<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features ice on Lake Michigan in late January 2025, when extreme cold settled into the Chicago area.</p>



<p>“Between January 19 and 24, 2025, a brutal cold snap hit Chicago. This satellite image captured a glimpse of the wintry aftermath,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153885/a-chill-over-chicagoland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the first half of the cold spell was the most intense.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-spells-and-snowfall">Cold spells and snowfall</h2>



<p>Cold spells in the Chicago area are often accompanied by strong winds and significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a>.</p>



<p>“On January 21, the air temperature in Chicago reached as low as minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 26 degrees Celsius). At the time, little to no snow covered the ground in Chicago, which NWS noted is uncommon amid sub-zero temperatures,” said NASA.</p>



<p>“Snowflakes returned toward the end of the cold spell. Between the mornings of January 22 and 23, several waves of snowfall produced the blanket of white across the Chicago area visible in this image.”</p>



<p>“Another expanse of white is visible atop Lake Michigan. This is lake ice, which grows on the Great Lakes each winter, though its extent and timing can be highly variable. Ice coverage on the Great Lakes typically reaches its annual peak in late February or early March.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visible-ice-patterns">Visible ice patterns</h2>



<p>Jia Wang, an ice climatologist at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), noted that on January 24, winds were blowing offshore and pushing ice away from the coastline.</p>



<p>In the photo, areas of dark, thin ice can be seen close to the shore, while patchy areas of bright white ice are visible away from shore. According to Wang, the whiter areas might be due to ice that has piled up and formed a very rough surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cover-on-lake-michigan-nbsp">Ice cover on Lake Michigan&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“The area of Lake Michigan covered with ice in late January 2025 hovered around the historical average (1973-2024) for the time of year, according to data from GLERL. When the image was acquired, ice covered about 20 percent of the lake,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>“Meanwhile, several hundred miles to the east, ice on Lake Erie spiked well above average in late January, according to GLERL, with ice spanning around 80 percent of the lake. The ice was thick enough to temporarily immobilize a Canadian cargo freighter, according to news reports.”</p>



<p>To calculate the thickness of ice on the Great Lakes, experts are investigating ways to use altimetry data from NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2).</p>



<p>Eric Anderson, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines, noted that such measurements could improve ice and weather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> as well as help us understand changes in Earth’s surface freshwater.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-on-the-great-lakes">Ice on the Great Lakes</h2>



<p>Ice formation on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-craters-found-in-the-bottom-of-lake-michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Lakes</a> is a dynamic process influenced by seasonal temperatures, wind patterns, and climate variability.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Each year, ice begins to develop in late fall and early winter, typically forming first in sheltered bays and shallow areas before extending over deeper waters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The extent and duration of ice cover vary significantly, with some years experiencing widespread freezing while others see only partial coverage due to warmer conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuations-in-ice-coverage">Fluctuations in ice coverage</h2>



<p>Historically, ice coverage on the Great Lakes has fluctuated, with long-term records showing a decline in ice extent due to rising global temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lakes act as vast heat reservoirs, meaning their large thermal mass can delay freezing, especially in milder winters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When ice does form, it affects local weather patterns, contributing to lake-effect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> in surrounding regions. It also impacts ecosystems, as ice cover influences fish spawning, winter survival of aquatic organisms, and shoreline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-variability-in-ice-cover-nbsp">Increasing variability in ice cover&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In recent decades, scientists have observed increasing variability in ice cover, with some years experiencing near-record lows. </p>



<p>This trend impacts commercial shipping in two key ways: reduced ice cover can extend the navigational season, but unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles make ice-breaking operations more challenging.</p>



<p>Additionally, ice conditions influence recreational activities such as ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling - all of which depend on stable and thick ice.</p>



<p>Overall, ice on the Great Lakes is a key indicator of changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate patterns</a>, with its variability providing insights into broader environmental shifts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The image was captured on January 24, 2025 with the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.</p>



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



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



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



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



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

Chicago cold spell brings ice to Lake Michigan 

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the remnants of Lake Razzaza, an artificial lake situated a few miles west of Karbala, Iraq.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> was created in the late 1970s as a control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River. </p>



<p>Razzaza covers an area of approximately 1,562 square kilometers and is located in a depression where excess water from Lake Habbaniyah is diverted through a controlled escape channel or canal.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-lake-razzaza">The colors of Lake Razzaza</h2>



