<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>



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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 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 spiral galaxy NGC 2090 in magnificent detail

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the galaxy I Zwicky 18, which was captured in remarkable detail by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>I Zwicky 18 is a blue compact dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-i-zwicky-18">Star formation in I Zwicky 18</h2>



<p>The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <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> compared to other galaxies of similar age.</p>



<p>“The galaxy was first identified by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930’s and resides roughly 59 million light-years from Earth,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. “This galaxy has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to ESA, I Zwicky 18 is typical of the kinds of galaxies that inhabited the early universe and is much smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-image-of-the-galaxy">Webb telescope image of the galaxy</h2>



<p>“Two major starburst regions are embedded in the heart of the galaxy. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars,” noted ESA.</p>



<p>“A companion galaxy resides nearby to the dwarf galaxy, which can be seen at the bottom of the wider-field image. The companion may be interacting with the dwarf galaxy and may have triggered that galaxy's recent star formation.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>ESA explained that the “orange blobs” surrounding the galaxy are the dim glow from ancient fully formed galaxies at much larger distances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-i-zwicky-18">Key characteristics of I Zwicky 18</h2>



<p>As previously mentioned, the galaxy has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, suggesting that it has not undergone significant stellar processing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-young-stellar-population-nbsp">Young stellar population&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Despite its old age, I Zwicky 18 contains many young, hot stars. This suggests that it might have experienced a burst of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> relatively recently in its history.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-medium-nbsp">Interstellar medium&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The galaxy has a high density of gas, which is a prime ingredient for star formation. This gas is mostly in the form of hydrogen.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics">Unusual characteristics</h3>



<p>Its characteristics are more typical of primordial galaxies found in the early universe, making it a valuable object of study for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.</p>



<p>Ultimately, I Zwicky 18 provides insights into the conditions and processes that might have been prevalent in the early universe.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-of-stars-and-dust">Life cycles of stars and dust</h3>



<p>The image was captured as part of a Webb program to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Scientists are now building off of previous research with Hubble obtained at optical wavelengths, studying individual dusty stars in detail with Webb’s equivalent spatial resolution and sensitivity at infrared wavelengths.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>ESA noted that this galaxy is of particular interest as its content of elements heavier than helium is one of the lowest of all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the local universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Such conditions are thought to be similar to those in some of the first star-forming galaxies at high redshift, so the Webb study of I Zw 18 should shed light on the life-cycle of stars and dust in the early universe.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-ursa-major">The constellation Ursa Major </h2>



<p>Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the northern sky. </p>



<p>Its name, "Ursa Major," means "Great Bear" in Latin, and it has been a significant part of various mythologies and star lore across cultures for thousands of years. </p>



<p>One of the most famous asterisms within Ursa Major is the Big Dipper, a group of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is often used as a navigation tool because it points to Polaris, the North Star, located in the nearby constellation Ursa Minor.</p>



<p>Ursa Major is best viewed in the northern hemisphere and is circumpolar, meaning it is visible year-round for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its position changes with the seasons, rotating around Polaris, the North Star.</p>



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



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a satellite view of retreating glaciers in Alaska, where meltwater is rapidly expanding glacial lakes. The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.</p>



<p>“In parts of Alaska, water is replacing ice. As glaciers thin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-images-reveal-hidden-retreat-of-arctic-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreat</a>, meltwater collects at their fronts, forming proglacial lakes. According to an analysis by Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College, three such lakes in the southeastern part of the state have grown rapidly in recent decades,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-glaciers-in-alaska">Retreating glaciers in Alaska</h2>



<p>“A trio of glaciers - Yakutat, Alsek, and Grand Plateau - descend from inland mountains and flow onto the coastal plain southeast of Yakutat borough, ending at Harlequin Lake, Alsek Lake, and Grand Plateau Lake,” noted NASA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The retreat of the glaciers, as well as the growth of the lakes, are visible in the image. When compared to an <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/153000/153638/fastestlake_tm5_19840705_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> captured by Landsat 5 in the summer of 1984, the changes are even more evident.</p>



