Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



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



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <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>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



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



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

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

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



This area, particularly in Portuguese Bend, experiences ongoing ground movement, with land sliding toward the ocean at varying rates - sometimes moving several feet per year.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Landslide zone in Los Angeles County is expanding

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of South Georgia, a remote and rugged island located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. 



"Linked with the South Sandwich Islands to form a British Overseas Territory, this southern Atlantic island is a haven for a vast array of wildlife," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Around five million seals call the islands home, as well as 65 million birds of 30 different species. Migrating whales and various fish species populate the surrounding waters and there is a large penguin population."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-wildlife-of-south-georgia">Climate and wildlife of South Georgia </h2>



The island is dominated by mountains, glaciers, and fjords. Its highest peak, Mount Paget, rises to 2,935 meters, making it one of the tallest in the region.



South Georgia’s location within the Antarctic Convergence gives it a cold, maritime climate. Although not part of the Antarctic Treaty System, its environment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> are closely linked to Antarctica. 



The island is home to vast colonies of penguins, seals, and seabirds. The surrounding waters are rich with krill, providing an abundant food source for marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-adapted-to-harsh-environments">Penguins adapted to harsh environments </h2>



The most notable species found here are the king penguins, which are the second-largest penguin species in the world. South Georgia also hosts large populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-the-gentoo-penguin-the-worlds-fastest-swimming-bird/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gentoo</a> and macaroni penguins. 



The island's harsh climate, characterized by strong winds, snow, and cold temperatures, makes it a tough environment, but the penguins have adapted well. 



Their colonies - some of which number in the hundreds of thousands - can be found along the island's rugged coasts and beaches. 



The island’s isolation, combined with its plentiful food supply, makes it a critical breeding ground for these penguins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-south-georgia">History of South Georgia </h2>



The island has a history of exploration and exploitation. Captain James Cook first claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. 



During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a hub for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whaling</a> industry, with stations like Grytviken serving as operational centers. These stations have since been abandoned, and the island is now a haven for scientific research and ecotourism.



South Georgia is also notable for its role in Ernest Shackleton’s famed Endurance expedition. His crew reached the island in 1916 after an extraordinary open-boat journey from Elephant Island. Shackleton later died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pristine-nature-of-the-island">Pristine nature of the island</h2>



Today, South Georgia is a focus of conservation efforts. The eradication of invasive species, such as rats and reindeer, has been a significant success, allowing native wildlife to recover. 



Rats and mice were responsible for the decline of ground-nesting birds, including the South Georgia pipit, the island's only endemic bird. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reindeer-use-ultraviolet-vision-to-find-food-in-the-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reindeer</a>, which had been introduced for farming in the 19th century, caused extensive damage to the island’s vegetation, disrupting the habitat for native species.



South Georgia is uninhabited except for a small number of scientists and staff working at research stations and administrative facilities, emphasizing its role as a protected wilderness area and an essential site for understanding global environmental changes.



Its uninhabited status has helped preserve its pristine nature. Visitors to South Georgia must follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize human impact on this extraordinary island.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-of-remote-islands">Scientific significance of remote islands </h2>



Remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islands</a> are scientifically significant for several reasons. They often serve as unique ecosystems that can provide insights into evolutionary processes, biodiversity, and adaptation. 



Due to their isolation, species on remote islands may evolve differently from their mainland counterparts, resulting in the development of endemic species that exist nowhere else in the world. 



These islands also act as natural laboratories for studying the effects of climate change, human activity, and ecological interactions, as they are more vulnerable to disturbances. 



Moreover, remote islands can offer valuable information on the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as their ecosystems are often less impacted by human-induced factors. This makes them ideal for studying natural processes in relatively undisturbed environments. 



The isolation of these islands can also help scientists study the patterns of species migration, colonization, and extinction.



Image Credit: ESA 



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



—--



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

South Georgia: One of the most remote islands in the world

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a brilliant stellar nursery located about 163,000 light-years away.



According to ESA, the image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many stellar nurseries observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope during its 30-year lifetime. 



“The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbor NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-stellar-nursery">What is a stellar nursery?</h2>



Stellar nurseries are regions in space where new stars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">born</a> - often within vast clouds of gas and dust called molecular clouds.&nbsp;



These areas are fascinating because they are cradles of stellar evolution, where gravity causes clumps of gas to collapse, eventually forming protostars.&nbsp;



Over time, the protostars will heat up and start the nuclear fusion process that powers a star.