<p>“The lake, also known as Baḩr al-Milḩ (‘Sea of Salt’ in Arabic), is fed by overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, which lies just outside the top left corner of the image,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153756/iraqs-sea-of-salt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“The difference in water color results from the various communities of algae that thrive in the lake depending on the water temperature and salinity.”</p>



<p>“Green areas contain lower salt concentrations than red areas. At times when the lake receives no overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, as shown in this image, most of the lakebed is exposed.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-of-lake-razzaza">Salinity of Lake Razzaza</h2>



<p>Over the years, the salinity of Lake Razzaza has been increasing due to inadequate water supply from the linked canal and high evaporation rates during Iraq's hot summers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> has led to a decline in fish populations, adversely affecting local fishermen who once relied on the lake for their livelihoods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By 2008, only the fish species locally known as "al-Shanik" (Acanthopagrus arabicus), of marine origin and stocked by the government, was reported to survive in the lake.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lake's fluctuating water levels and increasing salinity have also impacted its recreational appeal, with few recreational areas existing around the lake.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, the surrounding desert landscape and low cliff shores contribute to its limited accessibility for leisure activities.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-razzaza">Wildlife of Lake Razzaza</h2>



<p>Despite these challenges, Lake Razzaza remains an important habitat for various bird species. It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, supporting significant numbers of wintering waterfowl and serving as a breeding ground for species such as the marbled duck.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lake's mudflats attract large numbers of waders and shorebirds during migration periods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The surrounding area features vegetation such as Phragmites australis, Juncus acutus, Aeluropus lagopoides, Salicornia herbacea, and Schoenoplectus litoralis, along with desert shrublands including Tamarix aucherana, Prosopis farcta, and Haloxylon salicornicum.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Mammals reported in this region include Rüppell's fox, golden jackal, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, and wildcat.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In recent years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> has faced environmental challenges due to reduced water inflows and increased evaporation, leading to higher salinity levels and a decline in biodiversity. </p>



<p>Efforts to address these issues are essential to preserve the ecological and economic significance of Lake Razzaza.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-euphrates-river-nbsp">The Euphrates River&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Euphrates River is one of the most significant rivers in the Middle East and holds immense historical, cultural, and ecological importance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles), it originates in the mountains of eastern Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq before merging with the Tigris River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years, supporting ancient Mesopotamian societies, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.</p>



<p>The Euphrates has provided water for irrigation, enabling the development of agriculture in an otherwise arid region. Its floodplains have been vital for sustaining life and fostering the growth of cities along its course.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the river also plays a key geopolitical role, as disputes over water usage and dam construction among Turkey, Syria, and Iraq have emerged over the years, impacting water availability downstream.</p>



<p>Ecologically, the Euphrates supports a range of habitats, from wetlands to desert ecosystems, making it home to diverse flora and fauna.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, modern challenges such as damming, pollution, and climate change threaten its flow and ecological balance. Despite these challenges, the Euphrates remains a symbol of life and resilience in the heart of the Middle East.</p>



<p>The image was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) on September 23, 2024.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA</p>



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



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



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



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

Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-webb-nbsp-nbsp">The power of Webb&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>The same cluster was featured as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. </p>



<p>"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



<p>ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 cloud.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."</p>



<p>The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</h2>



<p>“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.</p>



<p>Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.</p>



<p>Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



<p>NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.</p>



<p>Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. </p>



<p>These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</h2>



<p>NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.</p>



<p>The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA</p>



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



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



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



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

Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features dust streaming off the coast of Iran in January 2025.</p>



<p>“Some of the desert dust was carried across the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Peninsula, degrading air quality for those in its path,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153859/desert-dust-streams-from-iran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“The airborne material appears to primarily originate in the dried bed of the intermittent lake known as Hamun-e Jazmurian (Hamun-e Jaz Murian), while some may be blown from coastal areas. Along with arid regions such as the Garagum and Lut deserts and the Sistan Basin, the lakebed is a major source of dust in southwest Asia.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitation-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Precipitation in the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



<p>According to NASA, some parts of the Jazmurian Basin receive less than four inches of rain annually, on average, and evaporation rates are high. During wet times, however, an intermittent lake, marshlands, and other vegetation can cover parts of the basin. </p>



<p>“Terra’s MODIS sensor has previously captured images of the area when water is present in Hamun-e Jazmurian and when green vegetation fringes the lakebed,” said NASA.</p>



<p>“In early 2025, the land was dry enough for winds to blow dust plumes south-southwest over the Gulf of Oman. Dust traveled across the water to the coast of the United Arab Emirates, where the haze reduced visibility in places, according to news reports.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particles-in-dust-storms">Particles in dust storms</h2>



<p>In addition to disrupting transportation and other daily activities, the suspended particles in dust storms can pose significant health risks. Recent research has revealed that dust from the Jazmurian Basin often contains heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances, such as silica and organic pollutants, which can negatively impact both human and ecosystem health.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Prolonged exposure to these particles has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as the exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions like asthma and bronchitis.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-dust-storms">Environmental impact of dust storms</h2>



<p>Moreover, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a> of dust storms extends beyond human health. The fine particles can settle on vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and agricultural productivity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dust deposition can also alter soil composition by introducing heavy metals and changing nutrient balances, which may affect crop growth and soil microbial communities. Such changes can lead to long-term degradation of arable land and disrupt local food security.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Dust in the Jazmurian Basin </h2>



<p>Communities near the Jazmurian Basin are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these dust storms due to limited access to healthcare and mitigation resources. </p>



<p>Seasonal changes and climatic conditions, including prolonged droughts and desertification, further intensify the frequency and severity of dust storms in the region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This creates a cycle of environmental and health challenges, making it imperative to develop strategies for prevention and adaptation.</p>



<p>Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and international levels. Potential measures include reforestation and soil stabilization projects to reduce dust emissions, stricter regulations to limit activities that contribute to desertification, and public health initiatives to educate communities on protective measures during dust events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Investing in early warning systems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-driven-wildfires-worsen-u-s-air-quality-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> monitoring can also help minimize exposure and protect both human populations and the environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-jazmurian-basin">Significance of the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



<p>The Jazmurian Basin is a prominent endorheic basin located in southeastern Iran, spanning parts of the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan as well as Kerman. It lies at the heart of an arid region characterized by sparse vegetation, high temperatures, and limited rainfall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The basin is primarily fed by the Halil and Bampur rivers, which provide seasonal water flow to the basin's low-lying areas. At its center lies the Jazmurian Depression, which forms a seasonal playa or shallow lake, though it often dries up during extended dry periods.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The area holds geological and archaeological significance, offering insights into ancient human settlements and environmental changes over time.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite its harsh climate, the basin supports small-scale agriculture in its peripheries and serves as a critical habitat for certain desert-adapted flora and fauna. Climate change and water management challenges have intensified the environmental pressures faced by this fragile ecosystem.</p>



<p>The image was captured on January 22 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;</p>



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



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



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



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

Dust rises from the Jazmurian Basin in Iran

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.</p>



<p>In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”</p>



<p>Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image">Messier 82 image </h2>



<p>“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.</p>



<p>One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



<p>The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. </p>



<p>The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.</p>



<p>A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h2>



<p>The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA</p>



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



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



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



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

Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

<p>Samples from asteroid Bennu have delivered remarkable insights into the origins of Earth’s water, the organic molecules that may have seeded life here and elsewhere, and the fundamental materials and building blocks of our planet and solar system. </p>



<p>All of this was discovered in just 4 ounces of dust and rock, carefully gathered by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission in 2023.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-relics-of-the-early-solar-system-nbsp">Relics of the early solar system&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Michelle Thompson, an associate professor of earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences at <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University</a>, was among the first nine lead investigators on the OSIRIS-REx science team to examine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-bennu-holds-secrets-of-the-solar-systems-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bennu</a>’s samples.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thompson and her colleagues had 72 hours to perform initial measurements and analyses, drawing on her expertise in how off-world bodies and their chemistry respond to space environments.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The discoveries shed light on how Earth and the solar system formed and whether life’s building blocks arrived via asteroids.</p>



<p>“Asteroids are relics of the early solar system,” Thompson said. “They’re like time capsules. We can use them to examine the origin of our solar system and to open a window to the origin of life on Earth.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-bennu-sample-to-earth">Bringing Bennu sample to Earth</h2>



<p>NASA’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-safely-delivers-rock-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSIRIS-REx</a> is the agency’s first mission to retrieve samples from an asteroid and return them to Earth. </p>



<p>The mission is focused on analyzing solar system building blocks and exploring resources that might enable future deep-space missions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>After more than a decade of planning and collaboration among hundreds of team members, OSIRIS-REx successfully returned 4.29 ounces (121.6 grams) of Bennu’s material - exceeding its goal of 60 grams.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-once-in-a-lifetime-experience">Once-in-a-lifetime experience</h2>



<p>The asteroid samples provide scientists with a rare, pristine look at asteroid dust and rock unaltered by Earth’s atmosphere.</p>



<p>“This is a truly once-in-a-lifetime - maybe a once-in-several-lifetimes - experience,” Thompson said. “OSIRIS-REx was selected in 2011, the year I started graduate school, and launched in 2016, the year I finished my PhD.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“It reached Bennu in 2018, the year I came to Purdue. And now I am one of the first humans to get to study it. Bennu is a treasure trove of information; this is literally the project of my career.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pristine-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-nbsp">Pristine samples from asteroid Bennu&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although pieces of asteroids sometimes land on Earth naturally as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorites</a>, the fiery journey through Earth’s atmosphere often damages or contaminates them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By bringing Bennu’s samples home inside a protective capsule, scientists can examine them in a virtually unaltered state. </p>



<p>This clarity allows for more precise evaluations of organic compounds, isotopes, and minerals that could explain the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-origins-of-water-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origins of water</a> on Earth and the formation of life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-molecules-in-bennu-samples">Organic molecules in Bennu samples</h2>



<p>Bennu is a carbonaceous asteroid, rich in carbon and other elements crucial to life’s chemistry. The Bennu samples reveal key details about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-molecules-found-throughout-the-universe-hint-that-life-began-in-deep-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic molecules</a> that are essential to life’s development.</p>



<p>“Looking at the organic molecules from Bennu, we are getting an understanding of what kinds of molecules could have seeded life on early Earth,” Thompson noted. </p>



<p>“We won’t find life itself, but we’re looking at the building blocks that could have eventually evolved into life.”</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="KNaqn8jEPp-4282904-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ammonia-is-crucial-for-life">Ammonia is crucial for life</h2>



<p>Scientists found incredibly large amounts of ammonia in the Bennu samples. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-green-tech-ammonia-fertilizer-production-using-earths-natural-forces/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ammonia</a> is important for life because it can combine with formaldehyde, which was also found in the samples, to create complex molecules like amino acids when the conditions are right. </p>



<p>When amino acids join together into long chains, they form proteins, which are essential for almost every function in living things.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bennu-comes-from-a-water-planet">Bennu comes from a water planet</h2>



<p>The presence of elements like phosphate, sulfate, and other salt minerals in Bennu’s dust points to an environment conducive to forming vital biomolecules.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Together with our international partner teams, we have been able to detect a large proportion of the minerals that are formed when salty, liquid water - known as brine - evaporates more and more and the minerals are precipitated in the order of their solubility,” explains Dr. Sheri Singerling, who manages the Schwiete Cosmo Lab.</p>



<p>Professor Frank Brenker of <a href="https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goethe University Frankfurt</a> noted that other teams have found various precursors of biomolecules such as numerous amino acids in the Bennu samples.</p>



<p>“This means that Bennu’s parent body had some known building blocks for biomolecules, water and - at least for a certain time - energy to keep the water liquid," explained Professor Brenker.</p>



<p>Similar brines have been detected or suggested across the solar system, including at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-on-the-dwarf-planet-ceres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dwarf planet Ceres</a> and Saturn’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-could-survive-near-surface-europa-enceladus-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon Enceladus</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-earth-s-water">Mystery of Earth's water</h2>



<p>The samples also had traces of minerals containing water. Understanding how asteroids can deliver these resources offers vital context about how Earth’s water might have arrived.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The scientific community doesn’t have a definitive understanding of how Earth got all its water,” Thompson said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Looking at how much water is part of these minerals in the samples from Bennu gives us a clue about how much water was out in the solar system when the planets were forming.”</p>



<p>“How much material was available that could have been delivered through impacts - not just organic material, but water and minerals as well.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



<p>Scientists around the world are now parsing the Bennu samples to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deepen our knowledge</a> of planetary science.</p>



<p>The experts are analyzing mineral content, studying stable isotopes for clues about the solar system’s formation, and testing hypotheses about how organic compounds travel between celestial bodies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The final goal is to piece together a clearer picture of how life-supporting environments arise and persist. Although the newly returned samples measure just a few ounces, their significance is immense.</p>



<p>Panspermia suggests that life, or the essential building blocks of life, could be distributed throughout the universe via meteoroids, asteroids, comets, or even space dust.</p>



<p>Is that what happened here on Earth? Is humanity the ultimate result of an asteroid colliding with our planet billions of years ago?</p>



<p>By continuing to analyze this pristine material from asteroid Bennu, we may just learn the answer to that question sooner rather than later.</p>



<p>Video Credit: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center </p>



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



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



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



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

Are humans the aliens? NASA finds all of life's key ingredients in asteroid Bennu sample

Samples from asteroid Bennu have delivered remarkable insights into the...

<p>Cosmic rays contain some of the most energetic particles in the universe, moving at nearly the speed of light. These subatomic particles, such as electrons and protons, travel through space, carrying essential clues about astrophysical phenomena.</p>



<p>While some originate from within our solar system, the most powerful ones come from distant cosmic sources.</p>



<p>The origin and acceleration of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-cosmic-explosion-changes-what-we-know-about-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-energy particles</a> remain one of astrophysics' greatest puzzles. Scientists have long theorized that extreme environments, such as the jets of black holes, could provide the necessary conditions for this extreme particle acceleration.</p>



<p>However, the details of how and under what circumstances these processes occur are still not well understood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microquasars-and-cosmic-rays">Microquasars and cosmic rays</h2>



<p>Microquasars, a type of binary system composed of a stellar-mass black hole and a companion star, have been identified as promising sites for high-energy particle acceleration. In these systems, the black hole pulls in material from its companion, forming a swirling accretion disk. </p>



<p>This process generates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strange-high-energy-cosmic-rays-did-something-outside-our-galaxy-send-them-here/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">powerful jets</a> that shoot matter away at exceptionally high speeds.</p>



<p>Such jets are thought to play a significant role in accelerating cosmic rays but, until now, observational evidence has been scarce and limited to specific systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microquasars-in-high-energy-physics">Microquasars in high-energy physics</h2>



<p>Microquasars exist in two main forms that are differentiated by the mass of their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hess-observatory-detects-highest-energy-cosmic-rays-ever-observed-origin-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">companion stars</a>. High-mass microquasars contain stars that are significantly larger than the Sun, while low-mass microquasars have much smaller companion stars.</p>



<p>High-energy particle acceleration had previously been observed only in the high-mass category, leading many researchers to believe that low-mass microquasars lacked the necessary conditions to produce cosmic rays.</p>



<p>One of the most well-known examples of a high-mass microquasar is SS 433, which was recently revealed to be one of the most powerful particle accelerators in the galaxy. </p>



<p>This system contains a companion star with a mass approximately ten times that of the Sun. Its powerful jets emit high-energy gamma rays, reinforcing the idea that such systems could significantly contribute to the total cosmic ray production in the Milky Way.</p>



<p>The question remained whether all microquasars could accelerate cosmic particles, or if only the most massive ones had this capability. </p>



<p>Since low-mass microquasars are much more abundant than their high-mass counterparts, answering this question was essential for understanding their role in cosmic ray <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-rays-help-archaeologists-determine-age-discoveries-prehistoric-settlements/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">production</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-mass-microquasar-emitting-gamma-rays">Low-mass microquasar emitting gamma rays</h2>



<p>A recent discovery by Dr. Laura Olivera-Nieto from the <a href="https://www.mpi-hd.mpg.de/mpi/de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max-Planck-Institut</a> für Kernphysik and Dr. Guillem Martí-Devesa from <a href="https://portale.units.it/it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Università di Trieste</a> has challenged previous assumptions about particle acceleration.</p>



<p>Using 16 years of observational data from NASA’s <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi Large Area Telescope</a>, the experts detected a faint gamma-ray signal linked to GRS 1915+105, a microquasar with a low-mass companion star.</p>



<p>The presence of gamma rays at energies exceeding 10 GeV suggests that this system is accelerating particles to even higher levels. This marks the first concrete evidence of particle acceleration occurring in a low-mass microquasar. </p>



<p>The discovery fundamentally shifts the understanding of which systems contribute to cosmic ray production in the galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mechanism-behind-the-acceleration">Mechanism behind the acceleration</h2>



<p>The study proposes that the detected gamma rays result from proton acceleration within the microquasar’s jets. </p>