<p>NASA elaborated on the extent of the glacier retreat from 1984 to 2024. “During this period, Yakutat Glacier’s main arm retreated 4.3 miles, while Alsek Glacier’s northern and southern arms retreated 3.3 miles and 3.4 miles, respectively. Grand Plateau Glacier’s northern arm lost the most, retreating 4.8 miles.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes-doubled-in-size-nbsp">Glacial lakes doubled in size&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Collectively, the three lakes more than doubled in size over 40 years. In 1984, they covered about 50 square miles. By 2024, they spanned 90 square miles. That’s an area larger than Seneca Lake (67 square miles) - one of the Finger Lakes in New York, which also have a glacial origin,” said NASA.</p>



<p>Pelto noted that the lakes forming in this region are immense - starting at the mountains and spreading toward the coast - making this a new lake district that is unique in our nation.</p>



<p>“Millions of other lakes, named and unnamed, dot the state. But this system has grown fast, so much so that Pelto thinks it might represent the fastest lake growth in the United States this century,” said NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Understanding glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Glacier retreat is a significant phenomenon driven primarily by global warming the results from rising greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>. </p>



<p>As temperatures rise, glaciers lose more ice during the summer melt than they can regain in winter snowfall, causing them to shrink over time. This process has profound implications for ecosystems, water resources, and global sea levels.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes">Glacial lakes</h3>



<p>When glaciers retreat, they often leave behind depressions in the landscape that can fill with meltwater, forming glacial lakes. These lakes are typically bounded by natural dams made of rock, ice, or moraine - accumulations of debris left behind by the glacier's movement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the past century, the number and size of glacial lakes worldwide have increased significantly due to the accelerating pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat. This trend is especially evident in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, as well as in polar areas such as Alaska and Greenland.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-and-negative-impacts-nbsp">Positive and negative impacts&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Glacial lakes can have both positive and negative impacts. They provide critical water sources for downstream communities, support biodiversity, and sometimes offer opportunities for hydropower development or tourism.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, they also pose serious risks. The dams holding back these lakes can fail suddenly, causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These catastrophic events can devastate downstream areas, destroying infrastructure, agricultural lands, and habitats while endangering human lives.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes">Monitoring changes</h3>



<p>Understanding glacier retreat and glacial lake formation requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science, hydrology, and geology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Monitoring these changes is essential to mitigate associated risks and adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fperu-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming planet</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-worldwide">Glacier retreat worldwide</h2>



<p>Studies and satellite observations show that most glaciers in almost all regions of the world are shrinking.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Melting glaciers contribute significantly to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.</p>



<p>The retreat of glaciers is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change. Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.</p>



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



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Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

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 star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



<p>"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."</p>



<p>According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



<p>NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



<p>Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.</p>



<p>“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.</p>



<p>"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



<p>Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.</p>



<p>The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



<p>The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



<p>As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. </p>



<p>The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



<p>Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



<p>The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.</p>



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

<p>The shoebill is a striking bird native to the wetlands of tropical East Africa, known for its unique appearance and remarkable presence. </p>



<p>The bird gets its name from its large, shoe-shaped bill, which is both powerful and highly efficient for catching prey.</p>



<p>Shoebills can grow up to five feet tall, with a wingspan that adds to their commanding presence. Their gray feathers and intense, piercing eyes give them a prehistoric look.</p>



<p>However, behind the bird's striking exterior lies a story of survival and a call to action for its protection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lifestyle-of-the-shoebill">Lifestyle of the shoebill </h2>



<p>The shoebill is more closely related to pelicans than to storks. It's the sole species in its family, Balaenicipitidae, and belongs to the order Pelecaniformes. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> is a relic, dating back millions of years.</p>



<p>The shoebill produces a sound resembling machine gunfire -- a behavior known as bill-clattering -- typically during nesting or interactions with other shoebills.</p>



<p>While these birds appear solemn, their behaviors and hunting strategies reveal an intriguing mix of precision and persistence. </p>



<p>They are solitary creatures, rarely seen in groups, and their habitats are under threat due to human activities, making them a conservation priority.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-on-the-menu">What’s on the menu?</h2>



<p>Shoebills are known for their calm and deliberate movements, often standing motionless for long periods as they patiently stalk their prey.</p>



