broadband radiometer measured the reflected solar radiation and outgoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-prefire-satellites-monitor-polar-heat-emissions-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infrared radiation</a> from Earth.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="L4ysArmZGd-3949490-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-synergy">The power of synergy</h2>



A detailed look at the synergy between EarthCARE's instruments reveals interesting findings. 



The multispectral imager provided an overall scene context, focusing initially on the recent thunderstorm over northern Italy and northern Corsica.



This storm led to severe flooding in Italy's Emilia Romagna region and was part of a larger system associated with Storm Boris wreaking havoc in parts of Central Europe.



The synergy becomes more apparent when focusing near the top of the cloud. The cloud profiling radar and lidar provided complementary data, allowing for more detailed cloud characterization.



These initial synergistic results reveal cooling and warming effects at different altitudes, providing key insights into the role clouds and aerosols play in atmospheric temperature regulation.



The animation also highlighted cirrus clouds over Sweden, part of a high-altitude ice-cloud formation.



Despite the thin clouds allowing sunlight to pass through, they trapped thermal radiation emitted from Earth,creating an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-some-lakes-resist-the-heat-of-atmospheric-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric warming</a> effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cirrus-clouds-and-climate-science">Cirrus clouds and climate science</h2>



By studying a significant portion of the cirrus cloud, scientists observed how the cloud absorbed both solar radiation from above and thermal radiation from below.



This information helped scientists understand the overall heating effect of the climate and contributed to a broader understanding of climate science.



Even in regions where the cloud thickened and larger ice particles formed, which blocks the thermal radiation from Earth, the cloud top cooled by emitting thermal radiation into space.



Despite localized cooling effects, cirrus clouds contribute to the overall warming of the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-capability-of-earthcare">Unique capability of EarthCARE</h2>



According ESA EarthCARE mission scientist Thorsten Fehr, having the data available at this early stage is a testament to the outstanding work of his team, particularly the scientists who developed these data products.



"This highlights EarthCARE’s unique capability to simultaneously provide direct measurements of both clouds and aerosols, enabling an unprecedented assessment of their impact on climate," said Fehr.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-steps-in-earthcare-s-mission">Further steps in EarthCARE’s mission</h2>



Hitonori Maejima, senior chief officer on Earth observation missions at JAXA, believes EarthCARE's ability to capture different types of clouds and aerosols and their function symbolizes the collaboration between <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a> and <a href="https://global.jaxa.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAXA</a>.



As scientists continue to collect and analyze data, there will be more enlightening discoveries and a better understanding of our planet's climatic mechanisms.



Image Credit: ESA Earth Online



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

EarthCARE reveals the power of clouds and aerosols

EarthCARE, a scientific endeavor by the European Space Agency (ESA)...

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they face a growing crisis. These ecosystems support countless marine species and over a billion human lives. 



Overfishing, irresponsible tourism, coastal construction, nutrient runoff, and climate change are all threats to coral reefs.



However, hope is not lost. In a recent study, scientists used the sounds of healthy reefs to coax new coral species into existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-sounds-and-coral-restoration">Reef sounds and coral restoration</h2>



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> discovered the sounds of a flourishing reef inspire a new generation of coral life. Their research focused on golfball <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-superhighway-connects-remote-coral-reefs-seychelles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral larvae</a>, tiny organisms that signal the birth of new corals.



The sounds of the reef draw the larvae and they choose to settle and grow in these areas.



“Acoustic enrichment is continuing to show promise as a technique to enhance coral settlement rates,” said Nadège Aoki, a doctoral candidate at the institution.



This technique worked on two coral species and indicates potential as a broad-based tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restored-coral-reefs-can-bounce-back-in-just-four-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef restoration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-language-of-corals">Decoding the language of corals</h2>



The underwater journey of a coral larvae is fascinating. Searching for the perfect place to mature into adulthood, the tiny organisms drift through the ocean. They use cues from chemicals, light, and sound to choose their new home.



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-coral-reefs-crackle-with-the-sounds-of-busy-inhabitants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy coral reef</a> is a symphony of purrs and grunts from fish, along with the persistent crackle of snapping shrimp. It is music to a coral larva's ears.



