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Sanjana Gajbhiye

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Rory Arnold

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Kyla is based out of California and serves as the Earth.com weekend editor. Kyla has written for numerous news outlets and has been a key contributor to the growth and development of Earth.com.

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Kay Vandette is a freelance writer and has written everything from film and food reviews to travel and lifestyle articles.
She has been featured in national publications and blogs and runs a website dedicated to providing tips for beginner freelance writers.
Kay is passionate about living a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle and loves writing for Earth.com.

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Katherine Bucko

At Earth.com, Jordan explores the latest scientific findings and shares stories that illuminate the beauty and intricacies of our planet. Covering topics ranging from environmental science to sustainable practices, Jordan’s articles aim to spark curiosity and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.

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Jordan Joseph

As a serial entrepreneur, Eric Ralls has long aspired to merge technology with a love for nature and our planet. Founder at Earth.com, EarthSnap, PlantSnap, redOrbit.  "My goal has always been to bring people back to nature, to help them realize that humanity is a part of nature, not 'apart' from nature," says <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eric Ralls</a>, Founder and CEO of EarthSnap. "Homosapiens are only one species out of over 8 million species of life with whom we share this planet. Yet humanity treats the earth like it is ours alone to do with as we please, even though we've only been here for a few hundred thousand years out of the 3.5 billion years that this beautiful blue marble has been zipping through the universe."
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&nbsp;

Connor Ertz

In my role as Chief News Editor, I strive to publish studies that are not only fascinating, but also informative. I am grateful for the opportunity to share urgent climate news with Earth.com readers all over the world. 

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Andrei Ionescu is a Staff Writer at Earth.com, covering the latest scientific discoveries in fields including health &amp; medicine, climate science, biology &amp; evolution, paleontology, astrophysics, chemistry, and geology. He holds a PhD from the University of Padua, Italy, and conducted extensive interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the sciences and the humanities at universities in various countries, which resulted in publications at Bloomsbury, Johns Hopkins University Press, and Taylor &amp; Francis.
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Andrei Ionescu

I am a biologist at heart, and interested in all aspects of the natural world. I studied a BSc in Zoology and Botany at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, and then received my PhD in Zoology at the same institution. I have subsequently spent much of my life teaching others about the fascinating natural world we have inherited. I am lucky enough to live in South Africa, where wildlife and wild places still abound. 

Writing for Earth.com is a privilege as it enables me to keep in touch with the latest research trends while also being able to inform others about the amazing science currently being done in the various fields of biology.

Alison Bosman

The solar system, billions of years old, holds many secrets about its formation. Among its fascinating residents is Chiron, a centaur orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. 



New findings by scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) shed light on this hybrid of comet and asteroid, revealing unprecedented insights into its surface chemistry and activity.



The study was led by Dr. Noemí Pinilla-Alonso of the University of Oviedo and Dr. Charles Schambeau from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Their findings could reshape our understanding of centaurs and the solar system’s early history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-capsules-of-the-solar-system">Time capsules of the solar system </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-objects-called-centaurs-29p-continue-to-perplex-nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centaurs</a> are objects with dual characteristics, straddling the line between asteroids and comets. 



Chiron, discovered in 1977, is unique even among centaurs. It exhibits comet-like behavior, including a coma - a cloud of gas and dust - alongside distinct surface and interior features.



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso emphasizes that centaurs act as “time capsules,” preserving information about the solar system’s formation. "All small bodies in the solar system talk to us about how it was back in time,” she explained. 



Chiron’s activity, driven by solar heating, offers a rare opportunity to explore these preserved secrets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-chemical-diversity-in-a-centaur">Unprecedented chemical diversity in a centaur</h2>



Using <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>, the team discovered that Chiron's surface hosts carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ice. Its coma contains methane and other gases, marking the first detection of such diversity in a centaur. 



“These results are like nothing we’ve seen before,” noted Dr. Schambeau from <a href="https://www.ucf.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCF</a>.



JWST’s advanced capabilities allowed the researchers to study Chiron even at its farthest point from the Sun. This distance usually limits the activity of similar objects, such as trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs).