One of the most well-known stellar nurseries is the Orion Nebula, which is visible to the naked eye and located about 1,350 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-a-stellar-nursery-nbsp">Dynamic nature of a stellar nursery&nbsp;</h2>



Within these nurseries, the balance between gravity and pressure determines the types of stars that form, from massive, luminous stars to smaller, cooler ones like our Sun.&nbsp;



The environment is incredibly dynamic, with powerful winds from young stars shaping the clouds and triggering the birth of even more stars.



These regions are often illuminated by the light from massive newborn stars - creating stunning, colorful displays. The light reveals the intricate structure of the dust and gas, sculpted by the energy of young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-stellar-nurseries-nbsp">Significance of stellar nurseries&nbsp;</h2>



Stellar nurseries are essential for understanding the early stages of planetary formation, as protoplanetary disks (the material from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets form</a>) are often found around young stars in these regions.



Stellar nurseries play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. They are responsible for the continuous birth of new stars that enrich the interstellar medium with heavier elements. This constant recycling of material is key to the development of future generations of stars and planets.&nbsp;



Furthermore, the study of these regions helps astronomers understand the fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the overall dynamics of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-local-group">The Local Group</h2>



The Local Group is a collection of over 80 galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy, along with numerous smaller dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are bound together by gravity and span a region roughly 10 million light-years across.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-thin-disk-is-billions-of-years-older-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and Andromeda are the dominant members, with their respective satellite galaxies orbiting them.&nbsp;



The Local Group is part of a larger structure known as the Virgo Supercluster, and its galaxies are moving toward the gravitational center of the Local Group, contributing to its dynamic nature.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-magellanic-cloud">Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the fourth largest galaxy in the Local Group and can be seen with the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



This irregular dwarf galaxy is home to the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our cosmic neighborhood.&nbsp;



The Large Magellanic Cloud played a key role in astronomical history, particularly when the supernova SN 1987A was observed, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution.&nbsp;



The LMC's interaction with the Milky Way, along with its own companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud, is believed to influence its shape and star formation activity. Its proximity and unique properties make it a crucial object of study for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, star formation, and the dynamics of interacting galaxies.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



-----



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



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



-----

Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

Today's Image of the Day 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). 



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.



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



"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>.



"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."



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.



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



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;



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;



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



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.



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



"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."



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



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.



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



This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



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



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.



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



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



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.



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



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.



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



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.



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



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. 



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.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



-----



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



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



-----

Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Plant lovers have experimented with everything from eggshell powder to coffee grounds to help their greenery thrive. While some of these methods are effective, a homemade, chlorophyll-rich fertilizer known as "green gold" is gaining attention among gardening enthusiasts.



Dr. Cristhian Josue Cedeno from the <a href="https://www.utm.edu.ec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Manabí</a> has shared new insights on how nutrient-rich preparations can influence plant growth and vitality.



This knowledge aligns with the idea that plants are more than decorations: they are complex organisms that respond well to science-backed care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chlorophyll-rich-fertilizer">Chlorophyll-rich fertilizer </h2>



Bold, bright leaves are full of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384064/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chlorophyll</a>, the natural pigment responsible for a plant’s green shade. When leaves appear pale or lifeless, it can signal a nutrient deficiency that basic watering cannot fix. Chlorophyll-rich fertilizers may fill that gap by boosting a plant’s photosynthetic process. One promising organic option is LVEB (bovine manure vermicompost leachate), a liquid derived from composted cattle manure that has been processed by earthworms.&nbsp;



This nutrient-rich solution enhances soil quality, promotes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-plant-bacteria-likely-to-decline-due-to-climate-change/">beneficial microbes</a>, and provides essential minerals like magnesium, which directly support chlorophyll production. 



Unlike synthetic fertilizers, LVEB improves plant health naturally, making it a sustainable choice for home gardeners and farmers alike.



“The 1:30 dilution of the LVEB stood out above the remaining ones, showing significantly greater increases than chemical fertilization for plant height, stem diameter, leaf quantity, total chlorophyll content, and increasing yield by 1,28 t/ha compared to plants that received chemical fertilizer,” said study co-author Cedeno Solorzano.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-power-of-magnesium">Hidden power of magnesium</h2>



“Magnesium plays a critical role in plant metabolism as it is the central atom in chlorophyll molecules,” explained Shaul O, from <a href="https://www.biu.ac.il/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bar-Ilan University</a>.