On the other hand, a sick, silent reef signals the organisms to keep searching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-draw-of-healthy-reef-sounds">The draw of healthy reef sounds </h2>



In an experiment in the summer of 2022, Aoki and her team collected golfball coral larvae from the U.S. Virgin Islands.



The scientists divided the larvae and placed them in two quiet, sandy bays. One bay had a solar-powered speaker playing the sounds of a nearby healthy reef. 



After 24 hours, about 30 percent of the larvae exposed to the sounds settled and began to grow. After 48 hours, the settlement rates were around 73 to 85 percent.



Despite the experiment's small scale, a similar tank-based experiment echoed the results. 



Golfball coral larvae showed significantly higher settlement rates when exposed to healthy reef sounds during their first 36 hours. After this window, the settling rate remained the same regardless of the sound cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crunch-time-for-coral-settlement">Crunch time for coral settlement</h2>



Senior author and marine biologist Aran Mooney explained the time-sensitivity of this process. “Acoustic enrichment worked for 36 hours or so. After that, they seem desperate to settle, and healthy cues become less important.”



Golfball corals have a short window of opportunity in their larval stage. Without the resources to float around for weeks, they settle within 8 to 36 hours of being released into the water.



Early on, sound cues play a crucial role. As time runs out, they settle anywhere.



“We’re getting at some of the nuances of coral biology,” Aoki said. “There’s a huge range of reproductive strategies that corals use, and different species have different larval periods. We’re opening up this broad range of questions about how responsiveness to sound will vary between species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-for-coral-reef-restoration">A symphony for coral reef restoration</h2>



The researchers also noted corals responded to auditory cues in tanks where sound reflections, aerators, and water filters make acoustics less ideal. This discovery simplified the process of getting corals to reproduce and settle in land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nurseries</a>.



There is no single solution suitable for all coral species worldwide. Aoki and her team believe acoustic enrichment combined with an understanding of local ecology and coral biology can be an effective tool for restoration.



“Finding a second species settling in response to sound shows that this isn’t just a one-off, and maybe we can really scale this up,” Mooney said. 



“But we can’t just throw a speaker over the side of a boat and think it’s going to work. We have to know the system and it has to be integrated with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-coral-adaptations-challenge-conservation-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> and restoration efforts.”



In the quest to protect and restore the ocean’s coral reefs, the solution might lie not in our hands, but in our ears as the tiny organisms listen to the symphony of life produced by reefs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jel/article/4/10/107701/3317630/Replayed-reef-sounds-induce-settlement-of-Favia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JASA Express Letters</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Healthy reef sounds inspire coral larvae growth

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they...

Betelgeuse, the tenth-brightest star visible from Earth, is at the center of a surprising finding making waves in the astronomical community. Recent observations challenge long-standing assumptions about the star's behavior.



Once thought to be solitary, new research suggests the star's pulsating light may not be an impending supernova, but the presence of an unseen companion star orbiting the bright giant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-betelgeuse-have-a-companion">Does Betelgeuse have a companion?</h2>



The yet-to-be-seen stellar companion has been humorously named "Betelbuddy" by research scientist Jared Goldberg from&nbsp;Flatiron Institute’s&nbsp;Center for Computational Astrophysics. He said it behaves like a "celestial snowplow."



As it orbits Betelgeuse, the companion star scatters light-obscuring dust, temporarily brightening Betelgeuse’s natural luminosity.



This led the team to explore the idea that Betelgeuse’s observed light pulsing is due to the interference of Betelbuddy.



“We ruled out every intrinsic source of variability that we could think of as to why the brightening and dimming was happening in this way," said Goldberg. "The only hypothesis that seemed to fit is that Betelgeuse has a companion."



Goldberg collaborated with Meridith Joyce from the <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wyoming</a> and László Molnár from Konkoly Observatory at the <a href="https://csfk.hun-ren.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences</a> in Hungary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-betelgeuse-s-mysterious-pulses-explained">Betelgeuse's mysterious pulses explained</h2>



Betelgeuse, a massive red giant star, is nearing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end of its life</a>, transitioning into its final stages.



The star brightens and dims rhythmically like a celestial heartbeat with a shorter "heartbeat" period lasting just over a year and a longer, more enigmatic cycle spanning six years. The cause behind these mysterious fluctuations has puzzled scientists.