Unlike <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/comet-will-be-visible-for-the-first-time-in-50000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">comets</a> closer to the Sun, Chiron’s thinner coma offers clearer insights into its surface chemistry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chiron-s-ice-and-gas-dynamics">Chiron's ice and gas dynamics</h2>



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso noted that Chiron’s dual nature makes it invaluable for studying processes in both comets and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a>. 



"What is unique about Chiron is that we can observe both the surface and the coma,” she said.



This dual observation provides critical information about the ice layer's thickness, porosity, and chemical properties.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2060-Chiron_coma_asteroid-comet-hybrid_credit-USF_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2060-Chiron_coma_asteroid-comet-hybrid_credit-USF_1s.webp" alt="Artist's impression of 2060 Chiron, an active centaur, surrounded by a faint disc of debris. Bright icy deposits and active areas are visible on its surface. Credtis: William D. González Sierra of the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida." class="wp-image-1954508"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Artist's impression of 2060 Chiron, an active centaur, surrounded by a faint disc of debris. Bright icy deposits and active areas are visible on its surface. Credtis: William D. González Sierra of the Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida.</figcaption></figure>



JWST’s observations revealed the coexistence of primordial ices, such as methane and water, and newer compounds formed through surface processes. 



“Every active centaur we observe shows some peculiarity,” said Dr. Pinilla-Alonso. Understanding these peculiarities may uncover patterns across these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/once-in-a-lifetime-comet-will-be-easily-visible-this-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enigmatic objects</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-oddball-among-centaurs">An oddball among centaurs</h2>



Chiron stands out due to its unusual behavior, including comet-like activity and potential rings of debris. 



Dr. Schambeau describes it as “an oddball” with a unique thermophysical process. He analyzed methane in Chiron’s coma, linking its outflow to sun-heated regions on its surface.



These findings deepen our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2060-chiron_debris-disk_asteroid-comet-hybrid_credit-USF_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">centaurs’ evolution and behavior</a>. 



Chiron’s dynamic environment provides clues about how solar heating influences its surface and subsurface, offering a glimpse into processes shaping similar bodies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-and-future-of-chiron">Origins and future of Chiron</h2>



Chiron likely originated in the TNO region before moving into its current orbit. Gravitational interactions with giant planets alter the paths of centaurs, exposing them to varied environments.



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso explained that centaurs typically remain in the giant planets’ region for about a million years before being ejected. “They may end their lives as Jupiter Family comets or return to the TNOs region."



Chiron’s journey across the solar system exposes it to solar radiation, driving surface changes and creating its unique chemical composition. 



Understanding this evolution provides valuable insights into the early solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-chiron-s-discovery">Broader implications of Chiron’s discovery</h2>



The study’s implications extend beyond Chiron. Identifying gases and ices on distant objects enhances our understanding of the solar system’s building blocks. 



These findings could also inform future research on centaurs and other icy bodies.



Dr. Pinilla-Alonso noted that JWST’s spectra revealed intricate details about Chiron’s ices and their interactions. "Based on our new JWST data, I’m not so sure we have a standard centaur."



Further studies may uncover shared traits among centaurs, offering a clearer picture of their origins and diversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-more-about-centaurs">Learning more about centaurs</h2>



The researchers from <a href="https://www.uniovi.es" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oviedo</a> and UCF plan to continue observing Chiron as it approaches the Sun.



Closer proximity will enable more detailed studies of its surface and coma, potentially uncovering new chemical and physical properties.



Future research may also explore seasonal variations and illumination effects on Chiron’s ice reservoir. Such studies could refine our understanding of how centaurs interact with their environments and evolve over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-mysteries-of-the-solar-system">Unveiling the mysteries of the solar system</h2>



The JWST, an international collaboration led by NASA, has revolutionized space science. 



Its ability to observe distant objects like Chiron is solving long-standing mysteries about the solar system and beyond. These discoveries highlight the telescope’s transformative impact on planetary science.



