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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Messier 78: Young stars shine through dense dust

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

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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies. 



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



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. 



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-blue-giants">Significance of blue giants</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. 



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Despite its considerable size, Pangong Lake is relatively shallow. 



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films - most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China.



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the aftermath of devastating floods in the Valencia region of Eastern Spain.&nbsp;



On October 29, 2024, torrential rainfall unleashed nearly a year’s worth of precipitation in just eight hours, leading to catastrophic flash floods that affected a vast area from Málaga to Valencia. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flash-floods-in-valencia">Flash floods in Valencia </h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-floods-are-set-to-become-much-more-common-in-the-u-s/">Floodwaters</a> submerged entire neighborhoods and agricultural lands. Many roads and infrastructure were overwhelmed almost instantly, stranding vehicles and prompting widespread evacuations. Water levels rose faster than emergency services could respond.



One resident of Paiporta, near Valencia, told the BBC that when the water started to rise it was "like a tsunami wave."



“In a matter of minutes, flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain swept away everything in their path. With no time to react, people were trapped in vehicles, homes and businesses,” reported the Associated Press.



More than 200 people were killed and thousands of people were rescued. According to SOS Desaparecidos, as many as 1,300 people remained unaccounted for on Friday, three days after the floods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnitude-of-the-tragedy-nbsp">Magnitude of the tragedy&nbsp;</h2>



Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, said: “The fact that we can’t give a number of the missing persons indicates the magnitude of the tragedy.”&nbsp;



Some areas, including the Spanish town of Alfafar, are completely cut off from communication.&nbsp;



Juan Ramón Adsuara, the mayor of Alfafar, said the aid isn't nearly enough for residents trapped in an "extreme situation."



"There are people living with corpses at home. It's very sad. We are organizing ourselves, but we are running out of everything," Adsuara told reporters. "We go with vans to Valencia, we buy and we come back, but here we are totally forgotten."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-warning-was-not-issued-in-time">Government warning was not issued in time</h2>



On Tuesday morning, Spain's meteorological agency Aemet warned that torrential rains were forecast for the region of Valencia, before issuing a&nbsp; "maximum red alert.”



Carlos Mazon, Valencia’s regional president, said the government sent out an SMS alert reserved for the “worst possible scenario.” But according to a report from CNN, that alert was sent hours too late.



“By 5 p.m., Valencia’s emergency services were swamped by hundreds of pleas for help throughout the region,” wrote Atika Shubert, a CNN Senior International Correspondent.



“It was at 8 p.m. that cell phones finally buzzed with the public alert telling residents to stay indoors. Much too little, much too late, even for those downstream of the raging water who might otherwise have had time to prepare.”



The BBC also noted that many people have questioned the timing of the government's warning, which arrived more than 12 hours after Aemet issued its first red alert.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-in-a-warming-climate">Extreme weather in a warming climate</h2>



The deadly floods in Valencia were primarily caused by an extreme weather event that brought record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-events-are-interconnected-around-the-globe/">rainfall</a>. The intense downpour was fueled by unusually warm Mediterranean Sea temperatures, which increased moisture in the atmosphere and intensified the rainfall.&nbsp;



Climate experts link this phenomenon to climate change, as warmer seas lead to more frequent, severe storms. The combination of heavy rain and the region's limited drainage capacity led to flash flooding, overwhelming local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-floods-its-not-just-about-rainfall/">infrastructure</a>.



Rising ocean temperatures are largely driven by increased greenhouse gases that trap more heat in the atmosphere. Oceans absorb about 90% of this excess heat, leading to warmer waters, especially near the surface.&nbsp;



This warming disrupts marine ecosystems, contributing to coral bleaching and altering habitats for species like fish and marine mammals.



With the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">climate crisis</a> intensifying, experts warn that warmer ocean temperatures will heighten the risk of rapid, destructive rainfall events.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-deadliest-flood-in-europe-this-century-nbsp">Second-deadliest flood in Europe this century&nbsp;</h2>



Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the disaster was the second-deadliest flood in Europe this century and that Spain was carrying out its largest deployment of army and security force personnel in peacetime. The country was sending 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police officers to the eastern region of Valencia on Saturday.



Four days after the devastating floods, rescuers are still searching for bodies. Thousands of volunteers are helping to clean up the thick mud that covers streets, homes, and businesses in the hardest-hit towns.&nbsp;



Prime Minister Sanchez responded to people who expressed they feel abandoned with no help or communication in the days following the tragic flooding.



“I am aware the response is not enough, there are problems and severe shortages… towns buried by mud, desperate people searching for their relatives.”



"For those who at this moment are still looking for their loved ones, the whole of Spain weeps with you."



According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/">ESA</a>, the Copernicus Emergency Rapid Mapping Service has been activated to provide satellite imagery that can support rescue and recovery efforts.



Image Credit: USGS, processed by ESA&nbsp;



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Valencia floods: A tragedy fueled by extreme weather

Satellite,Photo,Of,Ice,Pattern,,Aerial,Top,View,Of,Blue

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice age, Earth was a giant frozen snowball. As the ocean chemistry started to change and the ice began to melt, Earth's surface transformed into what scientists are calling a "slushy" planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-last-global-ice-age">Understanding the last global ice age</h2>



During a period of time ranging from 635 million to 650 million years ago, Earth went through an intense global ice age known as "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/past-snowball-earth-conditions-drove-evolution-complex-multicellular-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowball Earth</a>." 



During this time, glaciers covered almost the entire planet, from the poles all the way to the equator. The oceans were capped with thick layers of ice, and the continents were buried under massive ice sheets. 



It was so extreme that if you were looking at Earth from space, it would have looked like a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-complete-record-of-snowball-earth-found-in-rock-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant snowball</a>, hence the nickname.



Life back then was pretty simple, mostly microscopic organisms living in the oceans. These tiny life forms had to survive under the ice, where some sunlight could still filter through. 



Volcanic activity continued beneath the icy surface, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-was-a-giant-snowball-700-million-years-ago-and-now-scientists-know-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tens of millions of years</a>, this buildup of greenhouse gases eventually warmed the planet enough to start melting the ice. 



That's how Earth reached the "slushy" planet phase, which is the topic of this research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-and-plumeworld-ocean">Slushy Earth and "plumeworld ocean"</h2>



Thankfully, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, much like its current inhabitants, has a knack for adaptation and survival.



A recently concluded study led by <a href="https://www.vt.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Virginia Tech</a> has given us an icy peek into the past, one that unveils a fascinating era known as the "plumeworld ocean" epoch.



This time slot on our planet's timeline marked a significant moment. Imagine high levels of carbon dioxide acting like an invisible blowtorch, coaxing the frozen Earth into a vast, rapid meltdown. 



“Our results have important implications for understanding how Earth's climate and ocean chemistry changed after the extreme conditions of the last global ice age,” said lead author Tian Gan, a former Virginia Tech postdoctoral researcher. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-before-turning-slushy">Earth before turning slushy</h2>



Let's shift our attention back to the Snowball Earth period of around 635 to 650 million years ago. As mentioned, this was the time when our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earths-temperature-has-changed-over-500-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth was deep-frozen</a>, and polar ice caps started encircling the planet like an icy belt.



This expansion of ice had a reflective effect, bouncing sunlight away from Earth and sending our temperatures on a downward spiral.



“A quarter of the ocean was frozen due to extremely low carbon-dioxide levels,” said co-author <a href="https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/04/science-nas-xiao-rock-reader.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shuhai Xiao</a>, who recently was inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-effect-of-inactivity">Effect of inactivity</h2>



Imagine someone pressing the pause button on the planet. That's pretty much what happened. 



The surface ocean sealed up, and a chain reaction of inactivity followed. First, the water cycle locked up -- no evaporation, not much precipitation.



Without water, a fundamental carbon-dioxide consuming process known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-marine-mass-extinctions-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical weathering</a>, which essentially involves rocks eroding and disintegrating, slowed down dramatically. 



The result? <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-carbon-dioxide-travels-in-the-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carbon dioxide</a> began to pile up in the atmosphere, turning into a thermal blanket of sorts.



Like a tightly wound spring, pressure built until the high levels of carbon dioxide were enough to shatter this ice age. When that happened, it wasn't just a slow thaw -- it was a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/report-earth-is-headed-for-an-irreversible-climate-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic catastrophe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plumeworld-ocean-epoch">"Plumeworld ocean" epoch</h2>



The Earth took a sudden U-turn and became "slushy". 



As the heat built up, the ice caps began retreating, and our climate started shifting back towards the warmer side. 



And when we say warmer, we're talking about a scorching swing from minus 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (that's minus 45 to 48 degrees Celsius).



The ice didn't gently melt into the sea. Instead, think of it as reverse tsunamis of glacial water charging from land into the sea, creating vast pools over the extra salty, extra dense ocean water.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-we-know-this-is-true">How do we know this is true?</h2>



How did the researchers uncover this prehistoric tale of the slushy Earth? The answer lies in a set of carbonate rocks that formed as the global ice age was wrapping up. 



Upon analyzing the relative abundance of lithium isotopes within these rocks, a geochemical signature was found that supported the "plumeworld ocean" theory.



The data showed that the signatures of freshwater were stronger in rocks formed under nearshore meltwater than those formed offshore, deep under the salty sea. 



This finding falls perfectly in line with what our researchers had theorized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slushy-earth-s-resilience">Slushy Earth's resilience</h2>



To sum it all up, these findings bring the limits of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-days-getting-longer-rotation-slows-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental change</a> into sharper focus, as Xiao mentions.



They also shed light on the frontiers of biology and the incredible resilience of life under extreme conditions -- be it hot, cold, or slushy.



In the end, probing into Earth's slushy past isn't a mere indulgence in nostalgia. It's a way to understand our present and prepare for our future. 



In understanding how our planet has weathered past climatic earthquakes, we can better equip ourselves to navigate the potentially stormy climate shifts in our future.



Can the lessons from our past guide us towards a more resilient future? Let's hope so.



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Collaborators include Ben Gill, a Virginia Tech associate professor of sedimentary geochemistry; Morrison Nolan, a former graduate student now at <a href="https://denison.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denison University</a>; and other significant contributors.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407419121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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"Slushy" Earth: The slightly warmer cousin of the infamous Snowball Earth

About 650 million years ago, during the last global ice...

The flea toad, a tiny marvel smaller than a fingernail, resides deep within the heartlands of the Atlantic Rainforest.



Known for its diminutive size and unique characteristics, this intriguing amphibian has recently gained another member in its genus - a newly discovered species known as Brachycephalus dacnis.



The toad was named in honor of Project Dacnis, an NGO dedicated to conservation, research, and education.



Project Dacnis significantly contributes to the preservation of private regions within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-number-of-tree-species-threatened-in-the-atlantic-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Atlantic Rainforest</a>, including the area where B. dacnis was spotted. This particular area lies within the charming coastal city of Ubatuba in the state of São Paulo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flea-toad-brachycephalus-dacnis">Flea toad Brachycephalus dacnis</h2>



These small toads are nothing short of exceptional in the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/over-40-of-amphibians-face-extinction-due-to-escalating-climate-threats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians</a>. They possess a unique set of traits that set them apart from their larger counterparts.



"There are small toads with all the characteristics of large toads except for their size. This genus is different," noted study co-author, Luís Felipe Toledo, a professor at the <a href="https://www.ib.unicamp.br/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Biology</a>.



"During its evolution, it underwent what we biologists call <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-do-some-animals-evolve-to-become-miniature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniaturization</a>, which involves loss, reduction and/or fusion of bones, as well as fewer digits and absence of other parts of their anatomy."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-diversity-amidst-the-leaves">Unearthing diversity amidst the leaves</h2>



Researchers have always found the genus Brachycephalus fascinating, particularly due to its colorful species and unique venom.



The recent focus, however, is on the puny stature of the flea toads belonging to the seventh species to be described in this genus.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/flea-toad_Brachycephalus-dacnis_smallest_credit-Lucas-Machado-Botelho_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/flea-toad_Brachycephalus-dacnis_smallest_credit-Lucas-Machado-Botelho_1s.webp" alt="New miniature species on researcher's palm. Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis" class="wp-image-1949690"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New miniature species on researcher's palm. Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis</figcaption></figure>



The tiny toadlets of Brachycephalus share a unique quality. They are unable to hear their own vocalizations due to the absence of a tympanic middle ear. 



This intriguing fact was uncovered in a 2017 article by Toledo and his team. The study, focused on pumpkin toadlets, indicated that visual&nbsp;communication&nbsp;has replaced acoustic communication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brachycephalus-dacnis-as-a-new-species">Brachycephalus dacnis as a new species</h2>



Upon analyzing B. dacnis, the team found that it shares a lot of morphological similarities with another species - B. hermogenesi.



Both have a yellowish-brown skin, share the same habitat in leaf litter, lack a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-tadpole-vision-changes-from-water-to-land/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tadpole</a> stage, and are found in the same region. However, the uniqueness lies in their calls -- they are distinctly different.



DNA testing further confirmed their suspicion and identified B. dacnis as a new species that is found in the same region as B. hermogenesi.



Discussing the likelihood of the existence of B. dacnis among the specimen that aided in describing B. hermogenesi in 1998, Toledo suggested the use of historical DNA sequencing tools to clear up uncertainties.



These tools are crucial in gathering DNA from zoological museum and herbarium specimens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-for-focused-conservation-efforts">Need for focused conservation efforts</h2>



The discovery of B. dacnis reveals the rich and possibly underestimated variety within the world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brazilian-flea-toad-worlds-smallest-vertebrate-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">miniature frogs</a>.



"The diversity of these miniature frogs may be far greater than we think. Hence the importance of describing as many traits and features as possible, to expedite the description process and get to work on conservation as quickly as possible," Toledo said. 



Advancing our understanding of these tiny amphibians is essential for their preservation and highlights the need for focused conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance-of-flea-toads">Ecological significance of flea toads</h2>



Flea toads, despite their tiny size, play a significant role within their ecosystem. Their presence in the Atlantic Rainforest highlights the importance of even the smallest creatures in maintaining ecological balance.



As insectivores, these diminutive amphibians help regulate insect populations, including species that may become pests if left unchecked. 



By thriving within the leaf litter, they also contribute to the nutrient cycle, enriching the soil as they forage and interact with other organisms. 



Understanding the ecological contributions of B. dacnis and similar species highlights why conservation efforts are vital - not only to protect the toads themselves but also to preserve the broader environmental health of this rich habitat.



The research received funding and support from FAPESP, a prominent research foundation, as part of the thematic project “From the natural history to the conservation of Brazilian amphibians."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/18265/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



Image Credit: Lucas Machado Botelho/Projeto Dacnis



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Newly discovered 'flea toad' is the world’s second smallest vertebrate

The flea toad, a tiny marvel smaller than a fingernail,...

Life has a natural rhythm: day and night, sleep and wakefulness, work and play. What if the rhythmic choreography of life is strongly influenced by your gut microbes? 



In an intriguing new study, researchers have identified a solid connection between your gut microbiota and body's stress hormone routines.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-bacteria-and-stress-hormones">Gut bacteria and stress hormones</h2>



Researchers from University College Cork and APC Microbiome Ireland have uncovered a fascinating connection between your gut microbes and your body's day-night rhythms. The data reveals that the gut microbiota tunes the body's diurnal (day-night) rhythms in stress hormones.



Depletion of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/balancing-gut-microbes-could-protect-us-from-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a>, however, throws a spanner in the works. This disrupts the brain's core circadian system and is associated with altered stress hormone rhythms.



Moreover, the research has pinpointed the role of gut microbes in regulating key stress-responding brain regions throughout the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-they-verify-this-discovery">How did they verify this discovery?</h2>



The research team used a strategy involving microbe transplantation to establish oscillations of gut microbes as a critical factor in regulating stress hormone secretion.



This pioneering study gives us a unique perspective on the vital role our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tool-detects-changes-in-gut-health-to-help-prevent-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gut microbiota</a> plays in managing our stress responses and interacting with the body's circadian rhythms.



The research paves the way for new microbial-based therapies that could help manage stress-related mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, often linked with alterations in circadian and sleep cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-microbes-that-influence-stress">Gut microbes that influence stress</h2>



The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, exposes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/resilience-is-surprisingly-linked-to-gut-and-brain-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">relationship</a> between gut microbes and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis - the body's central stress response system.



The researchers found evidence that depletion of gut microbiota leads to an overactive HPA-axis that, along with alterations to the brain's stress and circadian responding regions, results in altered stress responses throughout the day.



But here's the interesting part - the study also identifies specific gut bacteria, including a Lactobacillus strain (Limosilactobacillus reuteri), as key influencers of this circadian-regulated stress mechanism.



L. reuteri appeared as a candidate strain that modulates glucocorticoid secretion (stress hormones), linking the microbiota's natural diurnal oscillations with altered stress reactivity.



This opens up new opportunities for psychobiotic interventions that focus on improving mental health outcomes by targeting gut bacteria that influence stress regulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-reacts-to-stress">How the brain reacts to stress</h2>



In today's world, where high stress, poor diet and irregular sleep patterns have become the norm, this research underlines the importance of gut microbiota in maintaining the body's stress-regulation processes.



“Our research has revealed an important link between the gut microbiota and how the brain responds to stress in a time-specific way," said principal Investigator Professor John Cryan.



"The gut microbiome doesn’t just regulate digestion and metabolism; it plays a critical role in how we react to stress, and this regulation follows a precise circadian rhythm. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome, particularly for those living in today’s stressful and fast-paced environment.”



"Our work demonstrates that exploring the relationship between the gut microbiota and circadian rhythms will be key in the development of microbiota based therapies for stress-related disorders in the future."



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



“This study is a significant leap forward in our understanding of how the microbiome shapes our mental health,” said Professor Paul Ross, director of APC Microbiome Ireland. 



“At <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/apc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APC</a>, we are committed to unravelling the many ways in which our gut microbiome impact human health, and this research provides crucial insight into how targeting specific bacteria may help manage or even prevent stress-related conditions." 



"The potential to improve mental health through microbiome-based interventions is very real, and this study takes us one step closer to that goal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microbes-to-manage-stress">Microbes to manage stress</h2>



The research from <a href="https://www.ucc.ie/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University College Cork</a> and APC Microbiome Ireland has revealed the connection between gut bacteria and stress, leading to promising treatments like psychobiotics, which can influence mood through neurotransmitters and hormones. 



Specific strains, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri, may help manage stress hormones, offering personalized solutions for mental health care. 



As we continue to explore this field, leveraging gut microbes could enhance mental well-being for many individuals.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413124003991?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cell Metabolism</a>.



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Gut microbes affect how we handle everyday stress

Life has a natural rhythm: day and night, sleep and...

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Today’s Video of the Day comes from <a href="http://www.esa.int/">ESA</a> and features images of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-travelers-fly-radiation-clouds/">cloudy</a> Earth as captured by <a href="http://www.esa.int/">ESA</a> astronaut Thomas Pesquet on board the International Space Station.
Pesquet commented: “A timelapse flight over a cloudy part of the world, spot the International Space Station radiators top-right? Like our solar panels they move with us to keep our systems and the inhabitants inside at optimal temperature. They circulate ammonia, a toxic substance but very good at exchanging heat given off by our electrical systems. It works like a car radiator or a refrigerator, but uses heat radiation instead of convection to keep cool. In space, sunlight warms very quickly, but the shade is very cold: varying from -100°C to +100°C. The goal is to keep the solar panels in the sun and the ammonia radiators in the shade. We have the temperature set at a constant 23°C – except when certain people are on board and complain about how cold it is… it has been raised to 25°C before, true story! If you know that the Space Station always flies from west to east you can roughly know which way the camera was pointing in each timelapse&#8230; in this case: south!”
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By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a>
Source: <a href="http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2017/05/Cloudy_part_of_the_world">ESA</a>

Cloudy Earth from the International Space Station