<p>These high-energy protons escape the system and collide with nearby gas, producing gamma-ray photons. This mechanism aligns with previous theoretical predictions about how cosmic rays might originate from black hole environments.</p>



<p>Further supporting this hypothesis, additional data from Japan’s Nobeyama 45-meter Radio Telescope indicate that there is enough surrounding gas to sustain this process. </p>



<p>The presence of this gas is crucial, as it provides the necessary medium for the accelerated protons to interact with and generate the observed gamma-ray emission.</p>



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



<p>This discovery reshapes the understanding of how cosmic rays are produced and distributed throughout the galaxy. </p>



<p>Given that low-mass microquasars are significantly more common than their high-mass counterparts, their total contribution to the cosmic ray population could be far greater than previously assumed. This challenges earlier models that relied primarily on the influence of high-mass microquasars and supernova remnants.</p>



<p>Despite this breakthrough, many questions remain. Are all low-mass microquasars capable of accelerating cosmic rays, or is GRS 1915+105 an exceptional case? What specific conditions enable efficient particle acceleration in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a>? </p>



<p>Further observations and multi-wavelength studies will be required to refine these findings and better understand the underlying mechanisms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-high-energy-astrophysics">Future of high-energy astrophysics</h2>



<p>The discovery that low-mass microquasars can act as cosmic ray accelerators opens new research avenues. If similar gamma-ray signals are detected in other low-mass systems, it could lead to a major revision of current cosmic ray models. </p>



<p>Future missions involving more sensitive space- and ground-based telescopes will play a critical role in identifying additional sources and confirming the extent of their contributions.</p>



<p>This research also highlights the importance of long-term observational studies. By analyzing extensive datasets spanning multiple years, researchers can uncover faint signals that might otherwise go undetected.</p>



<p>The use of multi-wavelength approaches - combining gamma-ray, radio, and X-ray observations - will continue to refine the understanding of how these extreme environments function.</p>



<p>Microquasars, once thought to be relatively minor players in cosmic ray production, are now emerging as significant contributors. </p>



<p>Whether high-mass or low-mass, these systems demonstrate the universe's ability to accelerate particles to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-forces-have-made-the-structure-of-the-universe-messier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible energies</a>, reshaping how scientists view the origin of some of the most energetic particles in space.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ada14f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>. </em></p>



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



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



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



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

Extreme particle acceleration: New source of cosmic rays discovered

Cosmic rays contain some of the most energetic particles in...

<p>Every object in the universe is on a countdown. Planets take shape, orbit their stars and, in some cases, break apart completely. One small planet, locked in a dangerously close orbit, is falling apart faster than anyone expected.</p>



<p>In the wake of this discovery, <a href="https://www.icds.psu.edu/featured-researcher-nick-tusay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nick Tusay</a> from Penn State has highlighted how modern instruments can capture the fragments of a world in near-real time. </p>



<p>His team uncovered new details about one particular planet, known as K2-22b, by pointing the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST) at this extreme environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-k2-22b-meltdown">Understanding the K2-22b meltdown</h2>



<p>Astronomers classify certain extreme planets as <a href="https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/~fdai/usp.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultra-short period</a> objects if they lie very close to their stars and orbit them in mere hours. </p>



<p>K2-22b fits this definition perfectly, circling its sun in just over nine hours while enduring a blistering surface temperature of about 2100 degrees Kelvin.</p>



<p>Researchers believe K2-22b loses material because it sits so close to its star that even metal and rock turn into vapor. </p>



<p>They noticed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/">star's light</a> dims in an uneven way, which supports the idea that a lengthy dust tail trails behind the planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-lies-beneath-k2-22b">What lies beneath K2-22b?</h2>



<p>The K2-22b system provides a chance to examine the interior of a planet that lies outside our solar system. </p>



<p>Astronomers have rarely had direct access to the core and mantle layers of any world in such a clear fashion, but they see bits of this planet being tossed off into space. </p>



<p>“These planets are literally spilling their guts into space for us, and with JWST we finally have the means to study their composition and see what planets orbiting other stars are really made of,” explained Tusay.</p>



<p><a href="https://science.psu.edu/astro/people/jtw13" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Wright</a>, a co-author on the same project, described how it is tricky to get samples from Earth’s own mantle. He sees K2-22b as a rare chance to capture a direct glimpse of a <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/k2-22-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small world’s deeper layers</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-disappearing-act">Second disappearing act</h2>