“JWST has made these detections accessible. These results enhance our understanding of Chiron’s interior composition and its unique behaviors,” concluded Dr. Schambeau.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-solar-system-exploration">New chapter in solar system exploration</h2>



Chiron’s unique chemistry and activity mark a significant milestone in understanding the solar system’s origins. 



The ongoing research, powered by JWST’s capabilities, promises to unravel more secrets about this enigmatic centaur and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">counterparts</a>.



Through Chiron, scientists are not just uncovering the past - they are laying the groundwork for future exploration of icy bodies across the solar system.



“The analysis of Chiron’s gases and ices opens new frontiers and opportunities for exciting research,” said Dr. Pinilla-Alonso.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/12/aa50124-24/aa50124-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy &amp; Astrophysics</a>.



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Rare asteroid-comet hybrid is unlike anything ever seen before

The solar system, billions of years old, holds many secrets...

Mexican,Ajolote,Or,Ambystoma,Mexicanum,Or,Old,Amphibian

You may have come across axolotls - those smiling amphibians with pink, plume-like gills - in pet stores, as plush toys, or even featured in video games. 



Yet, their growing presence in popular culture has emerged just as the wild population of this remarkable species faces critical endangerment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-axolotls-have-become-a-cultural-icon">Axolotls have become a cultural icon</h2>



James Monaghan, a biology professor at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, has long studied axolotls and their extraordinary regenerative capabilities. “Axolotls have just exploded in popularity the past couple of years,” he said. 



Monaghan recalled that when he began his PhD studies, the general public had little idea what an axolotl was.&nbsp;



“No one knew in the general public what an axolotl was, so I'd have to explain,” he remembered, contrasting that with today’s situation: “Now I just can say, 'Oh, I work on axolotls,' and everyone just lights up.”



Monaghan noted that young people, in particular, have been drawn to axolotls, most likely due to their aesthetic charm.&nbsp;



“They're pink, they have feathers,” he said. “Well, they don't really have feathers, but their gills are feathery. They have a constant little smile on their face. If you were to create a cute animal that you couldn't think existed naturally, it's kind of the axolotl. It's got the vibes of a dragon, but a nice dragon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-ancient-roots-to-gaming-stardom">From ancient roots to gaming stardom</h2>



The axolotl is no newcomer to cultural significance. “It's named after an Aztec god, Xolotl,” Monaghan explained, referencing its deep ties to Mexican heritage. Initially found in Lake Xochimilco near Mexico City, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-40-of-amphibians-face-extinction-due-to-escalating-climate-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibian</a>’s recent surge in popularity has transcended borders.



Its presence in mainstream culture can be traced in part to its introduction into the world of Minecraft, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-violent-video-games-impact-the-human-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video game</a> of immense popularity.&nbsp;



“Minecraft is enormously popular for young players. The game allows for social play, exploration, sandbox style play where you can make anything,” said Northeastern assistant professor of computer science Alexandra To. By featuring axolotls, the game inspires curiosity and a desire to learn.&nbsp;



“Minecraft provides players great intrinsic motivation to discover more about any new elements that are added to the game,” To added.



In some cases, this might involve players constructing elaborate environments to house every in-game creature. “As my own partner did, in embarking on a project to create an enormous zoo with every in-world animal,” she remarked.



Monaghan suggests that axolotls may have also influenced other media. “I don't know if it's actually the motivation for 'How To Train Your Dragon,'” he said, pointing out that the character Toothless resembles an axolotl with its perpetual smile and ear-like flaps suggesting feathery gills.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-of-axolotls-nbsp">Scientific significance of axolotls&nbsp;</h2>



While their looks and cultural presence have captured public affection, axolotls are scientifically remarkable as well. Their regenerative powers extend beyond limbs. Monaghan’s lab has found that they can regenerate a large portion or their lung.&nbsp;



“They are notoriously resistant to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-is-the-next-frontier-in-cancer-treatment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancers</a>, never get infections after an injury,” he said, and can live for up to two decades - qualities that have made them valuable subjects of study for generations.



“Axolotls are the longest standing lab animal of any animal, longer than flies, longer than worms, longer than mice,” Monaghan said. First collected in 1864 from Lake Xochimilco, their initial appeal stemmed from their unusual, fully aquatic life cycle.&nbsp;



Over time, they became critical for studies on genetics, development, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-sheds-light-on-the-pathways-of-plant-regeneration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regeneration</a>. With modern genetic tools like CRISPR, researchers can now pinpoint which genes drive their regenerative capabilities.



All lab and pet axolotls today descend from that original 19th-century population, and this lineage includes the distinct white axolotl familiar to fans worldwide.&nbsp;



“The white axolotl, which seems to be pretty much every stuffed animal that's out there, is actually a mutation of a single animal that was collected in 1864,” Monaghan explained. “You can get color variants, but the pink variety - that's from one founding animal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-species-in-peril">A species in peril</h2>



As axolotls capture hearts around the globe, their wild counterparts hover on the brink of extinction. Once, locals could easily scoop them from Lake Xochimilco’s waters.&nbsp;



“Maybe up to the 1950s, you could put a net in Lake Xochimilco, the canal system, and pull up adult axolotls. And then every decade since, it's just crashed,” Monaghan said. “To the point now that they're critically endangered, and it takes weeks to even find one.”



They are exquisitely sensitive to environmental changes. “Being an amphibian, you're at the whim of your environment. You're taking in everything through your water,” he explained.&nbsp;



Climate change warms these waters, making survival harder, while pollution and introduced species further destroy fragile habitats and devour axolotl eggs.



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



Given their success in captivity, one might assume we could simply return these lab and pet lineages to Lake Xochimilco. But it’s not that simple.&nbsp;



“It's probably not the best strategy to take a species that's been inbred since 1864 and reintroduce it into its natural habitat,” Monaghan said.&nbsp;



The modern axolotl has adapted to controlled conditions, while its original environment has changed drastically.&nbsp;



“We can't take the current axolotl and put it into the environment in Mexico City and expect them to thrive the same way as the original collection in 1864. The environment's changed, but the animals themselves have changed.”



Still, rising awareness may help efforts to protect the axolotl’s wild habitat. According to To, the team behind Minecraft has embraced conservation as part of its mission.&nbsp;



“Mojang has been pretty transparent about conservation as one of their core values,” she explained. “The inclusion of axolotls and their in-game rareness mirroring their real-world endangered status is a fantastic example of how game mechanics can reinforce educational messages.”



Monaghan is involved as well, serving on the advisory board of the Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center to support both scientific understanding and conservation. “Those direct efforts could really go a long way toward saving the axolotl,” he said.



All this attention suggests that the axolotl’s time has arrived. “All of a sudden, it seems to be absolutely everywhere,” Monaghan said.&nbsp; Yet, for all the joy and fascination these creatures provide, the work to secure their future in the wild is only just beginning.



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Axolotls have exploded in popularity, but they are also fighting extinction

You may have come across axolotls - those smiling amphibians...

Ants are capable of amazing feats, such as moving objects many times their size. A team of researchers in South Korea has introduced a swarm of magnetic robots that can replicate the extraordinary abilities of ants - and take them even further.



These tiny marvels aren't just mimicking nature; they're set to revolutionize how we approach complex tasks, from medical applications to industrial solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tiny-robots-for-big-tasks">Tiny robots for big tasks</h2>



Researchers at <a href="https://www.hanyang.ac.kr/web/eng" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hanyang University</a> in Seoul, South Korea, have replicated the power of a colony of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-are-now-using-cars-to-travel-spread-to-new-locations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> through an army of microbots. 



These tiny, magnetic robots can work together to perform tasks that would be impossible for a single robot. Peak performance by the microbots was observed when they were grouped in high aspect ratio assemblies.



These microbot armies proved capable of scaling obstacles five times their own length. They could even leap over obstacles one by one, like a sprinter jumping over a hurdle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mighty-microbots-in-action">Mighty microbots in action</h2>



Picture a battalion of 1,000 microbots forming a raft that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microrobots-tested-as-clean-up-crew-for-polluted-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">floats on water</a>. This synthetic raft could wrap itself around an object like a pill that weighs in at a whopping 2,000 times the weight of a single microbot.



The raft allowed the microbots to "transport" the pill through a liquid medium. But their usefulness isn't limited to water-based tasks.



On dry land, the microbots could also transport cargo that was 350 times heavier than each individual bot.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="tBvsOuomdi-4152689-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaborative-efforts-to-overcome-obstacles">Collaborative efforts to overcome obstacles</h2>



Inspiration for the design of the microbots was drawn from ants, which are known for their collaborative efforts to overcome obstacles and ensure their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-colonies-behave-like-neural-networks-when-making-decisions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collective survival</a>.



Just like ants, these robots can perform their programmed tasks despite their individual failures, eventually achieving the goal through collective effort.



"Swarm robotics has emerged as a promising methodology for accomplishing complicated tasks through collective behavior of multiple robots," wrote the researchers.



"A key feature of swarm robotics is fault tolerance: while a single robot or multiple robots in a swarm may fail to complete an allocated mission, other robots continue to perform their programmed motions until the mission succeeds."&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovation-in-robot-design">Innovation in robot design</h2>



Instead of using a conventional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-can-design-and-build-walking-robots-in-seconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robot design</a>, the team opted for cube-shaped microbots.



The change in shape allowed a larger surface area - the entire face of each cube - to make contact. This enabled stronger magnetic attractions between the microbots.



Each of these microbots stands only 600 micrometers tall and contains ferromagnetic neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) particles. This unique design allows them to respond to magnetic fields and interact with their fellow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-cannot-outrun-animals-but-theyre-evolving-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">robots</a>.



Manipulating the angle at which these microbots were magnetized resulted in the formation of different configurations. 



According to study co-author Jeong Jae Wie, a cost-effective mass-production method involving onsite replica molding and magnetization was developed to ensure uniform geometry and consistent performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-microbot-swarms">Future of microbot swarms</h2>



Despite the promising results, there are still improvements to be made. 



Although the microbots can climb, throw things over an obstacle and lift objects, they currently require external magnetic control and lack the ability to navigate independently in complex spaces such as actual narrow arteries.



However, upcoming research aims to enhance the autonomy level of these microbot swarms, focusing on real-time feed control of their movements and trajectories.



The work of the South Korean scientists captures the beauty of innovation at its finest - turning the ordinary into extraordinary.



As we watch the future of medical technology unfold, one thing is clear - these mighty microbots are just the beginning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-applications-beyond-medicine">Potential applications beyond medicine</h2>



While the magnetic microbots are making waves in medical technology, their potential applications extend far beyond the confines of healthcare.



The tiny robots could revolutionize industries such as environmental cleanup and manufacturing.



For instance, their ability to form rafts and transport objects could be adapted to help collect microplastics in oceans or deliver precise doses of chemicals in agriculture.



Additionally, their magnetic responsiveness makes them ideal candidates for assembling intricate components in electronics or even assisting in delicate tasks like repairing machinery in hard-to-reach areas.



Future advances in microbot autonomy could enable them to navigate complex environments independently, opening doors to breakthroughs in swarm-based logistics systems, disaster response technologies, and more.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2666998624005830" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Device</a>.



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Magnetic microbots can replicate the extraordinary abilities of ants

Ants are capable of amazing feats, such as moving objects...

It is a fascinating fact that a swirl of stars, light-years away from us, shares an uncanny resemblance to our home galaxy, the Milky Way.



A group of astronomers has stumbled upon a galaxy in the making that appears to be a mirror image of what our Milky Way might have resembled during its early stages.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firefly-sparkle-and-the-milky-way">Firefly Sparkle and the Milky Way </h2>



Nestled among the cosmos, this nascent galaxy, known as the "Firefly Sparkle," presents an awe-inspiring spectacle. Its unique similarity to a fledgling Milky Way has sparked curiosity among astronomers worldwide.



What makes this discovery even more interesting is the striking timeframe in which the galaxy seems to have come into existence - a mere 600 million years after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, the cosmic event that created the universe as we know it.



This is around the same era that our own galaxy started to form, which adds an additional layer of fascination.



The splendor of the Firefly Sparkle is vividly showcased through images that have been captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.



The images reveal the spectacular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clusters of stars</a> that form the galaxy, each twinkling into existence at different periods. This multifarious formation is another attribute that the Firefly Sparkle shares with the Milky Way.



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



Study co-lead author Professor Lamiya Mowla, a distinguished astronomer at <a href="https://www.wellesley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellesley College</a>, emphasized the importance of the discovery.



"These remarkable images give us an unprecedented picture of what our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> might have looked like when it was being born," said Professor Mowla.



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Adding to the significance of the discovery, the size of the Firefly Sparkle mirrors the estimated mass of the Milky Way during its early developmental stages.



This feature sets the newly found galaxy apart from other celestial bodies detected in the same era, which are considerably larger in mass.



"By examining these photos of the Firefly Sparkle, we can better understand how our own Milky Way took shape," explained Professor Mowla.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-galaxies-in-the-early-universe">Evolution of galaxies in the early universe</h2>



The mission of observing and understanding the structure and evolution of astronomical bodies in the early universe is of paramount importance. 



This type of research requires a deep investigation into the development of stars, star clusters, galaxies, and galaxy clusters in the early universe and their transformation over time.



"I didn't think it would be possible to resolve a galaxy that existed so early in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-confirms-hubble-constant-our-understanding-of-universe-expansion-very-wrong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> into so many distinct components, let alone find that its mass is similar to our own galaxy's when it was in the process of forming," said Professor Mowla.



The tiny Firefly Sparkle galaxy, with its wide array of star formation stages, is shedding new light on our own Milky Way and its past. The images will serve as the basis for extensive study and learning for years to come.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-firefly-sparkle-and-galaxy-formation">Firefly Sparkle and galaxy formation</h2>



The discovery of the Firefly Sparkle is not just a marvel in itself but also a foundation for unraveling the broader mysteries of galaxy formation and evolution.



By analyzing its unique star clusters and mass distribution, astronomers can trace the intricate processes that likely occurred during the Milky Way's infancy. 



These findings allow scientists to refine existing models of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, and offer a clearer timeline of how cosmic structures transitioned from chaotic gas clouds to the organized systems we see today.



Moreover, the Firefly Sparkle provides a rare opportunity to study star formation in an environment untouched by later cosmic influences, such as galactic mergers or dark matter interactions. 



This glimpse into a pristine galaxy in the early universe helps researchers identify the key factors that shaped not only the Milky Way but also other spiral galaxies scattered across the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-the-james-webb-space-telescope">The power of the James Webb Space Telescope </h2>



As the James Webb Space Telescope prepares to reveal even greater insights, the Firefly Sparkle may mark the beginning of a series of unprecedented discoveries, each deepening our understanding of the universe's distant past.



“This is just the first of many such galaxies JWST will discover, as we are only starting to use these cosmic microscopes,” noted Maruša Bradač from the <a href="https://www.uni-lj.si/en/university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Ljubljana</a>. 



“Just like microscopes let us see pollen grains from plants, the incredible resolution of Webb and the magnifying power of gravitational lensing let us see the small pieces inside galaxies.”



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08293-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)



Video Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center



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Young galaxy shows us what the early Milky Way looked like

It is a fascinating fact that a swirl of stars,...

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Xiao and his team studied the evolution of ancient marine eukaryotes, which are organisms with cells that have a nucleus. These early eukaryotes were the ancestors of animals, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ferns-evolving-backward-a-new-look-at-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plants</a>, and fungi, and thus they paved the way for complex life on Earth.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questions-raised-by-the-findings">Questions raised by the findings</h2>



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



For instance, why did eukaryotic evolution remain so slow and stable during the "boring billion," a period marked by low species turnover? What triggered the rapid evolutionary changes after the Snowball Earth events, when the planet thawed from extreme glaciation?



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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