<p>For a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-extinctions-shatter-the-harmonious-balance-of-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird</a> with such a theatrical hunting style, you might expect its diet to be equally dramatic.</p>



<p>The shoebill is a highly specialized predator and doesn’t eat just anything it finds in the water. The bird's diet primarily consists of large aquatic prey -- particularly lungfish, catfish, and tilapia.</p>



<p>A 2015 study in the <em><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.2989/00306525.2014.977364" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of African Ornithology</a></em> found that catfish composes around 71 percent of the shoebill's meals.</p>



<p>The bird occasionally indulges in other creatures like eels, snakes, and even baby crocodiles - showcasing its adaptability and the rich biodiversity of its habitat.</p>



<p>Once a creature ventures too close, the shoebill lunges with incredible speed and precision, using its massive beak to seize and crush the prey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surviving-with-limited-resources">Surviving with limited resources </h2>



<p>While shoebills are generally solitary, they form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. </p>



<p>Both parents are involved in raising the offspring, including incubating eggs and feeding chicks. Despite this cooperation, the success rate of raising chicks is relatively low.</p>



<p>Shoebills usually lay two eggs per breeding season, spaced a few days apart. However, their reproductive strategy often results in siblicide -- a phenomenon where the older, stronger chick dominates the weaker one.</p>



<p>This behavior ensures that limited resources, such as food, are focused on the chick most likely to survive to adulthood. If the first chick dies, the second egg serves as a backup.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-struggles-of-the-shoebill">Struggles of the shoebill</h2>



<p>Despite its apparent strength, the shoebill faces significant threats. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) estimates its global population at just 5,000 to 8,000 individuals.</p>



<p>The bird is primarily threatened by habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and practices of the exotic pet trade. </p>



<p>Conservation efforts are focused on protecting wetlands, minimizing human interference, and monitoring populations in the wild.</p>



<p>These initiatives strive to preserve East Africa's distinctive wildlife by balancing conservation with human development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-east-african-wildlife">Other East African wildlife</h2>



<p>East Africa is a wildlife lover’s dream, bursting with some of the most iconic animals you can imagine. The incredible wildebeest migration unfolds each year, showcasing one of nature’s greatest spectacles. </p>



<p>You’ll also encounter majestic elephants, elegant giraffes, swift cheetahs, and the powerful lions that reign over the savannas. </p>



<p>Beyond the open plains, East Africa is home to lush forests and breathtaking landscapes that shelter unique species, such as the elusive snow leopard in the mountainous regions.</p>



<p>But the magic of East Africa’s wildlife doesn’t stop with the big mammals. The region is teeming with diverse birdlife, like the Shoebill, vibrant reptiles, and fascinating insects that add layers of beauty to its ecosystems. </p>



<p>Along the stunning coastlines of Zanzibar and the Seychelles, you can explore vibrant coral reefs and swim with playful dolphins and graceful sea turtles. </p>



<p>Conservation efforts are strong here, with numerous reserves and community projects dedicated to protecting these incredible creatures and their environments.</p>



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



<p>The shoebill serves as a symbol of ecological balance, both in East Africa and around the world as it's reputation spreads. </p>



<p>Its presence reflects the vitality of the wetlands it inhabits -- critical ecosystems that support both wildlife and humans.</p>



<p>Wetlands provide a range of invaluable services, such as water purification, flood control, and carbon storage. They are also biodiversity hotspots, supporting a multitude of plant and animal species. </p>



<p>By protecting and conserving wetlands, we ensure the preservation of not only the shoebill but also the many other species that rely on these vital ecosystems.</p>



<p>Education plays a critical role in raising awareness about the importance of the shoebill and the broader environmental issues it faces.</p>



<p>Regardless of where you live, you can play a part in the shoebill’s survival. Promoting educational initiatives and sharing information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bird's</a> challenges are great ways to help. Together, we can create a future where the shoebill thrives.</p>



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



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These human-sized birds are tough enough to eat baby crocodiles, yet they face extinction

The shoebill is a striking bird native to the wetlands...