<p>While K2-22b first drew notice by shedding rock into space, another object has shocked astronomers with a brisk pace of demise. </p>



<p>A separate team, guided by researchers from MIT, discovered <a href="https://exoplanet.eu/catalog/bd_05_4868_ab--10886/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BD+05 4868 Ab</a>, a planet that completes its orbit in just over 30 hours and looks to be spewing material in two directions.</p>



<p>According to the MIT group, BD+05 4868 Ab’s dust tail stretches around 9 million kilometers, which is more than half the distance along its orbit. It even boasts a second tail, composed of smaller particles that drift at a different rate.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brighter-star-bigger-surprises">Brighter star, bigger surprises</h2>



<p>Observers report that BD+05 4868 Ab blocks more than one percent of its star’s light whenever the dust tail crosses our line of sight. </p>



<p>The transit period can last up to fifteen hours, reflecting the massive area that the dust cloud covers.</p>



<p>“The rate at which the planet is evaporating is utterly cataclysmic, and we are incredibly lucky to be witnessing the final hours of this dying planet,” said <a href="https://www.space.mit.edu/people/marc-hon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marc Hon</a>, postdoctoral researcher at the MIT TESS Science Office. </p>



<p>This object might only endure another couple of million years, which is swift from a cosmic perspective.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-k2-22b-matter">Why does K2-22b matter?</h2>



<p>With BD+05 4868 Ab orbiting a relatively <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-star-documented-year-1181-was-actually-supernova-sn-1181/">bright star</a>, astronomers can more easily analyze the spectral signatures of the planet’s dusty outflow. That brightness boosts the chances of spotting specific chemical markers.</p>



<p>A growing number of specialists hope to build a clearer picture of what elements make up these evaporating worlds. </p>



<p>These bits of data might guide theories on how planets form and evolve, offering insights that extend well beyond one star system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-both-teams-joining-forces">Both teams joining forces</h2>



<p>Scientists behind both discoveries are joining efforts to gather more data on BD+05 4868 Ab. They plan to use JWST’s infrared capabilities to investigate whether the losing world releases certain combinations of silicate or iron vapors.</p>



<p>Astronomers also anticipate comparing the composition of K2-22b’s escaping rock to that of BD+05 4868 Ab’s dust tails. </p>



<p>Unusual compounds could crop up in either system, spurring new questions about how materials behave at scorching temperatures and intense radiation levels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-destroy-their-planets">Stars destroy their planets</h2>



<p>These fiery, short-lived planets confirm that stars can rip apart their neighbors under the right conditions. Observations of dust tails do more than raise eyebrows; they unlock ways to decode the inner layers of distant worlds.</p>



<p>Some researchers point out how each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/">new planet found</a> in this condition brings them closer to refining atmospheric models. </p>



<p>Even the presence of compounds like nitric oxide or carbon dioxide can challenge long-held assumptions about which chemicals endure such brutal heat.</p>



<p>Disintegrating planets were once seen as an oddity, but technology has leapt forward. Instruments like TESS continually scan large chunks of sky, and JWST can focus on selected targets at extraordinary resolution.</p>



<p>Future campaigns may reveal more battered planets that have similar tails. Once a few more systems are identified, researchers might learn if certain stars are more prone to hosting these doomed objects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-22b-and-disintegrating-planets">K2-22b and disintegrating planets</h2>



<p>As telescopes capture fresh snapshots of disintegration in progress, theorists will keep refining their understanding of tidal forces, star-planet interactions, and how heat ravages a planet’s structure. </p>



<p>This synergy between theory and observation transforms stray findings into meaningful breakthroughs.</p>



<p>Each new observation feeds into a bigger mosaic that helps answer why certain planets crumble so quickly. That ongoing research could reshape our perspective on planetary survival in the harshest of stellar neighborhoods.</p>



<p>The study of <a href="http://arxiv.org/abs/2501.08301" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the K2-22b system</a> and <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.05431" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the BD+05 4868 Ab system</a> are published at <em>arXiv</em> under the section on Earth and Planetary Astrophysics.</p>



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



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



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



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

NASA finds a planet disintegrating faster than astronomers thought possible

Every object in the universe is on a countdown. Planets...


<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49"><script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b/vid=592ddc87f5bcb176bb33b701/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js"></script></div>
<p>EPA Lawn Care Tips: Weeds and pests</p>


EPA Lawn Care Tips: Weeds And Pests