Anyone frustrated with sickly plants might consider the importance of <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a>, which is a crucial mineral in every chlorophyll molecule.&nbsp;



If leaves appear yellow or growth seems sluggish, magnesium deficiency could be an underlying factor. Dark, leafy material used in homemade fertilizer solutions may add a direct supply of this nutrient.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-healthy-soil-with-chlorophyll-fertilizer">Supporting healthy soil with chlorophyll fertilizer </h2>



Adequate <a href="https://bioenergy.asu.edu/why-study-photosynthesis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photosynthesis</a> is important, but roots and soil also deserve attention. Healthy soil provides the foundation for strong plant growth, influencing nutrient absorption, moisture retention, and resistance to disease.



“Organic amendments supply readily available carbon and nutrients that stimulate soil microbial biomass and activity," stated H. J. McGovern from the <a href="https://scri.webarchive.hutton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottish Crop Research Institute</a>.



"This microbial stimulation not only accelerates the decomposition of organic matter but also enhances the availability of essential nutrients to plants, ultimately leading to improved plant growth and soil health."



Homemade chlorophyll fertilizer functions like other organic solutions by feeding beneficial microbes. Healthier soil creates a better environment for roots to access water and nutrients.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-chlorophyll-fertilizer">Preparing chlorophyll fertilizer</h2>



Gardeners often harvest the greenest leaves from shrubs that hold onto their color year-round. These leaves are placed in a blender with around one quart of water to form a rich, dark mixture.



Straining the blend removes chunky bits, and a brief bain-marie heating for about 5 to 10 minutes helps release the essential pigments. This simple recipe is then used in place of typical watering routines every couple of weeks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-steady-progress">Maintaining steady progress</h2>



Tracking improvement can be as simple as checking leaves for a vibrant hue. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-with-wilting-flowers-arent-dying-they-are-saving-energy/">Wilted or droopy plants</a> often show renewed structure after consistent application of the chlorophyll-rich brew.



It pays to stay mindful of the soil’s moisture content and drainage status so that excess water does not cause roots to suffocate. The combination of appropriate watering, sunlight, and nutrient balance keeps plants in good shape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-greener-approach">A greener approach</h2>



“The application of organic amendments improves soil physical properties such as structure, porosity, and water retention," noted the Food and Agriculture Organization (<a href="https://www.fao.org/home/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FAO</a>).



"In turn, these improvements support a more active microbial community that enhances nutrient cycling and overall soil fertility.” 



Sustainability is a crucial point for many who prefer organic methods.&nbsp;



Homemade chlorophyll solutions fit this mindset by reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The steps rely on easily available plant material, which makes the process affordable and eco-friendly.



Using the green gold approach can be an encouraging way to nurse neglected houseplants back to health. The steps are quick, and the benefits become visible in the form of stronger leaves and sturdier stems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/8232839.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Técnica</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Gardening hack called 'green gold' works like magic for houseplants

Plant lovers have experimented with everything from eggshell powder to...

New research reveals that subtle shifts in land elevation can considerably increase or decrease the local impacts of sea level rise along coastlines.&nbsp;



Even though these changes usually amount to fractions of an inch per year, they may alter flood risk, wave exposure, and saltwater intrusion for nearby communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-ocean-heights">Looking beyond ocean heights</h2>



Accurately predicting future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-sea-levels-spiked-dramatically-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> involves more than measuring how high the oceans climb. It also requires determining whether coastal lands are subsiding or uplifting.&nbsp;



A <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>-led study focused on California demonstrates how slow vertical movement of the land could have serious implications for areas already dealing with the challenges of a warming planet.



Sea levels along California’s coastline are projected to rise by 6 to 14.5 inches (15 to 37 centimeters) above year 2000 levels by 2050, mainly due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-reshaping-landscapes-and-national-borders-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> and ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of warming ocean waters. 



However, the recent study emphasizes that a better grasp of land elevation trends is crucial for refining local sea level forecasts.



“In many parts of the world, like the reclaimed ground beneath San Francisco, the land is moving down faster than the sea itself is going up,” said lead author Marin Govorcin, a remote sensing scientist at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-land-motion-in-detail">Tracking land motion in detail</h2>



The new research also highlights that the pace and scale of vertical land motion vary widely, shaped by both natural processes - such as tectonic activity - and human endeavors like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pumping-too-much-groundwater-affects-earths-spin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater pumping</a> or wastewater injection.&nbsp;



Previous regional models relying on tide gauges cannot capture all these dynamic changes or produce the detailed local picture that direct satellite observations now enable.



Scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a> (NOAA) used satellite radar to study over a thousand miles of California’s coastline.&nbsp;



The experts identified multiple “hotspots,” including urban centers, beaches, and aquifers, where the sinking or rising of land could interact with ongoing sea level rise in significant ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-land-and-rising-sea-levels">Shifting land and rising sea levels</h2>



By analyzing radar measurements from <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>’s Sentinel-1 satellites and velocity data from ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System stations, the researchers pinpointed areas experiencing subsidence of more than 0.4 inches (10 millimeters) per year.



Regions like San Rafael, Corte Madera, Foster City, and Bay Farm Island in the San Francisco Bay Area are gradually sinking due to sediment compaction, among other factors.&nbsp;



As a result, projected sea levels in these localities could exceed 17 inches (45 centimeters) by 2050 - over twice the general regional estimate of 7.4 inches (19 centimeters) indicated by tide gauge data.



Certain areas, however, are rising. The Santa Barbara groundwater basin has been slowly lifting since 2018 thanks to aquifer replenishment, while Long Beach exhibited uplift driven by fluid extraction and injection linked to oil and gas activities.



In parts of Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, human-driven changes in land motion increase sea level projections by as much as 15 inches (40 centimeters). Groundwater use, hydrocarbon extraction, and other unpredictable land-use practices raise uncertainties that demand vigilant, real-time monitoring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dowmward-drifting-terrain">Dowmward-drifting terrain</h2>



Farther inland, the Central Valley experiences rapid sinking - sometimes up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) annually - because of widespread groundwater withdrawals.&nbsp;



Scientists also recorded cyclical patterns of rising and falling land in Santa Clara, Santa Ana, and Chula Vista, correlated with fluctuations in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-changing-rainfall-patterns-impact-plants-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> and drought.&nbsp;



In geologically active coastal regions like Big Sur and Palos Verdes, slow-moving landslides are causing portions of terrain to drift downward. Around San Francisco and Monterey bays, subsiding marshes and lagoons highlight erosion’s role in land changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-the-coming-decades">Changes in the coming decades</h2>



Policymakers, the public, and scientists can keep an eye on coastal land motion through the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/go/opera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OPERA</a> (Observational Products for End-Users from Remote Sensing Analysis) initiative, led by JPL.&nbsp;



This project details surface elevation changes across North America, including subsidence zones, tectonic shifts, and landslide-prone areas.&nbsp;



The data will become even more precise once the next-generation <a href="https://nisar.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NISAR</a> (NASA-Indian Space Research Organization Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission is launched in the coming months.



By incorporating satellite-based measurements of land elevation changes into broader sea level rise models, researchers hope to provide more accurate and actionable forecasts. The goal is to help coastal communities develop more robust strategies for coping with climate change in the decades to come.



-----



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



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



-----

Sinking land will intensify the effects of rising sea levels

New research reveals that subtle shifts in land elevation can...

Who is most vulnerable to online misinformation and why? A new study offers a revealing look at how different demographic and psychological factors - such as age, education, political identity, and analytical thinking - shape individuals’ ability to assess the accuracy of news.&nbsp;



Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development analyzed data from 31 experiments conducted in the United States between 2006 and 2023.



Surprisingly, the findings do not align with many long-held assumptions about who is more likely to be duped by fake news.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-demographics-psychological-factors-and-fake-news">Demographics, psychological factors, and fake news</h2>



The study was led by Mubashir Sultan, a doctoral candidate at the <a href="https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Human Development</a>’s Center for Adaptive Rationality.&nbsp;



Sultan and his colleagues performed an individual participant data meta-analysis, often considered the gold standard because it compiles and re-examines raw data from multiple studies rather than simply aggregating previously reported effect sizes.&nbsp;



This approach allowed the team to analyze 256,337 individual decisions made by 11,561 participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 88 years.&nbsp;



Participants were asked to judge whether headlines covering politics, health, and other topics were true or false. 



The researchers then connected participants’ responses to four demographic factors (age, gender, education, and political identity) and four psychological factors (analytical thinking, partisan bias, motivated reflection, and familiarity with the news).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-common-assumptions-about-education">Common assumptions about education</h2>



Education emerged as one of the most surprising factors. Higher education is often presumed to protect against misinformation - under the assumption that college and advanced degrees teach critical thinking.



However, the meta-analysis found no significant difference in susceptibility between those with higher and lower educational attainment. 



