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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Bomb cyclone rapidly intensified in the Pacific Northwest

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Spiral galaxy NGC 1559 is a loner in outer space

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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NGC 1792: A galactic powerhouse 

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy IC 5332, which is located over 29 million light-years away from Earth.</p>



<p>The galaxy spans approximately 66,000 light-years in diameter. This makes it notably smaller than our <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</a>, which is just over 100,000 light-years in diameter. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-look-at-ic-5332">Unprecedented look at IC 5332</h2>



<p>In a stunning photo release by NASA and ESA in 2022, the spiral galaxy IC 5332 was presented in an unprecedented level of detail. The images were captured by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-incredible-new-image-of-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.</p>



<p>This feat was made possible through the use of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captures images in the mid-infrared spectrum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-from-earth">Unique perspective from Earth</h2>



<p>One of the most striking features of IC 5332, as revealed by these observations, is its almost perfect face-on orientation relative to Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This unique perspective allows astronomers to clearly observe and admire the symmetrical arrangement of its spiral arms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-unveils-ic-5332-in-new-light">Webb unveils IC 5332 in new light</h2>



<p>The clarity of these images represents a significant advancement over previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope, which imaged IC 5332 in ultraviolet and visible light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While Hubble’s images revealed the galaxy’s symmetrical spiral arms, James Webb’s MIRI has unveiled these structures as a complex web of gas that emits infrared light at various temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-miri-instrument-on-james-webb-nbsp">The MIRI instrument on James Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Capturing this range of infrared light is no simple task. It requires highly specialized instruments that must be maintained at extremely cold temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The MIRI instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope is specifically designed for this purpose and performs exceptionally well. Its capabilities allow astronomers to see aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that are otherwise hidden in other wavelengths.</p>



<p>The detailed images provided by MIRI offer more than just a visual spectacle; they provide valuable data about the composition and temperature of the gases that make up the spiral arms of IC 5332. </p>



<p>This can help scientists understand the processes of star formation within the galaxy and how these processes compare to those in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-finds-hidden-features-of-the-universe-nbsp">Webb finds hidden features of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The images of IC 5332 served as a critical test of the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities in observing the universe in infrared light. </p>



<p>As astronomers continue to explore with Webb’s full suite of instruments, many more hidden features of the universe will be revealed.</p>



<p>The information provided by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-discovers-second-most-distant-galaxy-in-pandoras-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also enhances our appreciation for the complex and beautiful structures that exist in our universe.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies-like-ic-5332">Spiral galaxies like IC 5332</h2>



<p>Spiral galaxies are some of the most visually striking objects in the universe, characterized by their rotating arms that extend from a central nucleus, giving them a distinct spiral appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These galaxies are primarily made up of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are often surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters.</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies differ from other galaxy types, such as elliptical and irregular galaxies, in their structure and content. </p>



<p>The spiral arms are sites of ongoing star formation and are brighter than the rest of the disk because of the young, hot stars that are typically found there. The arms appear distinct because of their density waves, which compress the gas and dust, leading to star formation.</p>



<p>The rotation of the spiral arms also contributes to the galaxy's flat shape due to the centrifugal forces acting on the disk. The central bulge can vary in size and often contains older, red stars.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Some spiral galaxies have a bar-shaped structure that extends from the central bulge, making them barred spirals. This bar affects the motion of stars and gas within the galaxy and can influence star formation activity.</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies are an important focus of study because they contain a significant amount of visible matter and play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their distinct features also make them particularly useful for studying the laws of physics under extreme conditions, such as high densities and velocities.</p>



<p>Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST and PHANGS-HST Teams</p>



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



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

Spiral galaxy IC 5332: A complex web of gas and light

<p>Many of the world's glaciers formed during the last glacial maximum. These glaciers, remnants of the Ice Age, have persisted for thousands of years in high-altitude or polar regions.</p>



<p>However, there are big changes ahead. A recent study reveals that over half of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of this century.</p>



<p>The research, conducted by scientists at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> in Switzerland and <a href="https://www.vub.be/nl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Brussel</a> in Belgium, suggests a chilling forecast for our planet's glaciers.</p>



<p>The scientists estimated potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-melt-in-alaska-is-accelerating-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier loss</a> under various carbon emissions scenarios. They took into account all of our planet's glaciers - a whopping 200,000 in total.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciers-under-severe-threat">Glaciers under severe threat</h2>