Traditionally, experts attributed the shorter cycle to Betelgeuse's fundamental mode - an intrinsic pattern of brightening and dimming from within the star. 



However, scientists suspected the longer cycle to be influenced by an external factor. This curious external variability led researchers to explore the possibility of an unseen companion star lurking in Betelgeuse’s shadow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sowing-the-seeds-of-a-new-theory">Sowing the seeds of a new theory</h2>



Researchers explored this long secondary period and examined whether internal processes within the star like churnings or periodic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-magnetic-fields-leave-marks-on-nuclear-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> transformations could be the cause.



Leveraging the power of advanced computer simulations and observational data on Betelgeuse, the team gravitated towards the idea of Betelbuddy.



"Nothing else added up," Goldberg said. “Basically, if there’s no Betelbuddy, then that means there’s something way weirder going on - something impossible to explain with current physics.”



The nature of Betelbuddy remains speculative but logic suggests it’s a star of at least twice the mass of our sun.



“It is difficult to say what the companion actually is beyond providing mass and orbital constraints. A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-sun-like-stars-with-secret-companions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunlike star</a> is the most probable type of companion, but that is by no means conclusive,” Joyce said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-betelbuddy-s-existence">Confirming Betelbuddy’s existence</h2>



Even as the theory takes hold, it is still hypothetical. The experts seek to gather concrete visual evidence of Betelbuddy using telescopic images.



The team will play paparazzi, trying to capture images of the Betelbuddy with telescopes during a potential window of visibility around December 6th.



"We need to confirm that Betelbuddy actually exists, since our result is based on inference, not on direct detection," said Molnár. "So we're working on observation proposals now."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-team-science">The power of team science</h2>



The researchers highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that this study was only possible through team science.



“Without each of us considering this problem from very different angles - László as an expert in space-based observations and data analysis, Jared as someone who studies and simulates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive stars</a>, and myself as a 1D modeler - the work wouldn’t have been possible," Joyce said. 



"I want to thank the Flatiron Center for Computational Astrophysics in particular for creating an environment in which pulling together such a diverse range of scientists is possible."



And so, the celestial investigation continues. The discovery of Betelbuddy could redefine scientists' understanding of Betelgeuse, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/betelgeuse-one-of-our-brightest-stars-will-vanish-from-sight-next-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> that “has been the target of countless studies since the dawn of modern astrophysics," Molnár said. 



"And yet, there's still room to make significant new discoveries: in this case, a sunlike star hiding in plain sight, in the immense glare of a red supergiant. That is what excites me the most.”



The study is published in The Astrophysical Journal.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Supergiant star Betelgeuse may have a 'buddy' causing it to flicker

Betelgeuse, the tenth-brightest star visible from Earth, is at the...

We've known for a long time that military sonar, widely used for submarine detection and naval operations, can have devastating effects on dolphin populations. Now, however, researchers are learning that sonar is more harmful to dolphins than previously believed.



Scientists from UC Santa Cruz and their collaborators have achieved something monumental -- they've managed to directly measure the behavioral responses of these dolphins and unraveled some surprising findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sonar-sound-surprise">Sonar sound surprise</h2>



In a recent study, the international team sampled dozens of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-dolphin-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin groups</a>. They simulated and activated operational military sonars in controlled conditions, and then keenly observed how these dolphins reacted. 



“We see clear evidence of acoustic responses -- fine-scale changes in movement including directed, sustained, strong avoidance, and changes in group configurations,” said lead author Brandon Southall, a <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a> research associate and senior scientist at Southall Environmental Associates (<a href="https://sea-inc.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEA</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphins-reaction-to-sonars">Dolphins reaction to sonars</h2>



To observe these fast and playful creatures, the scientists had to employ advanced methods and technologies. They utilized aerial drone imagery, underwater listening devices, and even shore-based visual observatories.



John Durban, a co-author of the study and a senior scientist at SEA, explained how they further developed drone photogrammetry.



"In this study, we have been able to further develop this technique to geolocate dolphins with centimeter-level precision, enabling changes in behavior to be quantified in an objective way," noted Durban.



This combination of methodologies created a comprehensive picture of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>, renowned for their sociability, respond to sonic disturbances.



“While these behavioral changes occur and persist on variable time scales, they are surprising in that they collectively demonstrate responses at sound levels that are orders of magnitude lower than predicted in current regulatory impact assessments. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-smile-at-each-other-when-they-are-feeling-playful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These animals</a> are clearly much more sensitive to noise exposure than we thought," Southall explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-sonar-on-dolphins">Impacts of sonar on dolphins</h2>



These social dolphins, often seen in groups that could range into the hundreds or even thousands, regularly come across potent military sonar systems. 



Worryingly, these systems are known to disturb, harm, and even kill other species. The study proposes that millions of animals might be impacted annually, despite past assessments predicting otherwise.



The findings of this study have profound implications for marine conservation efforts, particularly regarding human-induced noise pollution. 



With the revelation that dolphins are more susceptible to sonar disturbances than previously assumed, there is an urgent call for reevaluating current naval practices. 



This knowledge urges policymakers and environmentalists to integrate more stringent regulations on sonar usage, ensuring the preservation of marine life integrity. 



By aligning scientific insights with conservation policy, there is a potential to mitigate some of the anthropogenic impacts on these intelligent creatures.



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



The research team emphasizes the need for continued investigations into the long-term impacts of noise exposure on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pebanista-yacuruna-giant-dolphin-species-discovered-peru-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> and their ecosystems. 



Future studies could expand to include a broader range of species and environmental scenarios, ultimately enriching our understanding of marine acoustic ecology. 



The deployment of novel technologies, as demonstrated in this study, provides a promising pathway for comprehensive, non-invasive monitoring of marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-environmental-impacts">Broader environmental impacts</h2>



This study focuses on dolphins, but its findings are important for all marine life. 



Military sonar and other human-made noises impact many species, messing with their behaviors, habitats, and ways of communicating. 



By showing how vulnerable dolphins are to these disturbances, it highlights the urgent need for better protection of our oceans.



We must take a holistic approach to ocean conservation, recognizing the complex relationships within marine ecosystems and working to reduce human stressors. 



Protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean biodiversity</a> is vital not just for marine species, but for the health of our planet, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-concerns-on-sonars-and-dolphins">Increased concerns on sonars and dolphins</h2>



In recent times, the rising number of mass strandings of cetaceans coinciding with the operation of naval sonar systems has flagged concern regarding the potential threats posed by noise exposure. 



“Understanding how these animals respond to these types of acoustic signals is important for mitigating the impacts that this type of disturbance can have on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/dolphin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-magical-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social animals</a> that rely on acoustics for communication, feeding, and other critical facets of their lives,” said study co-author Caroline Casey, a researcher at UC Santa Cruz.



By advancing research in this field, scientists aim to promote deeper insights into interspecies interactions and ecological resilience, paving the way towards more informed and effective environmental stewardship.



So, the next time you think about dolphins, remember the other side of their story -- the one that we humans play a part in. What can we do to ensure their environment remains safe? Let's mull over that for a bit. After all, isn't awareness the first step towards change?



-----



The team also included Ari Friedlaender, a professor of ocean sciences at UC Santa Cruz, and a number of collaborators from institutions in the United States and the Netherlands.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science.</a>



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Military sonar does a lot more damage to dolphins than previously disclosed

We've known for a long time that military sonar, widely...

Imagine, if you can, a place where every lungful of air doesn't quite fulfill your body's needs. Yet, despite such challenging conditions, Tibetan women residing on the high Tibetan Plateau with low oxygen have been surviving and thriving for over 10,000 years.



Now that's what you call an art of survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tibetan-survival-code">Tibetan survival code</h2>



The credit for unraveling this mystery goes to a team led by Cynthia Beall, a Distinguished University Professor Emerita at <a href="https://case.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Case Western Reserve University</a>. 



The study uncovers how Tibetan women's physiological adaptability allows them to reproduce efficiently in such an oxygen-poor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cascading-oxygen-loss-could-endanger-our-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environment</a> -- an environment that would wind most of us in no time.



Beall asserts that these findings not only highlight the impressive resilience of Tibetan women but also offer valuable insights into how humans might adapt in extreme environments. 