Water,Fills,The,Tulare,Lakebed,Following,Recent,Floodwaters,,Illustrating,The

<p>For the first time in about 130 years, Tulare Lake reappeared in California's San Joaquin Valley, stirring both wonder and concern among locals and experts alike as it submerged almost 100,000 acres of privately owned farmland.</p>



<p>Vivian Underhill, a researcher formerly at <a href="https://www.northeastern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northeastern University</a>, has been studying this unexpected phenomenon. </p>



<p>"Tulare Lake was the largest body of fresh water west of the Mississippi River. It's really difficult to imagine that now," she says.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tulare-lake-returns">Tulare Lake returns</h2>



<p>Often dubbed the "ghost lake," Tulare Lake vanished about 130 years ago due to extensive human intervention. </p>



<p>But in the spring of 2023, after <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consecutive-atmospheric-rivers-cause-far-more-damage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive winter storms</a> and significant snowmelt from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/record-snowpack-in-the-sierra-nevada-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sierra Nevada</a>, the lake roared back to life. </p>



<p>The water overwhelmed human-made systems designed to drain the basin, submerging thousands of acres of fertile farmland that once produced pistachios, almonds, cotton, and safflower.</p>



<p>The reborn lake stretches out with a seemingly endless blue horizon. </p>



<p>Yet, unlike Lake Tahoe's cool breezes and recreational appeal, Tulare Lake offers little respite from the heat. The air is still, and a thin layer of high clouds does little to shield the sun.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-reclaims-the-land">Nature reclaims the land</h2>



<p>Despite the challenges, the lake's return has revitalized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-feeding-pollutes-local-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local ecosystems</a>. Ducks, egrets, and other waterfowl have flocked to its shores. </p>



<p>Frogs now wade at the water's edge, ready to dive in at the slightest disturbance. Tule grass has begun to sprout along the shoreline, signaling a revival of plant life that hasn't been seen here in generations.</p>



<p>Underhill notes the historical significance, saying, "Once, there was so much water that a steamship could carry agricultural supplies from the Bakersfield area up to Fresno and then up to San Francisco." </p>



<p>That's nearly 300 miles of navigable waterways that connected communities and supported commerce.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tulare-lake-hidden-in-plain-site">Tulare Lake hidden in plain site</h2>



<p>To travelers passing through the arid San Joaquin Valley today, the existence of such a vast lake seems almost mythical. </p>



<p>"It's hard to imagine such a large body of water co-existing alongside such an arid landscape," Underhill remarks. Yet, in the 1800s, "Fresno was a lakeside town."</p>



<p>Back then, Tulare Lake was fed primarily by snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada. </p>



<p>"There's no natural outlet within the valley," Underhill explains, "so the water collects to form a lake." The indigenous Tachi Yokut tribe called it "Pa'ashi," and it was central to their way of life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-of-tulare-lake">Human impact of Tulare Lake</h2>



<p>The disappearance of Tulare Lake began in the late 1850s and early 1860s. </p>



<p>"The state of California's desire to take public land and put it into private ownership propelled the lake's decline," Underhill explained.</p>



<p>"When we say 'public land,' that is historically indigenous land that the state of California blanket-proclaimed as 'public.'"</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tulare-lake_june4-2023_june4-2024_comparison_modis_nasa_1m.webp" alt="The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a false-color image of Tulare Lake on June 4, 2024, and a second one of the same region on June 3, 2023. Each image can be viewed by clicking on the respective date. This makes it easy to compare the change in the lake level over time. This type of false-color image helps separate water, which appears blue, from vegetation (bright green) and open land (tan). Deeper water appears darker blue and very shallow water looks pale blue. In contrast, snow (frozen water) looks bright electric blue. Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1952049"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired a false-color image of Tulare Lake on June 4, 2024, and a second one of the same region on June 3, 2023. Each image can be viewed by clicking on the respective date. This makes it easy to compare the change in the lake level over time. This type of false-color image helps separate water, which appears blue, from vegetation (bright green) and open land (tan). Deeper water appears darker blue and very shallow water looks pale blue. In contrast, snow (frozen water) looks bright electric blue. Credit: NASA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>This process, known as "reclamation," aimed to convert inundated or desert land into arable farmland. </p>



<p>"If people could drain that land," Underhill says, "they would be granted ownership of parts of that land. So there was a big incentive for white settlers to start doing that work." </p>



<p>This led to the construction of hundreds of irrigation canals crisscrossing the valley, diverting water away from the lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-day-concerns">Modern-day concerns</h2>



<p>Today, the reemergence of Tulare Lake poses new challenges. The floodwaters have engulfed private lands, turning fields into vast stretches of water. </p>



<p>Signs warning against trespassing dot the shoreline, reminding everyone that wading or boating is technically prohibited.</p>



<p>More troubling is what's hidden beneath the surface. The waters have submerged storage sheds containing fertilizers and chemicals, manure piles, electrical wires, and sharp farm machinery. </p>



<p>These hazards not only pose risks to anyone venturing into the lake but also raise environmental concerns about contamination.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertain-future-of-tulare-lake">Uncertain future of Tulare Lake</h2>



<p>Local officials now speculate that this latest incarnation could also take years to fully recede.</p>



<p>"California just got inundated with snow in the winter and then rain in the spring," Underhill points out. </p>



<p>Such weather patterns accelerate snowmelt, causing rapid runoff into the basin where Tulare Lake sits.</p>



<p>"All that snow and rain in the Sierra still runs into the depression where Tulare Lake once sat," she adds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflecting-on-the-past">Reflecting on the past</h2>



<p>The story of Tulare Lake is not just about water returning to a dry basin; it's a narrative intertwined with history, culture, and environmental change. </p>



<p>The lake's disappearance was a result of deliberate actions to reshape the land for agriculture, often at the expense of indigenous communities and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natures-ecosystems-constantly-share-energy-to-achieve-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural ecosystems</a>.</p>



<p>Underhill emphasizes the colonial undertones of this transformation. "It was a deeply settler colonial project that proceeded in fits and starts," she says. </p>



<p>The push to privatize land and the incentives offered for reclamation led to dramatic alterations of the landscape.</p>



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



<p>As Tulare Lake reclaims its historic footprint, it serves as a reminder of nature's resilience and the lasting impacts of human intervention. </p>



<p>The revival has brought back species that haven't been seen in the area for decades, offering a glimpse into what the region might have looked like before extensive farming took over.</p>



<p>At the same time, the challenges posed by the lake's return highlight the complexities of balancing human needs with environmental stewardship. </p>



<p>The submerged farmlands represent significant economic losses, and the potential environmental hazards lurking beneath the water pose risks that will need to be addressed.</p>



<p>As Underhill aptly puts it, witnessing the lake's return is both surprising and profound. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the land and the long-term consequences of our actions.</p>



<p>The full report by Underhill is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://openrivers.lib.umn.edu/article/the-return-of-paashi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Open Rivers</em></a>.&nbsp;</p>



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



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Ghost lake returns after 130 years and buries 94,000 acres of farmland

For the first time in about 130 years, Tulare Lake...

<p>In November 2020, a lonely buoy bobbing off the coast of British Columbia had quite the thrill ride when it was lifted sky-high by a gigantic 58-foot wave known as the Ucluelet wave. </p>



<p>This monstrous wall of water, spanning the height of a four-story building, holds the record for the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded.</p>



<p>Intriguingly, this is an event that statisticians would tell you only happens once every 1,300 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rogue-waves-from-myth-to-reality">Rogue waves: From myth to reality</h2>



<p>Rogue waves&nbsp;are unusually large and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-waves-can-get-much-bigger-taller-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unexpected ocean waves</a>, often two to three times taller than surrounding waves. They appear suddenly, last briefly, and can occur even in calm seas. </p>



<p>These immensely powerful waves are capable of damaging ships, oil rigs, and coastal structures. Rogue waves, for the longest time, were nothing more than a seafarer's tall tale.</p>



<p>That was until 1995, when a freak wave with a height of 85 feet - now known as the Draupner wave - crashed into an oil-drilling platform off the coast of Norway. </p>



<p>This monstrous wave became the first scientific evidence that rogue waves were more than just fiction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-ucluelet-wave">Understanding the Ucluelet wave</h2>



<p>The Draupner wave towered over its neighbors at a staggering 85 feet, as the surrounding waves were 39 feet tall. In contrast, the Ucluelet wave off Vancouver Island was almost three times the height of its surrounding waves.</p>



<p>"Proportionally, the Ucluelet wave is likely the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded," noted physicist Johannes Gemmrich from the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria</a>. Such a remarkable size difference has researchers scratching their heads about how these rogue waves form.</p>



<p>The buoy that captured data from the Ucluelet wave was one of many deployed by MarineLabs. Their mission is to gather more information about the deep-sea hazards that can wreak havoc on marine operations, wind farms, oil rigs, and potentially even beachgoers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-perils-of-rogue-waves">Perils of rogue waves</h2>



<p>While neither the Ucluelet nor Draupner waves caused any significant damage, the history books are full of tales of rogue waves causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/collapse-of-main-atlantic-ocean-circulaton-current-amoc-is-already-happening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">destruction</a>. </p>



<p>It has even been speculated that several ships which vanished in the 1970s could have been taken down by rogue waves.</p>



<p>With a predicted increase in wave heights in the North Pacific due to climate change, the Ucluelet wave's record might not stand for long.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-safety-a-constant-endeavor">Marine safety: A constant endeavor</h2>



<p>"Capturing this once-in-a-millennium wave, right in our backyard, is a thrilling indicator of the power of coastal intelligence to transform marine safety," stated MarineLabs CEO Scott Beatty.</p>



<p>The push for improved safety and decision-making in marine operations and coastal communities is an ongoing one.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctica-and-rogue-waves-mystery">Antarctica and rogue waves mystery</h2>



<p>An expedition by scientists from the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a> to the waters around Antarctica has uncovered more about the formation of rogue waves. Their research has found that wind plays a significant role in the formation of these oceanic giants.</p>



<p>The team, led by Professor Alessandro Toffoli, took to the Antarctic waters in 2017, armed with state-of-the-art technology. </p>



<p>With stereo cameras mounted on the South African icebreaker SA Agulhas II, they captured unprecedented insights into rogue waves. Their three-dimensional imaging of the ocean's surface provided unique insights into the dynamics of rogue waves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-role-of-wind">Critical role of wind</h2>



<p>The observations revealed that rogue waves arise during the "young" stage of waves when they are most receptive to the wind.</p>



<p>"The wind creates a chaotic situation where waves of different dimensions and directions coexist," explained Professor Toffoli.</p>



<p>Wind causes young waves to grow higher, longer and faster. During this self-amplification, a wave grows disproportionately at the expense of its neighbors." </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-better-predictive-tools">Call for better predictive tools</h2>



<p>The research in the choppy seas of Antarctica has emphasized the need to integrate wind dynamics into predictive models for rogue wave forecasting.</p>



<p>Advancing our knowledge of rogue waves and their connection to wind dynamics opens up a world of possibilities for improving predictive tools in ocean safety. </p>



<p>By incorporating wind data into forecasting models, we can enhance our ability to anticipate and prepare for these formidable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unprecedented-heat-is-popping-up-in-hotspots-across-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural phenomena</a>. </p>



<p>This integration will not only benefit sailors and maritime industries but also enable early warnings for coastal communities, enhancing overall safety and resilience in the face of unpredictable ocean conditions. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05671-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



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Most extreme 'rogue wave' recorded in the Pacific Ocean

In November 2020, a lonely buoy bobbing off the coast...

<p></p>
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<p><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Today&#8217;s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from </span><a href="https://msu.edu/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Michigan State University</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (MSU) describes how a dog named Stella who escaped a house fire was successfully treated with fish skins.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The surgical team used Icelandic, descaled cod fish skins to create grafts. The tissue and high omega-3 fatty acids in the cod skin give these grafts anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brea Sandness is a veterinarian and surgical resident at MSU. &#8220;</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">We were able to place them on her with minimal sedation, which not only allowed us to heal her without additional stress to her lungs, but improved the way her burns healed,&#8221; Sandness said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8212;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chrissy Sexton</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">,  </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: Michigan State University</span></i></p>

Experts use fish skin to heal a dog