<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). </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 that 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.&nbsp;</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. </p>



<p>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

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 a stunningly beautiful photo of the Hainan Strait. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite as it orbited over southern China.</p>



<p>“The Hainan Strait, or Qiongzhou Strait, separates Guangdong's Leizhou Peninsula on China’s mainland to the north and the island province of Hainan to the south. It also connects the Gulf of Tonkin on the west to the South China Sea on the east,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hainan-strait-nbsp">Hainan Strait&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Hainan Strait is narrow and shallow. At its narrowest point, the strait is about 19 miles wide. Despite this, the Hainan Strait is a busy route for shipping and transportation. It's also vital to local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> industries.</p>



<p>ESA pointed out that in the image, the water along the coasts is light brown due to sediment runoff. </p>



<p>“The curved Leizhou Peninsula juts southward into the South China Sea. The largest island on the east coast, Donghai, forms two bays: Leizhou Bay to its south and Zhanjiang Bay to its north," noted ESA.</p>



<p>“Facing both bays are cities with the same names: Zhanjiang, the largest city on the peninsula, and Leizhou, which gave the peninsula its name." </p>



<p>"Hainan Island dominates the bottom part of the image. The name Hainan means ‘south of the sea,’ reflecting the island's position south of the strait.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-hainan-island">History of Hainan Island </h2>



<p>During the Mesozoic Era about 100 million years ago, Hainan Island was actually part of a larger landmass connected to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/denisovan-tooth-suggests-southeast-asia-was-a-human-diversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southeast Asia</a>. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-features">Geological features</h3>



<p>Over time, the movements of Earth's plates caused this landmass to break apart and drift. Hainan separated from the continental shelf near Vietnam and moved to its current position.</p>



<p>This tectonic activity not only shaped the island's current location but also influenced its geological features. Hainan's landscape is characterized by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-and-why-do-mountains-form-new-theories-for-an-age-old-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a>, volcanic formations, and rich mineral deposits, which are direct results of these ancient geological processes.</p>



<p>Understanding this geological history helps explain why Hainan Island has such unique and diverse natural features compared to the mainland of China and nearby regions. The island's distinct wildlife and terrain make it a fascinating subject for geologists and natural historians alike.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-diversity-nbsp">Cultural diversity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Hainan was once a remote and undeveloped part of China. It was used as a place of exile for disgraced officials during imperial times. </p>



<p>However, it was also a place where diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultures</a> met, as evidenced by the many ethnic groups that live there, including the Li people, who are indigenous to the island.</p>



<p>The island really started to change in the 20th century. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Hainan was occupied by Japanese forces, which had a significant impact on its development. After the war, it became a part of the People’s Republic of China in 1950.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-development-nbsp">Rapid development&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In the 1980s, Hainan was designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which marked the beginning of its transformation into a major economic and tourist hub. </p>



<p>The SEZ status attracted significant investment and spurred rapid development, particularly in the capital city of Haikou and the resort city of Sanya.</p>



<p>Today, Hainan is known for its lush landscapes, tropical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caribbean-salt-affects-global-climate-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a>, and booming tourism industry. It's also becoming a key player in China's efforts to develop its free trade zones, aiming to become a major center for trade and commerce in the region.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/ Copernicus Sentinel-2&nbsp;</p>



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Hainan Strait in southern China

<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. </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.&nbsp;</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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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 78 (M78), a reflection nebula located in the constellation Orion about 1,350 light-years away from Earth. </p>



<p>This image was released as part of the initial series of observations from ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All data collected during these early observations, including a series of incredible <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid/Euclid_s_first_images_the_dazzling_edge_of_darkness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new views</a> of the nearby universe, is available to the public. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-messier-78">Image of Messier 78</h2>



<p>Featured here is a high-resolution, detailed segment of a larger image showcasing Messier 78, a dynamic region of star formation obscured by cosmic dust.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This specific view highlights how young stars generate winds of charged particles, carving out “cavities” in the molecular clouds around them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The blue hues in the image represent ionized atomic hydrogen, which is a primary component of the cloud, while the red indicates the absorption and scattering of light by dust particles.</p>