In other words, a four-year degree or postgraduate study did not predict better performance in distinguishing real from fake headlines. This finding runs counter to the conventional wisdom that more education automatically translates into greater immunity to misinformation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-misconceptions-about-age-and-fake-news">Misconceptions about age and fake news</h2>



Age also challenged expectations. Previous studies often blame older adults for being more prone to sharing or believing misinformation.&nbsp;



In contrast, the new analysis showed that older adults were actually better than younger adults at discerning true headlines from false ones. They tended to label more headlines as false, indicating a greater degree of skepticism.&nbsp;



However, these findings exist alongside the well-documented observation that older adults do share more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/digital-misinformation-rumors-spread-like-nuclear-reactions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fake content</a> online - suggesting a complex interplay between careful headline scrutiny and actual sharing behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-political-identity-and-partisan-bias">Political identity and partisan bias</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-trust-news-that-matches-their-political-views-even-when-its-fake/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Political identity</a> proved to be another influential factor. The meta-analysis confirmed that Republicans, on average, are more likely to accept news headlines as true, resulting in lower overall accuracy when distinguishing real from false stories.&nbsp;



Democrats, for their part, were more skeptical, labeling more headlines as false. Sultan and his colleagues link these findings to partisan bias, in which people are more willing to believe stories that align with their political affiliations and to reject those that conflict with them.



That said, analytical thinking - the ability to logically evaluate information and solve problems systematically - generally predicted better performance in detecting misinformation.&nbsp;



However, a twist emerged in the form of motivated reflection: individuals who scored higher in analytical thinking were actually more susceptible to partisan bias.&nbsp;



In other words, rather than using their critical skills to transcend personal beliefs, these analytical thinkers often deployed their reasoning faculties to defend their existing political identities. 



This paradox highlights the fact that reasoning can sometimes serve entrenched worldviews instead of open-minded evaluation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-familiarity-as-a-powerful-persuader">Familiarity as a powerful persuader</h2>



One of the strongest indicators of misinformation susceptibility turned out to be familiarity with the news. If participants recognized a headline from having seen it before, they were significantly more likely to accept it as true.&nbsp;



This result highlights the perils of repeated exposure, especially on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spending-less-time-on-social-media-improves-your-mental-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social media</a> platforms where the same headlines (whether accurate or false) can circulate extensively.&nbsp;



Over time, familiarity can breed acceptance, making misinformation more persuasive simply by virtue of being encountered multiple times.



The findings come at a time of growing concern over how misinformation shapes public opinion and election outcomes.&nbsp;



According to co-author Ralf Kurvers, a senior research scientist at the Max Planck Institute, the study’s relevance is heightened by the rise of right-wing populism and the dire warnings from the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024</a>. This report identifies misinformation as one of the world’s greatest short-term threats.&nbsp;



Kurvers advocates for targeted media literacy efforts, particularly for younger adults, who, despite being “digital natives,” were less able to differentiate between genuine and fake news in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-challenges-of-misinformation">Addressing the challenges of misinformation </h2>



Moving forward, the researchers recommend that interventions account for how political bias and repeated exposure can reinforce incorrect beliefs. 



They point to the need for fostering respectful conversations across political divides and designing social media tools that reduce the repeated circulation of false content. 



As part of a broader initiative on online environments at the Max Planck Institute, the team aims to develop strategies for addressing these challenges, including methods that help people become more reflective about the information they encounter.



Ultimately, the study underscores the complexity of combating misinformation. Simply improving education levels does not appear to be a magic bullet, nor does encouraging more analytical thought if that thinking is subverted by partisan motives.&nbsp;



Instead, the research suggests that a multi-pronged approach - combining critical reflection, awareness of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quick-decisions-are-often-biased-and-misleading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bias</a>, and caution about familiar-seeming claims - is needed to help individuals navigate the vast sea of online information.



The study is published in the <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2409329121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Who falls for fake news? New study challenges what we thought

Who is most vulnerable to online misinformation and why? A...

<div class="vdb_player vdb_58e3ebce955a315103d39bd158d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49" vdb_params="m.embeded=cms_video_plugin_www.earth.com" data-placeholder="//img.vidible.tv/prod/2017-09/30/59d02bc2cc912f37bcdf95cd/59d02bc96174ba154e30ff45_o_A_v2.jpg?w=1440&#038;h=900">	<script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=58e3ebce955a315103d39bd1/vid=59d02bc2cc912f37bcdf95cd/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js?m.embeded=cms_video_plugin_www.earth.com"></script></div>
 
Today’s Video of the Day comes from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency’s</a> Earth from Space series and features a look at Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world, with an area of over 10,000 square kilometers located in the central <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/winter-paints-andes-mountains-snow-ice/">Andes Mountains</a>. Roughly 40,000 years ago, this region was part of a massive prehistoric lake that dried up and left the salt behind.
 &#8212;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Video Credit: <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a>

Earth from Space: Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia