<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Webb Images features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.</p>



<p>The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. </p>



<p>As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.</p>



<p>The <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">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.</p>



<p>The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.</p>



<p>Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.</p>



<p>Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.</p>



<p>Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



<p>“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.</p>



<p>“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”</p>



<p>The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;</p>



<p>It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI</p>



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features...

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a strong extratropical cyclone, which struck the Pacific Northwest on November 19, 2024.</p>



<p>“The storm knocked over trees and left nearly 600,000 people without power in Washington state on November 20, according to news reports,” noted <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fearthobservatory.nasa.gov%2Fimages%2F153605%2Fextratropical-cyclone-whips-over-the-pacific-northwest&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “This image shows the storm system at 1:50 p.m. Pacific Time on November 19.” </p>



<p>According to NASA, mature extratropical cyclones like this often feature comma-shaped cloud patterns that are the product of ‘conveyor belt’ circulation. “Heavy precipitation is often present near the low-pressure head of the comma.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-the-extratropical-cyclone-nbsp">Impacts of the extratropical cyclone&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The “bomb cyclone” brought <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhow-much-does-climate-change-influence-extreme-weather-events%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe weather</a>, including strong winds exceeding 70 mph, heavy rainfall, and snow in higher elevations. These conditions led to significant disruptions, including downed trees and hazardous travel conditions.</p>



<p>In urban and rural areas, damage to infrastructure and properties was substantial, with emergency responders and utility crews working around the clock to restore services.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, mountain passes faced dangerous blizzard conditions, with up to 20 inches of snow accumulating in some areas, severely affecting travel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-pace-of-acceleration">Rapid pace of acceleration</h2>



<p>Chris Dolce is a meteorologist at The Weather Channel. He noted that on the evening of November 19, the storm’s central pressure dropped to levels on par with a storm in October 2021, which saw the lowest pressure in about 50 years of records for that region.</p>



<p>“The pace of the storm’s intensification was more than double the criteria for bombogenesis - a popular term that describes a midlatitude cyclone that rapidly intensifies into a ‘bomb cyclone,’” said NASA.</p>



<p>The rapidly dropping atmospheric pressure at the center of the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fcoastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storm</a> caused winds to intensify quickly. According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, wind gusts reached up to 77 miles per hour in the mountains southeast of the city.</p>



<p>“The cyclone kicked off a long-duration atmospheric river that forecasters expect will park over Northern California and southern Oregon through November 22. The National Weather Service estimates that these areas could see rainfall totals of 12 to 16 inches over the duration of the storm,” noted NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-an-extratropical-cyclone">What is an extratropical cyclone?</h2>



<p>An extratropical cyclone is a large-scale weather system that forms outside the tropics, typically between 30° and 60° latitude, and is associated with areas of low pressure.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-source">Energy source</h3>



<p>These cyclones obtain their energy from the contrast in temperature between air masses, such as cold polar air and warm subtropical air. This contrast creates instability and drives atmospheric circulation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-development-of-extratropical-cyclones-nbsp">Development of extratropical cyclones&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Extratropical cyclones usually have well-defined warm and cold fronts. They often develop along the polar front, where cold and warm air masses meet.</p>



<p>A common area for their development is the mid-latitudes, particularly in regions like the North Atlantic and North Pacific.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weather-conditions">Weather conditions</h3>



<p>Extratropical cyclones can bring a variety of <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhuman-activity-is-rapidly-changing-weather-in-north-america%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather conditions</a>, including heavy rain, snow, strong winds, and severe storms. They are responsible for much of the day-to-day weather in mid-latitude regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tropical-vs-extratropical-cyclones-nbsp">Tropical vs. extratropical cyclones&nbsp;</h3>



<p>While <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Ffast-moving-tropical-cyclones-are-becoming-more-powerful%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tropical cyclones</a> derive energy from warm ocean waters and have a warm core, extratropical cyclones gain energy from temperature contrasts and have a cold core.</p>



<p>Tropical cyclones typically lack fronts, whereas extratropical cyclones are defined by them.</p>



<p>These systems are essential in distributing heat and energy across the planet, playing a critical role in the Earth's climate system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caught-off-guard-by-the-weather">Caught off guard by the weather</h2>



<p>The bomb cyclone in the Pacific Northwest highlights the importance of <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fnew-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparedness</a>, as residents were urged to secure loose outdoor items, stock emergency supplies, and avoid unnecessary travel.</p>



<p>The fire department in Bellevue, east of Seattle, posted a Severe Weather Safety alert on Facebook: “It’s severe out there. Trees are coming down all over the city, with multiple falling onto homes. If you are able, head to the lowest floor you can and stay away from windows. Do not go outside if you can avoid it.”</p>



<p>The image was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on NOAA’s JPSS-1 (Joint Polar Satellite System-1).</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Bomb cyclone rapidly intensified in the Pacific Northwest

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1559, located around 35 million light-years away in the little-observed southern constellation Reticulum. The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fuel-for-star-formation">Fuel for star formation </h2>



<p>"The data featured in this portrait make use of two of Webb’s instruments: the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) and Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam)," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>"Here MIRI captures the glow of interstellar dust grains, which trace out the interstellar medium, the fuel for future star formation. NIRCam shows the light from stars, even young stars hidden behind prodigious amounts of dust. NIRCam also captures emission from ionised nebulae around young stars."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-reveals-galaxies-in-new-light">Webb reveals galaxies in new light</h2>



<p>According to ESA, the data was collected by the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home">PHANGS team</a> as part of a program in which Webb will observe 55 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a> that have also been mapped by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"By combining Webb’s unprecedented view of the dust and stars with data from these other facilities, the team aims to obtain a new, highly detailed view of how stars are born, live, and die in galaxies across the Universe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-1559-a-loner-in-space">NGC 1559: A loner in space</h2>



<p>Although NGC 1559 appears to sit close to one of our nearest neighbors in the sky - the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) - this is just a trick of perspective, noted ESA.</p>



<p>While it is part of the Reticulum constellation, NGC 1559 is not part of the Local Group of galaxies but instead resides in a more distant region of space.</p>



<p>"In reality, NGC 1559 is physically nowhere near the LMC in space; in fact it truly is a loner, lacking the company of any nearby galaxies or membership of any galaxy cluster."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1559">Star formation in NGC 1559</h2>



<p>NGC 1559 is notable for its active star formation and strong magnetic fields. It has also been the site of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, making it of particular interest to astronomers studying stellar evolution and the lifecycle of stars.</p>



<p>The structure of NGC 1559 includes well-defined spiral arms that are rich in young, hot stars and regions of ionized gas, indicative of ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.</p>



<p>The galaxy’s central bar is believed to play a role in driving gas towards the core, fueling both the star formation and the activity around its nucleus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-extragalactic-wonder">An extragalactic wonder</h2>



<p>Despite being relatively small compared to larger galaxies like the Milky Way, NGC 1559 is an important object for understanding how barred spiral galaxies evolve and the processes that trigger supernovae.</p>



<p>The galaxy’s remote location and active nature make it a fascinating subject of study in the field of extragalactic astronomy. The isolation of NGC 1559 allows for a clearer view of its structure without much interference from neighboring galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies">Barred spiral galaxies</h2>



<p>Barred spiral galaxies are a type of spiral galaxy characterized by a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars. This bar extends out from the core and connects to the galaxy's spiral arms, which swirl outward in a graceful pattern.</p>



<p>Scientists believe that the bar plays a crucial role in the evolution of the galaxy, funneling gas towards the core and potentially triggering star formation or feeding a central black hole. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our own galaxy, is an example of a barred spiral. These galaxies are quite common in the universe, making up about two-thirds of all observed spiral galaxies.</p>



<p>The bar itself is thought to be a temporary feature, developing as the galaxy matures and possibly disappearing over time as the dynamics of the stars change. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reticulum-constellation">The Reticulum constellation</h2>



<p>The Reticulum constellation is a small, faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name means "the reticle" in Latin, which refers to the crosshairs in an eyepiece of a telescope. </p>



<p>The constellation was named in the 18th century by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to honor the reticle he used in his scientific instruments. It is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, A. Leroy, J. Lee and the PHANGS Team</p>



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Spiral galaxy NGC 1559 is a loner in outer space

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba, about 43 million light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>The gas that fuels <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> can be used up, or it can be heated and pushed out of galaxies by supernovae or black holes, reducing the galaxy's ability to form new stars.</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Overall, galaxy evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by interactions between stars, gas, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, and black holes, and shaped by both internal processes and external influences.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>:</strong> ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, J. Lee</p>



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NGC 1792: A galactic powerhouse 

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of glaciers in the high-elevation valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The upper portion of Fedchenko Glacier crosses the center of the scene.”</p>



<p>NASA noted that most of the larger glaciers in the image show a prominent pattern of light- and dark-brown parallel lines.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The darker ‘streamlines,’ known as medial moraines, give a sense of the direction of flow of the ice down the valleys. These are concentrations of debris that has been eroded by the glacier from the adjacent mountainsides or a rocky outcrop,” said NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fedchenko-a-high-altitude-glacier">Fedchenko: A high-altitude glacier</h2>



<p>Fedchenko Glacier stretches for approximately 48 miles and covers an area of around 270 square miles. This massive glacier is a critical source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>, feeding several rivers and influencing the region's hydrology.</p>



<p>Fedchenko Glacier lies at high altitudes, with its origins in the high peaks of the Pamirs, where snow accumulates heavily. Despite being situated in a relatively arid region, the glacier's significant size and volume are maintained by substantial snowfall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Named after Alexei Pavlovich Fedchenko, a Russian explorer and naturalist, the glacier was first surveyed in 1928 during Soviet-era expeditions. It plays a crucial role in climate studies, as changes in its length and mass provide insights into the effects of global warming in Central Asia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The glacier is also part of a spectacular and remote landscape, surrounded by towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and rugged terrain, making it a key feature of the Pamirs' natural beauty.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-glaciers-worldwide">Threats to glaciers worldwide</h2>



<p>Like many glaciers worldwide, Fedchenko faces the threat of retreat due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, raising concerns about water availability and ecosystem changes in the region.</p>



<p>Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of glacier melting. Warmer temperatures not only melt glacier surfaces but also increase the flow of meltwater beneath them, accelerating their disintegration.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-pollution-nbsp">Human activities and pollution&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Deforestation and urbanization exacerbate these effects by reducing reflective snow cover and increasing heat absorption in nearby areas.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Airborne pollutants like soot and black carbon darken glacier surfaces, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and speeding up the rate of melting. </p>



<p>Industrial activities and tourism in glacier regions add physical stress and pollution, further degrading these fragile ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supplies">Water supplies</h3>



<p>The loss of glaciers has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts freshwater supplies for millions of people who depend on glacial runoff for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting glaciers</a> contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, the loss of glaciers impacts biodiversity, as many species rely on cold, glacial habitats for survival.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers">Protecting glaciers</h3>



<p>Efforts to mitigate these threats focus on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions, protecting glacier regions from industrial exploitation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, without urgent action, the continued decline of glaciers will have profound implications for the planet's climate, water systems, and ecosystems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pamir-mountains-nbsp">The Pamir Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World," are a vast and rugged mountain range located in Central Asia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They span across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, forming a vital part of the junction where the Himalayas, the Tian Shan, the Karakoram, the Kunlun, and the Hindu Kush converge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With peaks soaring over 7,000 meters, including Ismoil Somoni Peak, the range is home to some of the highest altitudes on Earth.</p>



<p>The Pamir Mountains have been central to trade and cultural exchange for centuries, serving as a critical segment of the ancient Silk Road.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today, the mountains are a popular destination for trekkers and explorers drawn by their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.</p>



<p>The Pamirs are not only a natural wonder but also a biological treasure trove, supporting unique wildlife that is adapted to extreme altitudes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Culturally, the mountains are home to diverse communities, each with its unique traditions and ways of life, shaped by the harsh but majestic environment.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

<p>Speech often betrays us at the most inconvenient moments: we grasp for a word, knowing exactly what we mean to say, but are unable to retrieve that elusive term.</p>



<p>This experience, known as "lethologica," is a common symptom of aging but, in some cases, may also signal the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, long before more obvious signs appear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-health-through-speech">Tracking brain health through speech</h2>



<p>Recently, a fascinating analysis sprang from the research halls of the <a href="https://learn.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>. </p>



<p>Contrary to popular belief, they found that the speed of speech is more diagnostic of neurological health than the inability to retrieve words.  </p>



<p>Studying a group of 125 adults - aged 18 to 85 - the researchers asked them to describe a scene in as much detail as they could.</p>



<p>The responses were recorded and then examined by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-boosts-creativity-but-reduces-variety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> software, which measured their speech speed, the length of their pauses, and the diversity in their vocabulary.</p>



<p>In addition, all participants completed a range of tests aiming to evaluate their focus, thinking speed, and task management abilities. </p>



<p>Notably, the researchers found a correlation between a participant's everyday speech pace and age-related cognitive decline in these "executive" skills, indicating a broader decline than just difficulty in finding the right word.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-lens-for-analysis">A new lens for analysis</h2>



<p>Especially noteworthy was the introduction of a unique "picture-word interference task." This method requires participants to first identify an object and then instruct their mouths to form the words.</p>



<p>Further exploring the rich tapestry of cognitive and linguistic changes that come with age, the study demonstrated a correlation between a person’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural speech</a> speed and their ability to name images quickly .</p>



<p>However, to paint a more accurate picture of our verbal adaptability, it would be beneficial to combine the results of picture-naming tests with "verbal fluency tasks" that require participants to produce as many words as possible within a short time from a given category or starting with a specific letter.</p>



<p>Such tasks are better indicators of everyday conversations as they involve active retrieval and production of words from one's vocabulary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speech-and-cognitive-decline">Speech and cognitive decline</h2>



<p>Verbal fluency tasks have another crucial function: they serve as markers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a>. </p>



<p>Age-related changes in word retrieval ability are perfectly normal, but struggling disproportionately on these tests may be an early sign of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.</p>



<p>To take their research even further, the Toronto team might consider gauging participants' personal experiences of word-finding difficulties in addition to the objective measures like speech pauses. </p>



<p>These personal narratives could give added perspective on the cognitive processes at play.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-to-the-future">Looking to the future</h2>



<p>This study is a significant stride forward, and reveals that our cognitive health can be gauged not just by what we say, but also by how quickly we say it.</p>



<p>By harnessing our ever-advancing natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caregiver-speech-shapes-infant-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> processing technologies to detect changes in speech rate, we can identify people at risk before more severe symptoms appear.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-brain-health-through-speech">Monitoring brain health through speech </h2>



<p>The study highlights the growing importance of speech as a marker for understanding how the brain changes with age. </p>



<p>Unlike traditional cognitive tests that rely on deliberate responses, natural speech offers an organic reflection of underlying cognitive processes.</p>



<p>The researchers found that everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-and-humans-use-similar-speech-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speech patterns</a> - such as the speed of delivery, the length of pauses, and the diversity of vocabulary - provide valuable clues about a person's executive functioning and processing ability.</p>



<p>What makes speech analysis particularly compelling is its accessibility, as conversations are a part of daily life. Analysis of speech is thus a low-cost, non-invasive method for monitoring brain health.</p>



<p>This approach not only reduces the barriers to early detection but also opens the door for widespread use in community health settings. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



<p>By leveraging speech, healthcare providers may identify early signs of cognitive decline in aging populations without the need for specialized equipment.</p>



<p>Furthermore, speech-based assessments have the potential to complement other diagnostic tools. When paired with imaging techniques or genetic testing, they can provide a more complete picture of an individual's cognitive trajectory.</p>



<p>This multi-faceted approach ensures a more personalized understanding of aging and neurological health, and may lay the groundwork for proactive care strategies in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13825585.2024.2315774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor and Francis online</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p></p>

How speech speed can signal brain health

Speech often betrays us at the most inconvenient moments: we...

<p>A recent capture by the powerful European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (ESO’s VLTI) has enabled researchers to view the scene of a lifetime -- a first-ever close-up image of a dying star outside of our galaxy.</p>



<p>This celestial spectacle details the dramatic death throes of a giant star, named WOH G64, that is situated in a galaxy beyond our Milky Way. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dying-star-s-last-breath">Dying star's last breath</h2>



<p>Keiichi Ohnaka, an astrophysicist at <a href="https://www.unab.cl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad Andrés Bello</a> in Chile, shared the exciting news.</p>



<p>Ohnaka and his team found an egg-shaped shell of dust and gas surrounding WOH G64 -- a dying star about 160,000 light-years away from us.</p>



<p>“We are excited because this may be related to the drastic ejection of material from the dying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> before a supernova explosion,” said Ohnaka.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-the-behemoth-star">Tale of the "behemoth star"</h2>



<p>For decades, astronomers referred to WOH G64 as the "behemoth star."</p>



<p>It is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small galaxy that orbits our Milky Way. With its humongous size, around 2,000 times that of our own sun, WOH G64 is a red supergiant star.</p>



<p>Viewing such stars that are hidden in far-off galaxies has been a challenge until now, but ESO’s VLTI’s sharpness has brought WOH G64 to our virtual doorstep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-a-dying-star">Observing a dying star</h2>



<p>Ohnaka and his team at Universidad Andrés Bello have long been intrigued by WOH G64. The researchers first used observations from ESO's VLTI in 2005 and 2007 in Chile's Atacama Desert.</p>



<p>Despite their persistent efforts, the actual image of the star remained elusive until the development of one of VLTI's second-generation instruments known as GRAVITY.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-changes-in-woh-g64">Significant changes in WOH G64 </h2>



<p>GRAVITY allowed the team to examine WOH G64 with a fresh pair of eyes, leading them to a surprising discovery. Over the last decade, the star has dimmed considerably.</p>



<p>Study co-author Gerd Weigelt is an astronomy professor at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany.</p>



<p>"We have found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earth-will-meet-its-demise-astronomers-witness-a-star-devour-a-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> has been experiencing a significant change in the last 10 years, providing us with a rare opportunity to witness a star’s life in real-time,” said Weigelt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-layers-of-gas-and-dust">Shedding layers of gas and dust</h2>



<p>Red supergiants like WOH G64 are known to discard their outer layers of gas and dust in a process that spans thousands of years. </p>



<p>The team suspects that the dimming of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binary-systems-with-living-and-dead-stars-reveal-stellar-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> and the unexpected egg-like shape of the dust cocoon surrounding it could be due to this shedding.</p>



<p>"This star is one of the most extreme of its kind, and any drastic change may bring it closer to an explosive end," noted study co-author Jacco van Loon, director of Keele Observatory at Keele University, UK.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-closely">Looking closely</h2>



<p>As the star continues to fade, capturing detailed images of it becomes increasingly challenging, even for the VLTI. </p>



<p>However, with planned upgrades like GRAVITY+, we can expect to get even better insights into the life of this far-off stellar giant.</p>



<p>“Similar follow-up observations with ESO instruments will be important for understanding what is going on in the star,” said Ohnaka, who is the lead author of the study. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eso-s-very-large-telescope-interferometer">ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer</h2>



<p>The VLTI is an impressive piece of technology that combines light collected by ESO’s Very Large Telescope array to create detailed cosmic images.</p>



<p>The process is highly complex and needs instruments specifically dedicated to this task. In 2005 and 2007, Ohnaka’s team had access to the first generation of these instruments, MIDI. </p>



<p>However, it was the second-generation instrument, GRAVITY, that made the image of WOH G64 possible. But this is just the beginning. With imminent upgrades like GRAVITY+, we're set to witness cosmic phenomena like never before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-capturing-a-dying-star">Significance of capturing a dying star</h2>



<p>The wondrous universe is always ready to surprise and inspire us. Today, it is the unique image of a dying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> beyond our galaxy, courtesy of ESO’s VLTI and the relentless curiosity of scientists like Keiichi Ohnaka.</p>



<p>In the ever-evolving field of astronomy, this is just one of the countless wonders that await us. With each star we scrutinize, each galaxy we explore, we inch closer to understanding the cosmos and our place in it. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/11/aa51820-24/aa51820-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.</em></p>



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Astronomers reveal the first detailed image of a dying star in another galaxy

A recent capture by the powerful European Southern Observatory’s Very...

<p>Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every region has its unique chapter in this global narrative.</p>



<p>Recent research reveals that in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is already infamous for its scorching deserts and extreme summer temperatures, the pace of warming is accelerating faster than previously expected. This paints a stark picture for the future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fast-forward-button-on-warming">The fast-forward button on warming</h2>



<p>According to a recent study, the MENA region is being fast-tracked into a future of accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ignoring-climate-change-will-lead-to-ultra-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. </p>



<p>The region's warming thresholds could be crossed two to three decades earlier than in other parts of the world.</p>



<p>By the time we welcome the 22nd century, parts of the Arabian Peninsula could be grappling with a whopping 9 degrees Celsius (16.2 degrees Fahrenheit) increase in temperature.</p>



<p>The MENA region, already notorious for its record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-summer-of-2023-was-the-hottest-in-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer temperatures</a>, is teetering on the verge of exceeding 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming on average. </p>



<p>This figure is compared to pre-industrial temperatures. Without necessary adaption measures, this additional warmth could render some areas uninhabitable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-across-the-world">Warming across the world</h2>



<p>Abdul Malik is a climate scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the study's lead author.</p>



<p>"When we talk about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paris-agreement-which-countries-are-honoring-their-pledges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>, we say that we should try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and that we should not exceed two degrees Celsius," warned Malik. </p>



<p>"But in parts of the Middle East and North Africa, warming has already surpassed 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius."</p>



<p>Taking into account the need for more precise data, the climate researchers at <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a> conducted analysis using highly-sophisticated models.</p>



<p>The CMIP5 and CMIP6 were utilized to analyse the region's warming details meticulously.</p>



<p>"Although previous studies have shown that the region is warming much faster than other areas, we have shown that the warming rate is not consistent across the region," Malik added. "And this warming rate could vary between 1.5 and 3.5 times faster than the global average."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-dilemma-the-heat-gets-turned-up">Desert dilemma: The heat gets turned up</h2>



<p>The MENA region's dry, arid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts</a> have a unique challenge. Unlike their humid counterparts nearer the equator, these deserts can't easily cool down by soil moisture evaporation.</p>



<p>This factor accelerates the warming, making it nearly as fast as the polar regions.</p>



<p>By the turn of this century, the Arabian Peninsula could experience a heat increase ranging from 2.6 degrees Celsius (4.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under low emission scenarios to 7.6 degrees Celsius (13.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high emission</a> scenarios.</p>



<p>"But you can develop artificial environments in regions with high populations," said Georgiy Stenchikov, a retired climate scientist and one of the study’s coauthors, highlighting the importance of adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-adapting-to-a-warming-climate">A world adapting to a warming climate</h2>



<p>If the world meets low-emissions targets, the rate of warming in the Middle East and North Africa could be curtailed by up to 38%. </p>



<p>Cities across the region can also explore urban greening and architecture-based solutions to cope with the extreme heat.</p>



<p>"Global warming is a global problem, so you cannot prevent it in just one place. Adaptation will be necessary, and these adaptation measures could be tested and developed in the Middle East and North Africa," said Stenchikov.</p>



<p>The scorching temperatures in the MENA region are a stark reminder that climate change is a reality we must confront now, not later. </p>



<p>Taking measures to adapt and slow down this process could ensure a viable future for the region and ultimately, our world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-toll-of-extreme-heat">The human toll of extreme heat</h2>



<p>Rising temperatures in the MENA region bring more than environmental challenges; they pose severe threats to public health and socioeconomic stability.</p>



<p>The long heatwaves can compound water shortages, leading to a heightened risk of heat-related illness, and can result in productivity losses in outdoor, labor-intensive industries like agriculture and construction, among others.</p>



<p>Vulnerable populations, including the the elderly, children, and low-income communities, are at the highest risk.</p>



<p>These conditions could also unleash a wave of climate migration, as some areas would become too hot for human habitation.</p>



<p>According to the researchers, addressing these impacts not only requires global reductions in emissions but also localized solutions like developing cooling infrastructure and heat-resilient building designs, as well as advancing public campaigns regarding heat safety.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JD041625" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres</a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Some of the hottest places in the world are warming the fastest

Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every...

<p></p>
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<p><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Today&#8217;s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from </span><a href="https://engineering.columbia.edu/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbia Engineering</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> shows a new desalination method for hypersaline brines that may ultimately be used to address growing water challenges around the world.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hypersaline brines result from water produced during various industrial processes, and they can pollute both surface and groundwater resources when they are not managed properly. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A team of experts led by Professor Ngai Yin Yip has developed a new inexpensive and effective approach to hypersaline brines called temperature swing solvent extraction (TSSE).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We think TSSE will be transformational for the water industry,” said Professor Yip. “It can displace the prevailing practice of costly distillation for desalination of high-salinity brines and tackle higher salinities that RO cannot handle.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This will radically improve the sustainability in the treatment of produced water, inland desalination concentrate, landfill leachate, and other hypersaline streams of emerging importance. We can eliminate the pollution problems from these brines and create cleaner, more useable water for our planet.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8212;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chrissy Sexton</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: Jane Nisselson/Columbia Engineering</span></i></p>

Desalination method will help manage hypersaline brines