<p>The image captures hundreds of stars varying in brightness, illuminating their nebulous, purple surroundings. A dark, arch-like structure stretches from the upper left to the bottom right of the frame, merging into the densest, darkest clouds at the image’s base.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-site-of-star-formation-nbsp">Active site of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Messier 78 is not just a single nebula but part of a larger complex of stars and nebulous regions in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a>, which includes various other objects like dark nebulae that are visible as patches blocking light from behind.</p>



<p>This region is an active site of star formation, featuring many young stars and protostars, which are stars in the early stages of formation.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-messier-78">Viewing Messier 78</h2>



<p>M78 is easily observable with small telescopes, and it appears as a hazy patch of light with two prominent stars near its center, which illuminate the surrounding dust.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nebula is also a favorite among amateur astronomers for its beauty and relatively bright appearance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subject-of-scientific-interest-nbsp">Subject of scientific interest&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Messier 78 is fascinating not only for its visual beauty but also for its scientific interest, particularly in the study of <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> and interstellar matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nebula consists of dense, cold gas and dust, which are essential ingredients for the birth of new stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The intense blue light that characterizes M78 is due to the reflection of starlight off these dust particles, a process known as scattering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-region-surrounding-messier-78-nbsp">Region surrounding Messier 78&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The region surrounding M78 includes several other interesting features. For instance, there are Herbig-Haro objects within it, which are small patches of nebulosity associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newly born stars</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These objects are formed when gas ejected by young stars collides with clouds of gas and dust at high speeds, creating shock waves that glow brightly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earliest-stages-of-star-development-nbsp">Earliest stages of star development&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Additionally, infrared observations of M78 have revealed much about the dust and colder objects in the area, which are not visible in optical light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The observations have helped astronomers identify numerous young stars and brown dwarfs (objects that are too large to be planets and too small to be stars) within the nebula. </p>



<p>This makes M78 a critical area for studying the earliest stages of star development and the properties of the interstellar medium.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp-0">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-batch-of-brilliant-images-from-the-euclid-mission-live-up-to-the-hype/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid space mission</a> is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study the dark universe, particularly focusing on dark energy and dark matter, which are fundamental components that are believed to drive the accelerating expansion of the universe and shape its large-scale structure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The mission aims to map the geometry of the dark universe and better understand the physics of the cosmos.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-billions-of-galaxies-nbsp">Observing billions of galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Euclid uses two primary scientific instruments: a visible light camera (VIS) and a near-infrared spectrometer and photometer (NISP).&nbsp;</p>



<p>These instruments will allow Euclid to measure the shapes and redshifts of galaxies at distances of up to 10 billion light-years. By surveying more than a third of the sky, the mission is expected to observe several billion galaxies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-dark-universe-nbsp">Studying the dark universe&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The data collected will help astronomers in studying the effects of dark matter and dark energy in depth, testing cosmological models, and exploring new theories about the nature of the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The mission, named after the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, seeks to address key questions related to the structure of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics governing its evolution and expansion.</p>



<p>Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</p>



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Messier 78: Young stars shine through dense dust

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a galaxy that is located about 600 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. The Hubble Space Telescope observed a supernova in this galaxy - which appears as a bright blue dot in the photograph.</p>



<p>“This picture was taken roughly two months after a supernova named SN 2022aajn was discovered in this galaxy. The supernova is visible as a blue dot at the center of the image, brightening the hazy body of the galaxy,” 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-what-is-a-supernova">What is a supernova?</h2>



<p>Supernovae are spectacular explosions marking the violent deaths of stars. These cosmic events are so luminous they can briefly outshine entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and radiate more energy in a few weeks than our Sun will in its entire lifetime.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Supernovae explosions release heavy elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron into the interstellar medium. This stellar debris becomes the building blocks for new stars, planets, and even life itself. </p>



<p>Supernovae also produce neutron stars or black holes, depending on the remaining core’s mass after the explosion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-supernovae-nbsp">Types of supernovae&nbsp;</h2>



<p>There are two main types of supernovae, classified based on their causes. Type I supernovae occur when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a> in a binary system accretes material from its companion star, eventually reaching a critical mass and triggering a runaway nuclear reaction.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Type II supernovae happen when a massive star, at least eight times the mass of the Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel. Unable to support its own gravity, the core collapses, resulting in a massive explosion that ejects the outer layers into space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-distance-to-faraway-galaxies-nbsp">Measuring the distance to faraway galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to ESA, SN 2022aajn is a Type Ia supernova. “Supernovae of this type help astronomers measure the distance to faraway galaxies. This is possible because Type Ia supernovae are thought to be of the same intrinsic luminosity - no matter how bright they seem from Earth, they put out the same amount of light as other Type Ia supernovae.”</p>