<p>The numbers from the study are daunting. Under a high emissions scenario, up to 54 percent of all glaciers could vanish. In the Alps, this number reaches an alarming 75 percent.</p>



<p>"Glaciers are crucial in many parts of the world, and as such, glacier changes directly impact our society and the natural environment," said study lead author and glaciologist Professor Harry Zekollari.</p>



<p>"Locally, glaciers can lead to natural hazards, they have an important touristic value, and they determine local water supply."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-melting-glaciers-to-rising-sea-levels">From melting glaciers to rising sea levels</h2>



<p>The melting of glaciers does not stop at the loss of an icy spectacle; the repercussions are far-reaching. One of the biggest concerns is the contribution of melting glaciers to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-sea-levels-threaten-groundwater-global-cities-underground-infrastructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising sea levels</a>, which heighten the risk of floods in coastal towns and cities.</p>



<p>Moreover, glacier loss diminishes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> resources that millions of people depend on for drinking water.</p>



<p>"Water supply from glaciers (and how this supply changes) will impact biodiversity and water availability for industry, agriculture, and households," said Professor Zekollari.</p>



<p>The greenhouse effect only serves to worsen the crisis. As the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-tree-planting-warm-earth-science-behind-albedo-effect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albedo</a> - the ability to reflect sunlight - decreases, more energy from the sun is absorbed rather than reflected. This raises the risk of global warming, further aggravating climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-glacier-mass-loss">Predicting glacier mass loss</h2>



<p>To estimate future glacier loss, the research team studied historical glacier masses, carbon emissions, and temperature data. </p>



<p>Armed with this information and the aid of computer modeling, the experts were able to make predictions about future glacier mass loss.</p>



<p>"By modeling glacier evolution throughout the 21st century under various climate scenarios, we found stark differences in outcomes depending on future emission levels," noted Professor Zekollari.</p>



<p>Under low carbon emissions, glaciers could lose 25 to 29 percent of their mass by 2100. Under a high-emissions scenario, that figure could rise to between 46 and 54 percent.</p>



<p>The European Alps' glaciers are among the most vulnerable. These glaciers are predicted to lose more than 75 percent of their volume under high-emission scenarios.</p>



<p>However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a> like Arctic Canada, Iceland, and Svalbard might retain a larger part of their glacier mass by century-end, albeit still facing significant loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainties-in-glacier-evolution">Uncertainties in glacier evolution</h2>



<p>Despite these painful revelations, the team acknowledges uncertainties in the projected glacier evolution, while stressing that the research specifically examined glaciers, not ice sheets.</p>



<p>Ice sheets, the gargantuan masses of glacial ice found on Greenland and Antarctica, carry about 99 percent of Earth's freshwater.</p>



<p>While these ice sheets hold greater mass and react on longer timescales, their contribution to sea-level rise is about the same (or even slightly less) than from the 200,000 glaciers under study.</p>



<p>"For us it is indeed the crucial that all numbers by us and other researchers are combined to get the full sea-level rise picture," concluded Professor Zekollari.</p>



<p>The fragility of our world's glaciers highlights the pressing need for proactive climate action. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-glaciers-a-collective-responsibility">Preserving glaciers: A collective responsibility</h2>



<p>The fate of the world's glaciers is not set in stone. By reducing carbon emissions and implementing sustainable environmental policies, it is possible to slow their decline. </p>



<p>Efforts like transitioning to renewable energy, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and raising global awareness about the importance of glaciers can help mitigate their loss. </p>



<p>Every action we take today helps protect glaciers for future generations, ensuring the preservation of freshwater resources, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of our climate.</p>



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



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<p></p>

Over half of the world’s glaciers could disappear by 2100

Many of the world's glaciers formed during the last glacial...

<p>Coal ash is the chalky leftovers from a fuel that's been our mainstay for centuries. Now, it's something of a hot issue, considering that it's been accumulating across the nation for decades. </p>



<p>A new study, led by researchers from The University of Texas at Austin, unearthed a hidden treasure in these mounds of ash – a large supply of rare-earth elements that could significantly beef up the national supply and reduce the need for new mining operations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-trash-to-treasure">From trash to treasure</h2>



<p>“This really exemplifies the ‘trash to treasure’ mantra,” said co-lead author Bridget Scanlon, a research professor at UT’s Bureau of Economic Geology at the Jackson School of Geosciences. </p>



<p>“We’re basically trying to close the cycle and use waste and recover <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-rise-as-nations-tackle-fossil-fuel-dependence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a> in the waste, while at the same time reducing environmental impacts.”</p>



<p>Rare-earth elements, a group of 17 pivotal chemical soldiers, are the backbone of our modern tech-dependent world. These unseen heroes also play a critical part in our energy transition towards lower carbon fuels, as they are used in solar panels, batteries, magnets and a host of other energy technologies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-earth-dilemma">Rare-earth dilemma</h2>



<p>The United States is heavily dependent on imports - about 75% - for these strategic elements, and most of it is from China. It's a risky situation, given the convoluted labyrinth of global supply chains and rising geopolitical tensions.</p>



<p>But UT Austin's trailblazing study provides a ray of hope. A whopping 11 million tons of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crucial-rare-earth-elements-discovered-coal-mines-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rare-earth elements</a> could be up for grabs in easily accessible coal ash piles; this represents nearly eight times the amount currently hoarded in U.S. domestic reserves.</p>



<p>This study, the first to take stock of our national coal ash resources, estimates that $8.4 billion worth of these elements could be unearthed from this accessible coal ash treasure.</p>



<p>Moreover, the U.S. Department of Energy is keen to apply this new methodology to conduct its own assessment of national coal ash resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-value-from-coal-ash">Building value from coal ash</h2>



<p>Though the levels of rare earth elements in coal ash are low compared to traditional geological sources, the sheer volume of readily available coal ash makes it a promising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/natural-gas-isnt-as-clean-as-we-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resource</a>. </p>



<p>“There’s huge volumes of this stuff all over the country. And the upfront process of extracting the (mineral host) is already taken care of for us,” said co-author Davin Bagdonas, a research scientist at the University of Wyoming.</p>



<p>The scientists discovered that from 1985 to 2021, nearly 70% of coal ash produced, amounting to 1,873 million tons, could potentially be recovered.</p>



<p>This ash is largely stored in landfills, ponds, and offsite storage areas. The rest has been sold off and put to use by other industries, such as in cement production and road construction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coal-ash-origin-affects-the-content">Coal ash origin affects the content</h2>



<p>The coal ash's place of origin impacts the concentration of rare-earth elements it contains, and the quantity that can be extracted.</p>



<p>Ashes from Appalachian Basin coal contain the highest amounts of rare-earth elements (an average of 431 milligrams per kilogram), but only about 30% of it can be extracted.</p>



<p>On the other hand, coal from the Powder River Basin has a lower average rare-earth content (264 milligrams per kilogram), but nearly 70% of it can be extracted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implementing-the-strategy">Implementing the strategy</h2>



<p>Chris Young, the Chief Strategy Officer at Element USA, a company that extracts critical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-based-jet-fuel-could-revolutionize-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">minerals</a> from waste, sees this new research as further proof of coal ash's potential. </p>



<p>“The idea of getting rare-earth elements out of tailings (mining by-products) just makes a lot of sense. It’s a common-sense approach,” he said. “The challenge is to convert that common-sense approach to an economic approach.”</p>



<p>The study's promising results have sparked a surge in industry interest. Element USA is moving its analytical lab and pilot equipment to Austin to leverage the mineral expertise at <a href="https://www.utexas.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The University of Texas</a> and provide students with hands-on experience in critical mineral research and careers.</p>



<p>The funding for this research was raised by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, and the Jackson School of Geosciences.</p>



<p>The study's other co-authors include Robert Reedy, J. Richard Kyle, and Kristine Uhlman from the Bureau, James Hower from the <a href="https://www.uky.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Kentucky</a>, and independent consultant Dennis James.</p>



<p>The research is published in the <em><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40789-024-00710-z">International Journal of Coal Science &amp; Technology</a>.</em></p>



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



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U.S. coal ash holds tons of rare-earth elements worth $8.4 billion

Coal ash is the chalky leftovers from a fuel that's...

<p>Sipping on a citrus soda, have you ever wondered why the flavor seemed to be evenly distributed? A secret ingredient called BVO, or brominated vegetable oil, played a big role.</p>



<p>However, after much consideration and several studies indicating potential health risks, this soda additive is nearing its end in the United States.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-banning-the-soda-additive">Banning the soda additive </h2>



<p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), America's federal agency for regulating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electronic-tongue-could-revolutionize-food-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food safety</a>, has recently taken a decisive step. After revoking the registration of BVO, this modified vegetable oil is now officially banned across the country.</p>



<p>The decision came after clear evidence of toxicity emerged from recent studies, making the continued usage of BVO untenable.</p>



<p>James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for humans foods, announced the significant proposal.</p>



<p>"The proposed action is an example of how the agency monitors emerging evidence and, as needed, conducts scientific research to investigate safety-related questions, and takes regulatory action when the science does not support the continued safe use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hundreds-of-ingredients-in-u-s-foods-are-potentially-unsafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">additives</a> in foods," noted Jones. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-questioning-the-safety-of-the-soda-additive">Questioning the safety of the soda additive</h2>



<p>The story of BVO dates back to the 1930s. As an emulsifying agent, it was added to keep the citrus flavor from floating to the top of soda. </p>



<p>Animal studies have suggested that the compound may slowly accumulate in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-late-increases-hunger-and-changes-fat-tissues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fat tissues</a>, preventing iodine from performing crucial functions within our thyroid gland. This led health authorities worldwide to question the emulsifier's safety.</p>



<p>In fact, BVO has already been scrapped from the ingredients list in several countries, including India, Japan, and European Union nations. Even the state of California bid it farewell in October 2022, with the ban expected to be active by 2027.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-potential-toxicity">Concerns about potential toxicity </h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.fda.gov.ph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FDA</a> had its reservations. In the 1950s, it considered BVO a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) ingredient. This status was given to items that had either been adequately tested or to those in common use prior to 1958.</p>



<p>The perception changed in the next decade when concerns about potential toxicity arose, leading to a temporary limit on BVO usage, especially in citrus <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elevated-levels-of-toxic-metals-detected-in-popular-drinks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinks</a>.</p>



<p>Getting hard data on the long-term risks was not an easy task, hence the delay. However, research in the UK during the 1970s found bromine building up in human tissues, and its high concentrations were linked to heart and behavioral issues in animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soda-makers-move-on">Soda makers move on</h2>



<p>After several studies, the FDA is finally convinced that BVO should be banned. Companies such as PepsiCo and Coca-Cola Co. have already started the process of phasing out this ingredient from their products over the last decade.</p>



<p>"Over the years many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-are-consuming-more-sugary-drinks-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beverage</a> makers reformulated their products to replace BVO with an alternative ingredient, and today, few beverages in the US contain BVO," said Jones. </p>



<p>This decision could be the first of many. The FDA is currently reviewing regulations authorizing certain food additives, aiming to enhance the process and prohibit food coloring agents found to cause cancer in humans or animals.</p>



<p>The final decision on BVO's classification went through a comprehensive review process that has now come to an end. With alternatives already being used globally to keep citrus drinks tangy to the last drop, it appears the days of BVO are truly numbered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-soda-ingredients">The future of soda ingredients</h2>



<p>With BVO officially banned, soda manufacturers are now turning to safer and more sustainable alternatives to maintain flavor consistency in citrus beverages. </p>



<p>Common replacements include natural stabilizers such as ester gum and sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), which offer similar emulsifying properties without the associated health risks.</p>



<p>This shift reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry toward cleaner labels and transparency in ingredient sourcing. </p>



<p>As consumers become more health-conscious, brands are under increasing pressure to minimize the use of synthetic additives and embrace natural formulations.</p>



<p>In addition, regulatory bodies are expected to intensify their scrutiny of food and beverage ingredients, encouraging innovation in the development of safe and effective stabilizers. </p>



<p>These advancements could pave the way for a new era of beverages that prioritize both taste and health.</p>



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



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<p></p>

Controversial soda additive has been banned by the FDA

Sipping on a citrus soda, have you ever wondered why...

<p></p>
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<p>                <br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> features a look at Destination Station, a campaign launched by </span><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and the </span><a href="https://www.iss-casis.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Center for the Advancement of Science and Space</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (CASIS) to share how work done on the International Space Station impacts our everyday life here on Earth. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scientists on the International Space Station are able to utilize its unique conditions like microgravity and low-Earth orbit to conduct more than 2,000 experiments by 2,400 researchers from over 95 countries. The research extends from human health, biotechnology, and Earth science.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8212;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rory Arnold</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: </span></i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG_SrFDcyXU"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA Johnson</span></i></a></p>

How the International Space Station affects everyday life on Earth