These insights could potentially guide us to respond to future environmental challenges and shed light on the pathobiology of people suffering from illnesses related to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) at all altitudes.



"Understanding how populations like these adapt gives us a better grasp of the processes of human evolution," notes Beall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxygen-delivery-traits-in-tibetan">Oxygen delivery traits in Tibetan</h2>



The focused study revolved around 417 Tibetan women aged between 46 to 86, who live between 12,000 and 14,000 feet above sea level in Upper Mustang, Nepal. 



The research team comprised of Beall and her colleagues collected data on the women's reproductive histories, physiological measurements, DNA samples, and social factors.



Their goal was to comprehend how oxygen delivery traits amidst high-altitude hypoxia influence the number of live births -- a key metric to measure <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-life-and-environment-co-evolved-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolutionary fitness</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-in-thin-air">Breathing in thin air</h2>



Beall and her team made an interesting discovery. The women who had borne the most children exhibited unique blood and heart traits that enhanced their bodies' oxygen-delivery efficiency. 



These women reported higher oxygen saturation, leading to efficient oxygen delivery to cells without increasing blood's viscosity (thickness). And the less the blood's viscosity, the less strain on the heart—quite a neat trick.



"This is a case of ongoing natural selection. Tibetan women have evolved in a way that balances the body's oxygen needs without overworking the heart," Beall affirms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tibetan-adaptation-to-low-oxygen">Tibetan adaptation to low oxygen</h2>



The remarkable physiological adaptations to low oxygen observed in Tibetan women are underpinned by unique genetic variations that have been naturally selected over millennia. 



Studies utilizing genomic analysis have identified particular alleles associated with hemoglobin concentration and efficient oxygen uptake, which are less prevalent in populations residing at lower altitudes. 



One significant gene, EPAS1, often dubbed the "super athlete gene," has been highlighted for its role in enabling these populations to thrive in oxygen-scarce environments. 



This genetic distinction is a testament to how human populations can evolve distinct biological traits in response to environmental pressures, thus contributing to our understanding of human genetic diversity and evolution.



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



Understanding these adaptations of Tibetan women to low oxygen environments not only enriches our comprehension of evolutionary biology but also holds promise for advancing medical science. 



Insights from this research could be critical in developing treatments for conditions caused by hypoxia, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and certain cardiovascular ailments. 



Moreover, studying genes like EPAS1 may spur innovations in enhancing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/at-what-age-do-olympic-athletes-perform-their-best/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">athletic performance</a> or aiding in the safe habitation of high-altitude regions. 



Future research could explore how the integration of traditional Tibetan lifestyle practices with genetic predispositions contributes to these adaptive traits, potentially revealing further genetic markers involved in high-altitude survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tibetan-evolution-and-low-oxygen">Tibetan evolution and low oxygen</h2>



In 2019, Beall's interdisciplinary research team, which includes Brian Hoit and Kingman Strohl from the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and other U.S. and international researchers conducted fieldwork. They collaborated with local communities in the Nepal Himalayas and hired local women as research assistants.



The team's investigation centered on a genetic trait likely inherited from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denisovans</a>, who lived in Siberia approximately 50,000 years ago.



The descendants of these Denisovans later migrated onto the Tibetan Plateau. The studied trait is a variant of the EPAS1 gene, unique to the indigenous populations of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-snow-leopards-and-nomads-coexist-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tibetan Plateau</a>. It regulates hemoglobin concentration.



Other traits enhancing oxygen delivery, such as increased blood-flow to the lungs and wider heart ventricles, were also examined. These traits contributed to greater reproductive success.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration-from-tibetan-women">Inspiration from Tibetan women</h2>



So, this is the story of how Tibetan women with their unique physiological traits have been showing us a live demonstration of survival, adaptation, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/embracing-stress-mindset-is-actually-a-good-thing-for-athletes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> in action for the last 10,000 years, despite having less oxygen around. 



Isn't it fascinating to see how the human body can adapt and evolve to survive and thrive with such low levels of oxygen? It indeed offers a glimpse into seeing evolution in action and the remarkable tenacity of the human spirit.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2403309121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Tibetan women have quickly evolved to thrive in low oxygen and high altitudes

Imagine, if you can, a place where every lungful of...