<p>This means that researchers can calculate the distance to the supernova and its host galaxy by comparing the observed brightness to the expected brightness.</p>



<p>“This seemingly simple measurement method is complicated by cosmic dust. The farther away a supernova is, the fainter and redder it will appear - but intergalactic dust can make a supernova appear fainter and redder as well,” explained ESA.</p>



<p>“To understand this complication, researchers will use Hubble to survey a total of 100 Type Ia supernovae in seven wavelength bands from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared.”</p>



<p>By analyzing the brightness of supernovae across multiple wavelengths, researchers can distinguish between the influences of dust and distance, refining our measurements of galaxies that exist billions of light-years away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-galaxies-exist">How many galaxies exist?</h2>



<p>The number of galaxies in the universe is estimated to be around two trillion, based on observations from Hubble and more recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope. </p>



<p>This estimate is derived from deep-field surveys that reveal countless galaxies, each containing billions to trillions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, because our observations are limited by current technology and the vastness of the cosmos, the actual number could be even higher.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> remain unseen due to their extreme distances, faintness, or obstruction by cosmic dust.</p>



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



<p>Gemini is one of the 12 zodiac constellations and is best known for representing the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It is located in the northern celestial hemisphere and is most visible during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The constellation is bordered by Taurus to the west, Cancer to the east, and Orion to the south.</p>



<p>The two brightest stars in Gemini - Castor and Pollux - represent the heads of the twins and are easy to spot. Pollux, the brighter of the two, is an orange giant star about 34 light-years from Earth, while Castor is a more complex system made up of six stars. </p>



<p>The constellation also contains several notable deep-sky objects, including the open cluster Messier 35, which is a beautiful collection of young stars located near Gemini’s western border.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</p>



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Hubble spots a supernova in the constellation Gemini 

<p>Fungi are often overlooked in the grand tapestry of life, yet they play an essential role in ecosystems around the world. From decomposing organic matter to forming symbiotic relationships with plants and animals, fungi are nature’s silent architects. </p>



<p>Recently, a discovery involving a fungus growing on a spider has added a new layer of understanding to the story of these remarkable organisms.</p>



<p>During this research, scientists identified a previously unknown <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-can-think-and-make-smart-decisions-without-a-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species of fungus</a> that has been named in honor of a legendary figure in natural history. </p>



<p>This discovery adds to our knowledge of fungal diversity and is a reminder of how much there is still to learn about the intricate connections between fungi and their hosts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-species-gibellula-attenboroughii">New species <em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em></h2>



<p>Dr. Harry Evans, an Emeritus Fellow at CAB International, led a team of researchers from institutions such as the <a href="https://snm.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Natural History Museum of Denmark</a> and the <a href="https://www.kew.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Botanical Gardens Kew</a>. </p>



<p>The investigation began during the filming of the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p012msk2/episodes/guide" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC Winterwatch series</a> in Northern Ireland, where a peculiar fungus was found growing on a spider.</p>



<p>Using both morphological and molecular evidence, the scientists confirmed that this fungus represented a novel species. </p>



<p>In recognition of his profound impact on natural history programming, the team decided to name it after Sir David Attenborough.</p>



<p>"[The species is] named after the broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough, a pioneer of BBC natural history programs, who - in his role as controller of BBC 2 - helped to develop the Natural History Unit," noted Dr. Evans.</p>



<p>This led, indirectly, to the filming of the present nature series, during which the new species was first discovered.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gibellula-attenboroughii-and-spiders"><em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em> and spiders</h2>



<p>The spider that hosted the fungus was later identified as <em>Metellina merianae</em>, an orb-weaving cave spider belonging to the family Tetragnathidae.</p>



<p>With the help of a local speleologist, the researchers extended their search and discovered more specimens of the newly named species, <em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em>, in cave systems across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. </p>



<p>Interestingly, the fungus was also found to infect another spider species, <em>Meta menardi</em>, which occupies different ecological niches within the caves. </p>



<p>Like the original specimen, which was located on the ceiling of a gunpowder store, all of the infected spiders were found on the roof or walls of the caves.</p>



<p>These typically reclusive creatures had abandoned their usual hiding spots or webs, and migrated to exposed areas before dying.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connection-to-zombie-ant-fungi">Connection to zombie-ant fungi</h2>



<p>This behavior mirrors what has been observed in ants that are similarly infected by fungi of the genus <em>Ophiocordyceps</em> in Brazil's Atlantic rainforest. </p>



<p>In those cases, the fungi manipulated their ant hosts to position themselves in locations ideal for spore dispersal, which led to the use of the term "zombie-ant fungi."</p>



<p>This phenomenon has captured the public's imagination, inspiring books, video games, and even the popular television series <em>The Last of Us</em>. </p>



<p>Scientists have since identified behavioral-changing metabolites, such as dopamine, in cultures of zombie-ant fungi.</p>



<p>The discovery of similar behaviors in spiders infected by <em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em> suggests that these fungi may employ comparable mechanisms to control their hosts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungus-and-spiders-in-the-british-isles">Fungus and spiders in the British Isles</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em>Fungal Systematics and Evolution</em>, the study went beyond identifying the new species. </p>



<p>The researchers conducted extensive historical herbarium records and literature searches, and revealed a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-fungi-diversity-can-be-pulled-out-of-thin-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hidden diversity</a> within the genus <em>Gibellula</em> in the British Isles.</p>



<p>The experts also uncovered evidence of widespread disease epidemics among spiders in Norfolk and Wales. </p>



<p>The findings suggest that fungi like <em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em> may play a significant role in regulating spider populations.</p>



<p>"Their role in spider-population dynamics warrants further study, as do the metabolites they produce which enable them to exploit such a highly specific ecological niche," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-zombie-fungus-controls-spiders">How zombie fungus controls spiders</h2>



<p>The discovery of <em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em> highlights the importance of studying fungi not only for their ecological roles but also for their potential applications. </p>



<p>Understanding how these fungi influence spiders could provide insights into broader <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tipping-point-discovered-in-fungi-evolution-that-impacts-their-shape-and-growth-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecological dynamics</a>.</p>



<p>For instance, if certain fungi regulate spider numbers, they might indirectly affect other species within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-frost-beard-ice-formation-exidiopsis-effusa-fungi-discovered-by-hiker/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a>. </p>



<p>Additionally, investigating the metabolites produced by these fungi could lead to discoveries with implications beyond ecology. </p>



<p>Such compounds might have pharmaceutical or industrial uses, which makes this area of research particularly promising.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tribute-to-sir-david-attenborough">Tribute to Sir David Attenborough</h2>



<p>Naming the fungus after <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0041003/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sir David Attenborough</a> serves as a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to exploring and sharing the wonders of the natural world. </p>



<p>His work has inspired countless individuals, including the scientists involved in this study, to examine the mysteries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-fungus-found-in-garden-soils-across-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nature</a>. </p>



<p>By honoring Sir Attenborough in this way, the researchers not only celebrate his contributions but also emphasize the interconnectedness of scientific discovery and public engagement. It is a reminder that science thrives when curiosity is shared and nurtured.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-gibellula-attenboroughii-important">Why is <em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em> important?</h2>



<p>The identification of <em>Gibellula attenboroughii</em> opens up numerous avenues for future research. Scientists are eager to explore how these fungi manipulate their hosts and what chemical compounds they produce to achieve such precise control. </p>



<p>Furthermore, understanding the role of fungi in regulating spider populations could provide valuable insights into ecosystem stability.</p>



<p>In a time when biodiversity is under threat, studies like this remind us of the importance of preserving ecosystems and the species within them. </p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/wfbi/fuse/pre-prints/content-f1_fuse_vol15_art7;jsessionid=dd632sclfekn9.x-ic-live-03" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fungal Systematics and Evolution</a>.</em></p>



<p>Image Credit: CABI</p>



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Fungus infects and controls spiders, turning them into 'zombies'

Fungi are often overlooked in the grand tapestry of life,...

<p>It was first spotted in 1911 by the Australian geologist Griffith Taylor and has captivated explorers ever since. This crimson feature, known as Blood Falls, emerges from the pristine white surface of Taylor Glacier in East Antarctica and splashes onto the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-free-zones-found-in-antarctica-were-recently-mapped-for-the-first-time-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">icy terrain</a> below.</p>



<p>This strange spectacle has generated curiosity for over a century. </p>



<p>According to <a href="https://lanlexperts.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/chris-g-carr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chris Carr</a>, a glaciologist at Los Alamos National Laboratory (<a href="https://www.lanl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LANL</a>) and lead author of a recent <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021JF006325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, experts are still working to uncover the exact trigger behind the waterfall’s unpredictable flow.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-stays-liquid-at-blood-falls">Water stays liquid at Blood Falls</h2>



<p>Blood Falls does not flow year-round, but it stands out because the water beneath the glacier remains liquid, despite the intense cold of the surroundings.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-glaciology/article/an-englacial-hydrologic-system-of-brine-within-a-cold-glacier-blood-falls-mcmurdo-dry-valleys-antarctica/B5C197906AD54619AEA26068AD92989A" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Researchers</a> have traced this salty water to a hidden reservoir below <a href="https://www.swisseduc.ch/glaciers/antarctic/dry_valleys/taylor_glacier/index-en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Glacier</a> that retains heat more effectively than ordinary freshwater. </p>



<p>The high salinity also lowers its freezing point, which means that the water remains fluid in the harsh <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-melting-ice-shelves-threaten-global-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic</a> temperatures.</p>



<p>Some investigators have suggested that the reservoir may be an ancient body of marine water, possibly trapped millions of years ago. </p>



<p>The water then seeps out through cracks and channels inside the glacier, and bursts onto the surface at irregular intervals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-otherworldly-color">An otherworldly color</h2>



<p>It looks frightening, yet the color is not from blood. The hue is the result of <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-oxidation-in-chemistry-605456" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxidation</a>, a chemical process that happens when the iron-rich brine meets oxygen in the open air. </p>



<p>With each splash, more iron reacts and coats the ice with a rusty stain.</p>



<p>Researchers once attributed the crimson color to red algae, but that theory was eventually dismissed. </p>



<p>Careful chemical analyses subsequently identified <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/astronomy-and-space-sciences/articles/10.3389/fspas.2022.843174/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iron compounds</a> that darken the flow of water, making it a deep, ruddy color.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-puzzle-of-seasonal-flow">A puzzle of seasonal flow</h2>



<p>Winter is a hostile time in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-patterns-point-to-rapid-melting-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctica</a>, with temperatures that plummet far below freezing point.</p>



<p>Scientists were stunned to see that the water in Blood Falls continued gushing in these icy conditions. </p>



<p>There was hope that capturing the waterfall on camera would reveal some type of seismic activity linked to cracks in the ice. The sensors did record tiny shifts, yet none seemed to cause the brine flow.</p>



<p>That left experts scratching their heads. <a href="https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/directory/erin-pettit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Erin Pettit</a>, a glaciologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> and co-author of several Blood Falls investigations, <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021JF006325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">commented</a> on this anomaly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We were just throwing out the most bizarre ideas because none of it made sense and we didn’t have very much data to draw from,” said Pettit. </p>



<p>The presence of wintertime flow has led researchers to guess that changes deep under the glacier might be involved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teeming-with-hidden-life">Teeming with hidden life</h2>



<p>The brine at Blood Falls is by no means lifeless. Scientists have learned that it contains microorganisms adapted to an environment where sunlight is scarce and nutrients are locked beneath layers of ice.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.lpi.usra.edu/meetings/earlymars2004/pdf/8023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> show that some microbes can feed on the iron and sulfur compounds, and glean energy from these chemical reactions instead of from sunlight.</p>



<p>Some experts see parallels between these microbes and the types of life that might exist on other icy worlds. </p>



<p>The protective blanket of ice, combined with salty subglacial waters, offers a hint of how life could persist in hidden pockets far from the Sun’s reach.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-falls-glaciers-and-other-planets">Blood Falls, glaciers and other planets</h2>



<p>The existence of brine in such a frigid place challenges older views about the limitations of cold glaciers. </p>



<p>“Researchers had assumed that any water would freeze solid, yet Taylor Glacier is known as the coldest glacier to have a steady flow of liquid water,” said Pettit in a <a href="https://www.uaf.edu/news/archives/news-archives-2010-2021/researchers-solve-the-100-year-old-mystery-of-blood-falls.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">press release</a>.</p>



<p>Those observations carry weight for our broader understanding of subglacial hydrology. </p>



<p>Data gathered at Blood Falls can guide future exploration of other cold glaciers on Earth and spark new ideas about possible habitats beneath the ice caps on Mars or Jupiter’s moon, Europa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-falls-remains-a-puzzle">Blood falls remains a puzzle</h2>



<p>The exact cause of each outflow remains uncertain. Some propose that internal pressure builds in the subglacial reservoir until the water finds a weak point to burst through. </p>



<p>Others question if slight shifts in the glacier’s movement open narrow pathways that allow the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2018JG004411" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brine</a> to escape.</p>



<p>Either way, each sudden pulse of red fluid reminds us that certain glacial processes occur on unpredictable schedules.</p>



<p>New technologies such as specialized radar and melting probes are helping scientists view these hidden systems more precisely. </p>



<p>Each time the crimson water appears, additional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">observations</a> could provide clues about what sparks each discharge.</p>



<p>For now, Blood Falls stands as a striking reminder of Earth’s many surprises.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-blood-falls-research-is-important">Why Blood Falls research is important</h2>



<p>Antarctica’s secrets extend well beyond the bright red flow in Taylor Valley. Studying Blood Falls takes grit, funding, and strict protocols for working in polar conditions. </p>



<p>Field camps must be set up, gear transported, and delicate instruments installed, all without contaminating the pristine environment or endangering the research team.</p>



<p>This waterfall may look like a small trickle in a gigantic frozen desert, but it represents a bigger story of geological persistence. </p>



<p>The briny discharge hints at a vast hidden <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-past-present-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> network and the remarkable endurance of life where few would expect it.</p>



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



<p>Image credit: National Science Foundation (<a href="https://www.nsf.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NSF</a>)/Peter Rejcek</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2021JF006325" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface</em></a>.</p>



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Dark red waterfall in Antarctica, "Blood Falls," is still a scientific mystery

It was first spotted in 1911 by the Australian geologist...

<p>Almost a thousand years ago, stargazers in ancient China and Japan noticed a new star near the constellation of Cassiopeia. The star glowed brightly for six months before vanishing. </p>



<p>This celestial event, known as a 'guest star,' mystified astronomers for centuries. Part of it was later discovered to be a 'zombie star,' reigniting debates and curiosity in the scientific community.</p>



<p>It was one of the few supernovas recorded before the invention of telescopes. The question remained, where did it go?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traceable-at-last">Traceable at last</h2>



<p>The mystery deepened for centuries as the star remained an "orphan," meaning none of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial objects visible today</a> are linked to it. </p>



<p>Fast forward to the 21st century, and the orphan found a home. Scientists traced the remnant of supernova SN 1181 to the nebula Pa 30.</p>



<p>Amateur astronomer Dana Patchick discovered this in 2013 while rummaging through archives of the WISE telescope's images as part of a citizen scientist project.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zombie-star-that-never-died">“Zombie star” that never died</h2>



<p>The SN 1181 remnant is not the usual supernova remnant. It has a “zombie star” at its heart. This is a dense, dead star called a white dwarf that triggers a thermonuclear explosion resulting in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>.</p>



<p>In most cases, the explosion obliterates the white dwarf. With SN 1181, some of the star survived and turned into a zombie star. This unusual partial explosion is a type Iax supernova.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-filaments-of-zombie-star">Strange filaments of zombie star</h2>



<p>The zombie star radiates dandelion petal-like filaments. With the aid of Caltech’s Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI), the research team went deep into the supernova remnant.</p>



<p>Assistant Professor <a href="https://ista.ac.at/de/forschung/caiazzo-gruppe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilaria Caiazzo</a> from ISTA and lead author <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/people/tim-cunningham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Cunningham</a>, a NASA Hubble Fellow at the <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Astrophysics</a>, Harvard &amp; Smithsonian studied these features in unprecedented detail.</p>



<p>Positioned above 4,000 meters at the <a href="https://www.keckobservatory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W. M. Keck Observatory</a> in Hawaii, near the summit of Mauna Kea volcano, KCWI is a powerful asset for exploring deep space.</p>



<p>The highly sensitive KCWI captures spectral information for every pixel in an image and analyzes the matter's motion in a stellar explosion, similar to watching a 3D movie of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/string-of-pearls-found-around-supernova-sn-1987a-visible-with-naked-eye/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>.</p>



<p>Using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-seen-separating-from-normal-matter-after-galaxy-cluster-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doppler shift</a>, the principle that changes the frequency of objects as they move toward and away from a source, the researchers created a detailed 3D map of the nebula and its filaments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-asymmetry-of-zombie-star">Unusual asymmetry of zombie star</h2>



<p>Researchers discovered the remnants of SN 1181 aren't flying through space in every direction like fireworks. Instead, there's an asymmetry to the shapes that show a gap around the zombie star.</p>



<p>This suggests the asymmetry stems from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-blaze-star-explosion-visible-one-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">initial explosion</a> and offers a unique peek into the celestial spectacle that amazed humanity centuries ago.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-supernova-basics">Understanding supernova basics</h2>



<p>A supernova is an amazing explosion that happens when a massive star dies or when two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarfs</a> crash together. Picture a star way bigger than our Sun running out of fuel; without enough energy to fight gravity, it collapses under its own weight. </p>



<p>This collapse releases a massive amount of energy, blowing the star apart in a spectacular burst of light and energy that can outshine entire galaxies for a little while. There are different types of supernovae, but they all wrap up with this incredible explosion.</p>



<p>When a star explodes, it spreads heavy elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron into space, which eventually become the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-building-blocks-may-have-formed-near-newborn-stars-and-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> for planets and even life. </p>



<p>These explosions also kickstart the formation of new stars by compressing nearby gas clouds. Plus, supernovae can impact how galaxies evolve, contributing to their development over billions of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-of-a-type-iax-supernova">Life cycle of a type Iax supernova</h2>



<p>Understanding the life cycle of a type Iax supernova like SN 1181 provides astronomers with insights into the universe's lifecycle and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beautiful-stellar-nursery-herbig-haro-objects-orion-constellation-captured-by-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>.</p>



<p>Unlike the more commonly studied type Iax supernovas, which result from the disintegration of a white dwarf in a close binary system, type Iax supernovas only partially destroy their progenitor stars.</p>



<p>This leads to enigmatic phenomena such as the "zombie star," which exists after the explosion. The study of SN 1181 challenges conventional models and suggests there may be more diversity in supernova types than previously understood.</p>



<p>The findings urge the scientific community to reconsider certain fundamental theories about stellar deaths and to explore the potential for other oddities lurking across the cosmos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-exploration">Future exploration</h2>



<p>The discoveries surrounding SN 1181 and its surviving zombie star hold substantial implications for future astronomical research and the comprehension of stellar phenomena.</p>



<p>By analyzing remnants like SN 1181, scientists can better predict potential supernova appearances and refine the criteria for persistent stellar survivability post-explosion.</p>



<p>This expanded understanding invites new investigative strategies about asymmetric structures formations in supernova remnants.</p>



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



<p>While the study brought researchers closer to understanding the story of the SN 1181 supernova, it also posed new questions to astronomers worldwide.</p>



<p>“Our first detailed 3D characterization of the velocity and spatial structure of a supernova remnant tells us a lot about a unique cosmic event that our ancestors observed centuries ago. But it also raises new questions and sets new challenges for astronomers to tackle next,” said Caiazzo.</p>



<p>As technology advances, instruments like the Keck Cosmic Web Imager provide more detailed views of distant phenomena and pave the way for uncovering further anomalies.</p>



<p>As scientists examine each puzzle piece, the astronomical community edges closer to demystifying the secrets of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-star-documented-year-1181-was-actually-supernova-sn-1181/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic events</a>.</p>



<p>The study is published in <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad713b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>. </em></p>



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Cosmic dandelion supernova left a 'zombie star' at its center

Almost a thousand years ago, stargazers in ancient China and...

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<p><br /><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marajó Island in northern Brazil today’s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> comes from the </span><a href="http://www.esa.int/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">European Space Agency</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (ESA) and features a look at the island of </span>Marajó in northern Brazil.</p>
<p>The western and northwestern border of Marajó are marked by the mouth of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/amazon-river/">Amazon River</a>, while the Atlantic Ocean forms its northeastern border and the Pará River marks its eastern border.</p>
<p>Popcorn clouds can be seen in the upper portion of the image, which form after water vapor is released from plants and trees during the daytime.</p>
<p>These images were captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2A satellite.</p>
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<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="http://www.esa.int/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">European Space Agency</span></i></a></p>


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