<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba.</p>



<p>NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the swirling gas and dust of its disc in magnificent and unique detail, noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-ngc-2090">Observations of NGC 2090</h2>



<p>The galaxy’s spiral pattern is relatively symmetrical, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers interested in galactic evolution and dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations of NGC 2090, including those conducted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-helps-solve-the-mystery-of-a-young-eruptive-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope, have provided valuable insights into the properties of its stellar populations, gas content, and the nature of its spiral structure.</p>



<p>“NGC 2090 was one of many galaxies studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to refine the measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, or ‘Hubble constant,’” said ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This can be done by observing a special type of variable stars named ‘Cepheids’ in relatively nearby galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ngc-2090">New insights into NGC 2090</h2>



<p>A Cepheid-based measurement from 1998 indicated that NGC 2090 is 37 million light-years away from Earth. However, the latest measurements suggest that the galaxy is 40 million light-years away.</p>



<p>“Already before that Hubble project in 1998, NGC 2090 had been well studied as a very prominent nearby example of star formation,” noted ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Described as a ‘flocculent’ spiral, this galaxy has a patchy, dusty disc and arms that are flaky or not visible at all. We can see those patterns well in Hubble's visible-light images. However, Webb’s NIRCam near-infrared data reveal the spiral arms with remarkable clarity.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-spiral-galaxies">What are spiral galaxies?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are characterized by their flat, disk-like shape with a bright central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-arms-and-central-bulge-nbsp">Spiral arms and central bulge&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The arms of a spiral galaxy are regions where stars, gas, and dust are concentrated, often glowing brightly with the light of young, hot stars that form within them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The central bulge typically contains older stars and can host a supermassive black hole at its core.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Types of spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on how tightly their arms are wound and the size of their central bulge, ranging from tightly wound "Sa" galaxies to loosely wound "Sc" types.</p>



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



<p>The structure of spiral galaxies is maintained by the interplay of gravity and angular momentum, with a rotating disk of stars and gas giving rise to their iconic shape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are active sites of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> due to the abundance of gas in their arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies often have a halo of older stars and globular clusters surrounding their disks, which provides clues about their formation and evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxy">Barred spiral galaxy</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, the galaxy that contains our Solar System, is a prime example of a barred spiral galaxy, a subtype where a bar-shaped structure of stars extends from the central bulge.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Columba is a small and relatively faint constellation in the southern sky, whose name means "dove" in Latin. It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius and first appeared in a celestial atlas by Johann Bayer in 1603.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> is said to represent the dove sent out by Noah during the biblical flood, tying it to themes of hope and peace.</p>



<p>Columba lies near the larger constellation Canis Major and is bordered by others such as Lepus and Puppis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although it lacks particularly bright stars, its most notable star, Alpha Columbae (also called Phact), shines at a magnitude of approximately 2.6 and is a hot blue-white star. Beta Columbae, another prominent star in the constellation, is a slightly cooler, yellow-white star.</p>



<p>The constellation is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere during the summer months, though it can also be seen from lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope&nbsp;</p>



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Webb unveils a spiral galaxy in magnificent detail

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an active landslide zone that has been shifting for decades on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County.</p>



<p>This area, particularly in Portuguese Bend, experiences ongoing ground movement, with land sliding toward the ocean at varying rates of up to several feet per year. </p>



<p>The instability is largely due to weak, water-saturated bedrock and the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">human activity</a>, including road construction and irrigation, which have exacerbated the natural movement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analysis-of-the-landslide-zone">Analysis of the landslide zone</h2>



<p>According to a recent report from NASA, the landslide zone on the Palos Verdes Peninsula has expanded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California used data from an airborne radar to measure the movement of the slow-moving landslides on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County,” the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153893/los-angeles-area-landslide-expands">report</a> stated.</p>



<p>“The analysis determined that, during a four-week period in the fall of 2024, land in the residential area slid toward the ocean by as much as 4 inches (10 centimeters) per week."</p>



<p>“Portions of the peninsula, which juts into the Pacific Ocean just south of the city of Los Angeles, are part of an ancient complex of landslides that has been moving for at least the past six decades, affecting hundreds of buildings in local communities.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>NASA noted that the motion accelerated and the active area expanded following record-breaking rainfall in Southern California in 2023 and heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> in early 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualization-of-the-landslide-zone">Visualization of the landslide zone</h2>



<p>To create the image, the Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis (ARIA) team used data from four flights of NASA’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) collected between September 18 and October 17, 2024.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The UAVSAR instrument was mounted to a Gulfstream III jet flown out of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and the four flights were planned to estimate the speed and direction of the landslides in three dimensions,” explained NASA.</p>



<p>“In the image above, colors indicate how fast parts of the landslide complex were moving in late September and October, with the darkest reds indicating the highest speeds." </p>



<p>"The arrows represent the direction of horizontal motion. The white solid lines are the boundaries of the active landslide area as defined in 2007 by the California Geological Survey.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerating-land-movement-and-risks">Accelerating land movement and risks</h2>



<p>Alexander Handwerger is a landslide scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory who performed the analysis. “In effect, we’re seeing that the footprint of land experiencing significant impacts has expanded, and the speed is more than enough to put human life and infrastructure at risk,” said Handwerger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The landslide activity in this region dates back to the 1950s, when road construction projects disturbed the already <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-billion-people-are-threatened-by-land-subsidence/">unstable terrain</a>, accelerating movement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since then, shifting ground has led to significant damage to infrastructure, including cracked roads, broken utility lines, and distorted buildings. The instability has made it difficult for the city to maintain roads and essential services in the affected areas.</p>



<p>Despite efforts to slow the movement, including drainage improvements and engineering solutions, the land continues to shift. Homeowners and city officials have had to adapt, with some structures built to withstand slow movement, while others have been abandoned.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The situation remains a challenge, with scientists monitoring the landslide to better understand its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landslide-predictions-could-become-94-percent-more-accurate/">behavior</a> and explore potential mitigation strategies.</p>



<p>Portuguese Bend is a well-known example of a continuously active landslide, highlighting the complex interaction between geology, human development, and environmental forces.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Landslide zone in Los Angeles County is expanding

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 Southern Ring Nebula, also known as NGC 3132.</p>



<p>The nebula is located about 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Vela. This remarkably detailed image was created using data from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam).</p>



<p>The Southern Ring Nebula is one of the more famous examples of planetary nebulae. It is often studied for its beauty and valuable insights into the end stages of stellar evolution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-power-the-southern-ring-nebula-nbsp">Stars power the Southern Ring Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>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> is powered by two central stars in a binary system. The brighter star is actually a less massive companion. The fainter, dimmer star is the dying, hot central star that has shed its outer layers to form the nebula. </p>



<p>The dimmer star is a white dwarf and is responsible for the ionization of the gas in the nebula, causing it to glow.</p>



<p>“The bright star at the center of NGC 3132, while prominent when viewed by NASA’s Webb Telescope in near-infrared light, plays a supporting role in sculpting the surrounding nebula," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>"A second star, barely visible at lower left along one of the bright star’s diffraction spikes, is the nebula’s source. It has ejected at least eight layers of gas and dust over thousands of years.” </p>



<p>“But the bright central star visible here has helped ‘stir’ the pot, changing the shape of this planetary nebula’s highly intricate rings by creating turbulence." </p>



<p>ESA explained that the pair of stars are locked in a tight orbit, which leads the dimmer star to spray ejected material in a range of directions as they orbit one another, resulting in these jagged rings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-the-southern-ring-nebula">Characteristics of the Southern Ring Nebula </h2>



<p>The Southern Ring Nebula displays a complex structure with multiple layers of gas and dust. </p>



<p>The outer shells of the nebula consist of hydrogen and other elements that were ejected from the dying star in previous stages of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.&nbsp;These layers are illuminated by ultraviolet radiation from the central white dwarf.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coloration">Coloration</h3>



<p>The colors seen in the Southern Ring Nebula come from the different gases present. For example, hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits blue-green light. </p>



<p>These colors help astronomers study the composition and dynamics of the nebula.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-shape">Size and shape</h3>



<p>The nebula spans about half a light-year in diameter. Its intricate, symmetrical structure provides valuable insights into the late stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>, especially the processes involved in the shedding of outer layers by dying stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlights-from-a-bright-star">Spotlights from a bright star</h2>



<p>ESA noted that hundreds of straight, brightly-lit lines pierce through the rings of gas and dust. “These ‘spotlights’ emanate from the bright star and stream through holes in the nebula like sunlight through gaps in a cloud."</p>



<p>“But not all of the starlight can escape. The density of the central region, set off in teal, is reflected by how transparent or opaque it is. Areas that are a deeper teal indicate that the gas and dust are denser - and light is unable to break free.”</p>



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



<p>According to ESA, this is not only a crisp image of a planetary nebula - it also shows us objects in the vast distances of space behind it. The transparent red sections of the nebula are filled with distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-have-hearts-and-lungs-that-help-them-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>.</p>



<p>“Look for the bright angled line at the upper left. It is not starlight - it is a faraway galaxy seen edge-on. Distant spirals, of many shapes and colors, also dot the scene. Those that are farthest away - or very dusty - are small and red,” said ESA.</p>



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



<p>Vela is a southern constellation that represents the sails of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis, which depicted the ship of the mythological hero Jason and the Argonauts. </p>



<p>In the 18th century, Argo Navis was divided into three separate constellations: Vela (the sails), Carina (the keel), and Puppis (the stern).</p>



<p>Vela is notable for containing several interesting astronomical features. One of its most prominent stars is Gamma Velorum, also known as Suhail or Regor, which is a bright, massive star system consisting of multiple stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The constellation also hosts the Vela Supernova Remnant, the remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> explosion that occurred about 11,000 years ago. </p>



<p>This remnant is associated with the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star that formed during the supernova explosion, which is one of the brightest pulsars in the sky.</p>



<p>Vela is best observed in the Southern Hemisphere, where it can be seen in the summer months. Its position along the Milky Way makes it a popular region for both amateur and professional astronomers to explore.</p>



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



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> 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. </p>



<p>NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>“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>.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>Characterized by its high temperature and luminosity, HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star.</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p><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. </p>



<p>Observations of blue giant stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.</p>



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



<p>One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus. This means that its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. </p>



<p>The black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.</p>



<p>The galaxy 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. </p>



<p>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>.</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Studying 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.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA</p>



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Luminous spiral galaxy and a blue giant star

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a pair of interacting spiral galaxies known as the Antennae Galaxies. They are located approximately 45 million light-years away in the constellation Corvus.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antennae-galaxies-in-a-deadly-embrace">Antennae Galaxies in a deadly embrace </h2>



<p>“The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has snapped the best ever image of the Antennae Galaxies. Hubble has released images of these stunning galaxies twice before, once using observations from its Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) in 1997, and again in 2006 from the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS),” noted <a href="https://esahubble.org/images/potw1345a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>“The galaxies - also known as NGC 4038 and NGC 4039 - are locked in a deadly embrace. Once normal, sedate spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, the pair have spent the past few hundred million years sparring with one another.”</p>



<p>According to ESA, the clash of the Antennae Galaxies is so violent that stars have been ripped from their host <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collision-2-million-mph-stephans-quintet-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> to form a streaming arc between the two.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The name of the galaxy pair comes from this long stream of stars and gas, which resembles insect antennae.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-bursts-of-star-formation-nbsp">Intense bursts of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The collision has triggered intense bursts of star formation, making the Antennae Galaxies one of the nearest and most dramatic examples of a starburst galaxy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many of the newly formed stars are concentrated in massive star clusters, some of which are expected to evolve into globular clusters over millions of years.</p>



<p>“This new image of the Antennae Galaxies shows obvious signs of chaos. Clouds of gas are seen in bright pink and red, surrounding the bright flashes of blue star-forming regions - some of which are partially obscured by dark patches of dust,” explained ESA.</p>



<p>“The rate of star formation is so high that the Antennae Galaxies are said to be in a state of starburst, a period in which all of the gas within the galaxies is being used to form stars.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This cannot last forever and neither can the separate galaxies; eventually the nuclei will coalesce, and the galaxies will begin their retirement together as one large elliptical galaxy.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-antennae-galaxies">Significance of the Antennae Galaxies</h2>



<p>The Antennae Galaxies are one of the most well-studied examples of galaxy collisions - offering insight into the processes that shape galaxies over time.</p>



<p>Astronomers study the Antennae Galaxies using a range of telescopes across different wavelengths, including visible light, infrared, and X-rays.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations in X-rays have revealed evidence of supernovae and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, while infrared studies highlight regions of dust and star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-s-collision-course-nbsp">The Milky Way's collision course&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Antennae Galaxies provide a glimpse into the future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, which is expected to eventually merge with the Andromeda Galaxy - our closest spiral galaxy neighbor.</p>



<p>The cosmic collision course of the Milky Way and Andromeda will reshape both galaxies over billions of years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This event is expected to occur in about 4.5 billion years. Both galaxies are part of the Local Group, a cluster of galaxies bound together by gravity. Their mutual gravitational pull is drawing them closer at a speed of approximately 110 kilometers per second.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-of-an-elliptical-galaxy-nbsp">The birth of an elliptical galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>When the two galaxies collide, their individual stars will largely avoid direct collisions due to the vast distances between them. However, the gravitational forces involved will create dramatic effects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These forces will distort the galaxies' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shapes</a>, triggering intense bursts of star formation as gas clouds collide and compress. Over time, the galaxies will settle into a new, larger elliptical galaxy often referred to as "Milkomeda" or "Milkdromeda" by astronomers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-merger-and-the-solar-system">Galaxy merger and the solar system</h2>



<p>Despite the seemingly destructive nature of the collision, the solar system is unlikely to face direct harm. Our Sun may find itself flung into a new orbit within the merged galaxy or even cast into intergalactic space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The merger will also significantly alter the night sky, with the Andromeda Galaxy becoming increasingly prominent before blending into the unified structure.</p>



<p>This event is part of the natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of galaxies</a> and serves as a fascinating reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the universe. </p>



<p>While the collision is still billions of years away, studying it helps astronomers understand galactic interactions and the long-term future of our cosmic neighborhood.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA</p>



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



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Violent clash of the Antennae Galaxies  

<p>For the first time, Neptune’s auroras are no longer just a matter of speculation. Thanks to&nbsp;NASA’s&nbsp;James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), astronomers have captured vivid images of auroral activity lighting up the planet’s upper atmosphere. </p>



<p>The data show energetic particles striking Neptune’s ionosphere and releasing a glowing signature.</p>



<p>These particles, often from the Sun, travel along magnetic fields before colliding with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storm-triggered-stunning-auroras-worldwide-october-11-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmosphere</a>. This interaction creates the bright emissions that are now visible in Webb’s near-infrared images.</p>



<p>Although the auroras of other gas giants - Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus - have been seen before, Neptune's lights have remained elusive. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neptune-s-auroras-finally-confirmed">Neptune's auroras finally confirmed</h2>



<p>NASA’s Voyager 2 hinted at auroras on Neptune during its 1989 flyby, but no instrument has since been able to confirm it. The giant blue planet has kept its secrets, despite years of observation with Earth’s best telescopes.</p>



<p>“Turns out, actually imaging the auroral activity on Neptune was only possible with Webb’s near-infrared sensitivity,” said lead author Henrik Melin of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northumbria University</a>, who conducted the research while at the&nbsp;<a href="https://le.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leicester</a>.</p>



<p>“It was so stunning to not just see the auroras, but the detail and clarity of the signature really shocked me.”</p>



<p>Webb captured the images in June 2023 using its Near-Infrared Spectrograph. Astronomers also collected spectral data to analyze Neptune’s atmospheric temperature and chemical makeup.</p>



<p>For the first time, they clearly identified a strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auroras-southern-united-states-this-week-huge-solar-storm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission</a> line from H3+, a molecule formed during auroras. The signature glow of H3+ showed up as cyan-colored splotches in Webb’s Neptune images.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-h3-tells-us-about-neptune">What H3+ tells us about Neptune</h2>



<p>H3+ acts as a reliable marker for auroral activity in gas giants. Scientists have used it to track auroras on Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, but Neptune resisted.</p>



<p>Heidi Hammel is the Webb interdisciplinary scientist at the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (<a href="https://www.aura-astronomy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AURA</a>), and the leader of the Guaranteed Time Observation program through which the data were obtained.</p>



<p>“H3+ has been a clear signifier on all the gas giants - Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus - of auroral activity, and we expected to see the same on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/auroras-and-severe-solar-storms-will-continue-through-tomorrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a>, as we investigated the planet over the years with the best ground-based facilities available,” explained Hammel. "Only with a machine like Webb have we finally gotten that confirmation."</p>



<p>This discovery confirms what astronomers suspected all along. The evidence was hidden - not absent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neptune-s-magnetic-tilt-changes-with-auroras">Neptune’s magnetic tilt changes with auroras </h2>



<p>Unlike Earth, where auroras dance near the poles, Neptune’s appear in the mid-latitudes. On Earth, this would mean auroras above places like South America.</p>



<p>The reason lies in Neptune’s magnetic field. Voyager 2 found it tilted 47 degrees off the planet’s rotation axis. This tilt shifts where the field lines converge, moving the auroras far away from the expected polar zones.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/neptune_auroras_webb_hubble_comparison-images_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/neptune_auroras_webb_hubble_comparison-images_NASA_1s.webp" alt="At the left, an enhanced-color image of Neptune from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. At the right, that image is combined with data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1963599"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>At the left, an enhanced-color image of Neptune from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. At the right, that image is combined with data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Click to enlarge. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The odd geometry adds complexity to Neptune’s space weather. Understanding it helps scientists map how solar particles interact with distant planetary fields.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cooler-neptune-holds-more-secrets">A cooler Neptune holds more secrets</h2>



<p>Webb’s data also revealed that Neptune’s upper atmosphere has cooled significantly since 1989.</p>



<p>“I was astonished - Neptune’s upper atmosphere has cooled by several hundreds of degrees,” Melin said. “In fact, the temperature in 2023 was just over half of that in 1989.”</p>



<p>Colder temperatures weaken auroral brightness. This explains why Neptune’s light shows escaped detection for decades. </p>



<p>The chilling data point to a dynamic upper atmosphere on this giant planet - one capable of massive temperature shifts, even at a distance of 30 astronomical units from the Sun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-paths-for-future-missions">New paths for future missions</h2>



<p>These fresh insights mark the beginning of a new era in ice giant exploration. </p>



<p>Scientists now plan to monitor Neptune over a full solar cycle, which lasts around 11 years. Understanding changes in solar activity may reveal more about Neptune’s magnetic field and atmospheric shifts.</p>



<p>“As we look ahead and dream of future missions to Uranus and Neptune, we now know how important it will be to have instruments tuned to the wavelengths of infrared light to continue to study the auroras,”  said Leigh Fletcher of Leicester University, who was a co-author on the paper.</p>



<p>“This observatory has finally opened the window onto this last, previously hidden ionosphere of the giant planets.”</p>



<p>The Webb observations were conducted as part of Hammel’s Guaranteed Time Observation program 1249. The results open new paths to explore the mysteries of our solar system’s outermost worlds.</p>



<p>The study’s results have been&nbsp;published in<em>&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-025-02507-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Astronomy</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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



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Auroras on Neptune seen for the first time, thanks to the Webb Telescope

For the first time, Neptune’s auroras are no longer just...

<p>Human activity is rapidly altering ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and the decline of animal cultures. This includes behaviors acquired through social learning - known as cultural behaviors. These are crucial for species adapting to change.</p>



<p>"Cultural behaviors range from the songs of whales to the tool use of primates," said Ammie Kalan of the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria</a>.</p>



<p>"These adaptations to environmental change not only benefit the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, but also provide important insights into the origins of behavior and learning across species. However, shrinking global animal populations pose a challenge to what we can still hope to learn."</p>



<p>Cultural behaviors such as tool use enhance survival. They help species exploit food, water, and mates. These behaviors also shape ecosystems by promoting flexibility and adaptation. But many animals that show these skills face extinction, risking the loss of valuable behavioral insights.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-pass-down-a-cultural-legacy">Animals pass down a cultural legacy</h2>



<p>Tool use is one of the most visible cultural traits. Tools create physical artifacts that remain long after the behavior has ended. This makes tool use easier to study than behaviors like communication or play.</p>



<p>In <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> like chimpanzees, capuchins, and macaques, habitual tool use is passed down socially. They use stone tools as hammers and anvils, creating lasting marks on the landscape. These tools often gather in the same spots over generations, forming what researchers call “technological landscapes.”</p>



<p>Tools show how animals teach, learn, and innovate. They also help scientists interpret early human behavior, especially when comparing ancient stone tools with those made by primates today. Some stone flakes made by monkeys even mimic tools once thought exclusive to human ancestors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animal-tools-complicate-human-history">Animal tools complicate human history</h2>



<p>Recent research has shown that nonhuman primates can produce stone flakes unintentionally. </p>



<p>These resemble early human tools and challenge long-held views about our ancestors' intelligence. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marine animals</a> like otters also use stone anvils, suggesting coastal archaeological finds could be nonhuman.</p>



<p>This overlap forces researchers to refine how they interpret ancient sites. They must now separate human and animal material culture with care. Comparative research across species helps clarify which behaviors are truly human and which are not.</p>



<p>"These uniquely complex creatures are threatened with extinction, highlighting the urgent need to protect and conserve them and their way of life," noted Lydia Luncz of the <a href="https://www.mpg.de/institutes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-digital-preservation-matters">Why digital preservation matters</h2>



<p>Removing tools from the wild can damage animal cultures. These objects help pass <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animal-size-and-cancer-risk-surprising-new-details-have-emerged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behaviors</a> from one generation to the next. Instead of removing them, researchers now use digital tools.</p>



<p>Technologies like laser scanning and 3D modeling let scientists record tools without disturbing ecosystems. These digital records are detailed, shareable, and ideal for long-term study. They allow for global collaboration without risking the loss of rare materials.</p>



<p>Some tools are made from vegetation and degrade quickly. Others, like stone, survive longer and create clearer evidence of cultural habits. Digital preservation captures both types and helps maintain a full record of animal behavior.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-cultures-not-just-species">Protecting cultures, not just species</h2>



<p>There’s no global plan to protect animal material culture. Most artifacts survive only if found in protected areas. That’s not enough. To preserve these cultures, animals must have access to the resources they use—like specific stones or plants.</p>



<p>Efforts like the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species (<a href="https://www.cms.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CMS</a>) have started to include cultural protections. They’ve taken steps to preserve behaviors in chimpanzees and sperm whales. These moves show a growing respect for the social knowledge of animals.</p>



<p>Recognizing animal cultures expands how we see conservation. It’s not just about survival. It’s about honoring shared evolutionary stories and keeping the legacy of other species alive. These stories teach us about learning, creativity, and resilience in the natural world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-the-cultural-legacy-of-animals">Preserving the cultural legacy of animals</h2>



<p>As ecosystems change, time is running out to record and protect the behaviors of wild animals. Their cultures reflect a rich history shared with us. These are not just curiosities. They are keys to understanding intelligence, adaptation, and social bonds.</p>



<p>Protecting the cultural legacy of animals honors more than science. It honors a living connection between species - one that still shapes the world we all share.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj3716" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>. </p>



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



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Saving the cultural legacy of wild animals

Human activity is rapidly altering ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss...

<p>Most people have never seen a civet, let alone heard of one. Yet these elusive, cat-like mammals play an irreplaceable role in the web of life across Africa and Asia. </p>



<p>On April 4th each year, conservationists, researchers, and animal lovers come together to celebrate World Civet Day - an initiative launched in 2024 by The Civet Project Foundation.</p>



<p>This day marks a turning point for civet awareness. Long overlooked in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife conservation</a>, civets now have a voice. Their habitats, behaviors, and unfortunate exploitation are being discussed more widely, pushing them out of the shadows. </p>



<p>World Civet Day is not just about admiration - it’s about action, compassion, and education.</p>



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



<p>Civets are small, nocturnal mammals belonging to the family Viverridae. Their appearances vary by species, but most civets have a long, slender body, masked faces, and ringed tails. Although they look somewhat like cats, civets are more closely related to mongooses and hyenas.</p>



<p>They live in forests, grasslands, and even city outskirts across India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Civets feed on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. </p>



<p>One of their most important <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological roles</a> is seed dispersal. By eating fruits and excreting seeds in different areas, civets help maintain forest diversity. They also help control insect populations. In short, civets are silent ecological engineers.</p>



<p>But despite their usefulness to the environment, civets face mounting threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-lurking-in-the-shadows">Threats lurking in the shadows</h2>



<p>The biggest danger to civets comes from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/un-report-disturbing-details-about-the-state-of-earths-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humans</a>. Habitat loss, urban encroachment, and deforestation have taken a toll on their populations. </p>



<p>Some species, like the Malabar civet, are now critically endangered. Others remain poorly studied, slipping through the cracks of conservation priorities.</p>



<p>Civets have long been forgotten in mainstream conservation. But they are key players in our ecosystems, and we owe them more attention.</p>



<p>Beyond environmental destruction, civets are victims of direct exploitation. One of the most infamous examples is their involvement in the luxury coffee trade.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dark-side-of-civet-coffee">The dark side of civet coffee</h2>



<p>Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. It is made using beans that have passed through a civet’s digestive system. This process supposedly improves the flavor, making the beans smoother and less acidic.</p>



<p>Originally, civet coffee was rare because it relied on beans collected from wild civet droppings. But rising global demand turned this niche product into an industry. </p>



<p>Today, many civets are captured, caged, and force-fed coffee cherries in cramped and unsanitary conditions. These animals often suffer from malnutrition, stress, and early death.</p>



<p>Ethical concerns are growing louder. Researchers and animal welfare organizations have repeatedly called for bans on caged civet coffee farms. Yet in many countries, the trade continues unchecked.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-world-civet-day-stands-for">What World Civet Day stands for</h2>



<p>World Civet Day shines a spotlight on these issues. It urges individuals and institutions to consider the ethical costs of consumerism. More importantly, it gives civets the recognition they deserve as vital members of our shared environment.</p>



<p>The Civet Project, which started the initiative, uses the day to promote awareness through talks, exhibitions, and social media campaigns. Their mission is twofold: to educate people about civets and to advocate for their protection in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-success-stories-offer-hope-for-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild</a> and in captivity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-research-and-rescue">Role of research and rescue</h2>



<p>Academic researchers are now giving civets more attention. Studies focus on their diet, territory, reproductive behavior, and role in seed dispersal. </p>



<p>Conservation organizations partner with zoos and local authorities to rescue civets from illegal captivity and rehabilitate them for return to the wild.</p>



<p>Zoos such as Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in the UK hosted educational events for the first World Civet Day, showing the public how civets live and why they matter. Meanwhile, grassroots conservationists are pushing for civet-friendly laws in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-help-civets-on-world-civet-day">Help civets on World Civet Day</h2>



<p>World Civet Day is not only for scientists or conservationists. Everyone has a role to play. Choosing not to buy civet coffee can protect animals from cruelty. Supporting eco-tourism helps preserve their natural homes. Sharing facts and updates online spreads <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">awareness</a>.</p>



<p>Organizations like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thecivetproject.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Civet Project</a>&nbsp;work year-round to protect civets. You can follow and support their efforts.</p>



<p>By making ethical choices, raising awareness, and respecting wildlife, you help ensure civets have a safe future. These quiet forest dwellers deserve to thrive in the wild places they help sustain.</p>



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



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World Civet Day 2025 reveals the dark side of a luxury coffee

Most people have never seen a civet, let alone heard...


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