A special collaboration between NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and New Horizons spacecraft had them simultaneously focus their viewfinders on Uranus.



The goal? To gather data from two distinct perspectives and enhance the knowledge of exoplanets -- planets outside our solar system, similar to Uranus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stellar-duet">Stellar duet</h2>



The astronomers used Uranus as a proxy for similar planets outside the solar system.



They utilized <a href="https://stsci-opo.org/STScI-01J99DT656ES1S81V71V8ND40R.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-resolution images</a> from Hubble and contrasted them with the distant perspective of New Horizons.



The intention was to better predict what scientists see when imaging <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-exoplanets-could-have-enough-water-to-be-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> through future telescopes.



"While we expected Uranus to appear differently in each filter of the observations, we found that Uranus was actually dimmer than predicted in the New Horizons data taken from a different viewpoint," said Samantha Hasler, the lead scientist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (<a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a>) and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/new-horizons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Horizons</a> science team collaborator.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-exoplanets">Shedding light on exoplanets</h2>



One of the primary methods to learn more about exoplanets is direct imaging.



This process involves gathering light from the observed planet and comparing its brightness at different wavelengths. The exoplanets extreme distance from Earth makes imaging difficult. 



Scientists chose Uranus because many known exoplanets are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas giants</a> and New Horizons was on Uranus's far side, approximately 6.5 billion miles away. 



This acreated a unique opportunity to study the planet’s twilight crescent -- an impossible feat from Earth's perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-perspective-on-uranus">Different perspective on Uranus</h2>



New Horizons could only perceive Uranus as a few pixels in its camera. Hubble is stationed in its low-Earth orbit and captured detailed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric features on Uranus</a>.



"Uranus appears as just a small dot on the New Horizons observations, similar to the dots seen of directly-imaged exoplanets from observatories like Webb or ground-based observatories. Hubble provides context for what the atmosphere is doing when it was observed with New Horizons," Hasler further noted.



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



The gas giant planets in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> have dynamic and unpredictable atmospheres with changing cloud formations.



This collaborative mission compared Hubble's detailed view of Uranus to the observational data from New Horizons. This improved scientists' understanding of atmospheric changes in exoplanets.



New Horizons distinct vantage point allowed researchers to discover that planets reflect light differently, depending on their phase.



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



NASA has several major observatories in development to advance humanity's understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-telescopes-can-directly-detect-signs-of-alien-life-in-exoplanet-atmospheres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet atmospheres</a> and their potential habitability.



Optimism surrounds these upcoming missions as they promise to shed light on distant worlds and refine the search for habitable planets beyond the solar system.



"Studying how known benchmarks like Uranus appear in distant imaging can help us have more robust expectations when preparing for these future missions," Hasler said. "And that will be critical to our success."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizons-contribution">New Horizons contribution</h2>



NASA launched New Horizons in January 2006. It has contributed to a better understanding of the solar system and its farthest regions.



It conducted a historic pass of Pluto and its moons in 2015, providing detailed close-up images and data.



In 2019, New Horizons followed up with an in-depth exploration of Arrokoth, a remote planetary building block in the Kuiper Belt, offering insights into early solar system formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-uranus-to-understand-exoplanets">Using Uranus to understand exoplanets</h2>



This collaborative exploration of Uranus by Hubble and New Horizons is a step towards enhancing scientists' understanding of exoplanets.



This exploration provided information to better understand Uranus and equipped scientists with insights on what to expect from future missions to exoplanets.



The results of this collaborative study will be presented at the upcoming 56th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

New photos of Uranus from Hubble and New Horizons

A special collaboration between NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and New...

Multiwavelength View of a Turbulent Stellar Nursery

Deep within the constellation Orion lies a tumultuous spectacle: the genesis and growth of newborn stars. This grand display features glowing clumps known as Herbig-Haro objects (HH 1 and HH 2), approximately 1,250 light-years away from our planet.



The incandescent cloud floating above the radiant star at the top-right corner of the <a href="https://cdn.esahubble.org/archives/images/large/potw2242a.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spectacular image</a> is HH 1. Its counterpart, HH 2, manifests as the cloud on the lower left side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-are-born">Stars are born</h2>



However, the pride of place in this image is neither of these visible objects, but a clandestine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star system</a>, responsible for their creation. 



This system is shrouded in an intense veil of dust clouds at the very heart of the image.



A riveting scene unfolds through the thick cloud -- a luminous gas outflow streaming out from one of the stars obscured within the cloud. 



This swift <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/garden-sprinkler-s-shaped-jet-found-distant-neutron-star-circinus-x1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">jet</a> of energetic particles was once believed to emanate from the bright star nestled between the gas jet and the HH 1 cloud.



Contrary to this presumption, this twinkling entity is now known to be an irrelevant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mini-neptune-toi-4633c-habitable-zone-binary-star-system-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">double star</a> that took form in the vicinity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-herbig-haro-objects">Herbig-Haro objects </h2>



Named after American astronomers George Herbig and Guillermo Haro, these objects are vivid clumps sprung around some nascent stars. 



A result of violent collisions between high-speed jets of gas expelled from <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/messier-78-young-stars-carve-cavities-in-the-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">young stars</a> and the surrounding gas and dust. 



In an event documented in 2002, Hubble's keen observations unveiled that sections of HH 1 were propelling at a staggering speed exceeding 400 kilometers per second (approximately 248 miles per second)!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orion-stars-through-hubble-s-lens">Orion stars through Hubble's lens</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>'s Wide Field Camera 3 captured this turbulent scene using 11 varied filters at infrared, visible, and ultraviolet wavelengths.



Each filter is designed to be sensitive to a particular slice of the electromagnetic spectrum. 



This specificity enables astronomers to zero in on intriguing processes emitting light at distinct wavelengths, thereby unlocking mysteries of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-discoveries-of-orion-stars">Future discoveries of Orion stars</h2>



Two groups of astronomers requested these Hubble observations for separate studies. 



The first was an attempt to explore the structure and motion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-supersonic-outflow-of-young-star-hh-211/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Herbig–Haro</a> objects visible in the image, providing a more profound understanding of the physical processes occurring when outflows from young stars collide with the surrounding gas and dust.



Meanwhile, the second study took a different route and examined the outflows themselves, setting the stage for future observations. 



These endeavors are crucial in preparing for the impending launch of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>).



The Webb, with its sophisticated ability to peer beyond the dust clouds that swaddle young stars, is anticipated to revolutionize the study of outflows from young stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifecycles-of-stars">Lifecycles of stars</h2>



The life of a star is nothing short of dramatic. Born within thick clouds of gas and dust, these stars go through a chaotic and explosive start. 



In regions like the one pictured in <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/skywatching-in-february-2022-venus-jupiter-and-orion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a>, newborn stars are often hidden, shrouded by dense clouds as they struggle to emerge. 



As they grow, they release streams of material that interact with their surroundings, carving out the intricate structures we see in these stellar nurseries.



But what makes this journey even more intriguing is how different tools reveal different parts of the story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-orion-stars-discovery">Significance of Orion stars discovery</h2>



Hubble has given us a beautiful snapshot of these early stages, but the Webb telescope, with its advanced technology, will be able to see even deeper into these dusty cocoons. 



Webb will provide a clearer picture of how these young stars evolve from tiny sparks to fully-fledged celestial objects.



Astronomers are eagerly awaiting the next big discovery. Every bit of knowledge we gain about these star-forming regions brings us closer to solving the cosmic puzzle of our universe’s past. 



It’s amazing to realize that by studying Orion stars, we’re also uncovering clues about how solar systems, planets, and possibly even life itself came to be.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Beautiful stellar nursery in the Orion constellation captured by Hubble

Deep within the constellation Orion lies a tumultuous spectacle: the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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 city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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 province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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 rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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 Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"]</div>



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)



---



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.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

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



---



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.

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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

[sendtonews key="qas3EhyI0Y-2220951-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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.

Cavefish are healthy despite their sedentary lifestyle

[sendtonews key="vpljfR2VBX-2560867-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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.

Satellites capture the world's biggest and fastest waves

[sendtonews key="MHyhtebibJ-2200368-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

[sendtonews key="761m2QQvR1-2035772-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...