Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest peak, where snow has finally returned after a record-breaking absence.



The Japan Meteorological Agency officially confirmed the presence of snow on Mount Fuji's peak on Thursday. The previous day, the snow could not yet be confirmed due to clouds obstructing the view of the summit.



“The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission captured this image of Mount Fuji's iconic snowcap on November 7, a day after snow was first spotted by the Japan Mereological Agency’s Shizuoka branch,” noted <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.esa.int%2FESA_Multimedia%2FImages&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-fuji-with-no-snow">Mount Fuji with no snow</h2>



This year, Mount Fuji set a new <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fmount-fujis-snow-is-missing-for-first-time-in-130-years%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record</a> for the latest date without snowfall since records began in 1894. By the end of October, the iconic peak remained bare, surpassing the previous records of October 26, held in 2016 and 1955. 



The snow delay is attributed to record-breaking high temperatures in Japan throughout the summer and early fall.&nbsp;



The heat was influenced by factors such as El Niño, unusually warm <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fpacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a>, and shifts in the jet stream - all of which contributed to sustained warmth and hindered the usual cooling needed for snowfall​​​​​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-climate-concerns">Broader climate concerns</h2>



This unusual absence of snow on Mount Fuji has raised concerns about broader impacts of climate change. Snow on Mount Fuji contributes to regional freshwater supplies, suggesting potential downstream effects on water availability if these trends continue.&nbsp;



Scientists are closely studying these seasonal shifts to understand their long-term environmental implications​​​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-mount-fuji-s-snow">Cultural significance of Mount Fuji's snow</h2>



Snow on Mount Fuji holds deep cultural significance for Japan, symbolizing purity, beauty, and spiritual presence. In Japanese art and literature, the snow-capped Mount Fuji is celebrated as a representation of the changing seasons, serenity, and natural perfection. 



For centuries, it has inspired countless artists, including Edo-period woodblock masters like Hokusai, whose famous series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji highlights the mountain's snowy peak as a central theme.



The snow on Mount Fuji also holds spiritual significance. Many Japanese people view the mountain as sacred and associate its snow-covered peak with divine purity and tranquility. 



Shinto and Buddhist pilgrims have historically considered Fuji’s summit a place of spiritual connection, and its snowy cap enhances this reverence by emphasizing the mountain’s sublime, almost otherworldly beauty​​​​.



Mount Fuji and its snow cap have become a national symbol of resilience and identity, even influencing aspects of Japanese aesthetics. The snow represents harmony with nature and the cyclical beauty of life, which are core themes in Japanese cultural philosophy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seasons-are-changing-with-the-climate">Seasons are changing with the climate</h2>



<a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fextreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is shifting the timing and length of seasons worldwide. Rising global temperatures have led to significant changes in seasonal patterns, affecting when plants bloom, animals migrate, and weather patterns stabilize.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-shifts">Temperature shifts</h3>



Warmer global temperatures have contributed to longer and more intense <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fsummers-seasons-warm-faster-than-winters-earths-climate-history%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summers</a>. For instance, spring arrives earlier in many parts of the world, with evidence showing that plants are budding and blooming sooner than they did several decades ago​​.&nbsp;



This extended warmth shortens winter and affects the typical cycles that ecosystems depend on.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-ecosystems">Impact on ecosystems</h3>



The shift in seasons can disrupt ecosystems that have evolved to rely on consistent seasonal changes.&nbsp;



For example, migratory <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fbirds-produce-fewer-offspring-as-spring-arrives-earlier-across-our-warming-world%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> often time their movements based on day length and food availability. If the seasons shift and food sources appear or disappear earlier than usual, these birds may struggle to adapt. 



Similarly, in agricultural systems, unpredictable frost dates and changing rainy seasons can reduce crop yields and impact food security​​​​.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-cycles-and-weather-patterns">Water cycles and weather patterns</h3>



Seasonal shifts also affect water availability. Warmer winters with less snow impact water supplies, especially in regions dependent on snowpack for spring and summer water flow. This can lead to drier conditions and exacerbate droughts, as seen in many parts of North America and Asia​​.



Ultimately, the seasonal shifts driven by climate change have far-reaching effects on natural ecosystems, agriculture, and human infrastructure - making climate adaptation an urgent priority.



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Snow returns to Mount Fuji after record absence 

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

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. 



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;



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. 



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



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;



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



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.



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.



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



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.



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;



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



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;



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



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



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;



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



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



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



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;



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.



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



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;



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. 



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



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



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;



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



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



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



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.



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



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;



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.



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Messier 78: Young stars shine through dense dust

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study. 



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies. 



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



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. 



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. 



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Despite its considerable size, Pangong Lake is relatively shallow. 



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films - most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China.



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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

Movies have a certain magic about them. They can make us laugh, cry, or gasp in surprise, all the while sparking our imaginations. But did you know they could also provide a window into the workings of our brains?



A fascinating new study, utilizing cutting-edge technology, is pushing the boundaries of neuroscience by using movies to map the human brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-beyond-the-resting-state">Moving beyond the resting state</h2>



Traditionally, functional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brain-imaging-method-will-unravel-mysteries-of-neural-processes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain imaging</a> studies have largely focused on the resting state. Here, participants lie still and think without any external stimulus.



Although this process has yielded some interesting insights, it leaves a significant portion of the brain's landscape uncharted. 



The scientists believed that using movies as external stimuli might light up these unexplored areas of the brain, giving them a more complete picture of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-is-constantly-making-predictions-about-the-world-and-your-place-in-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain functions</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-movies-as-windows-into-the-brain">Using movies as windows into the brain</h2>



Conducted by scientists at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT), this innovative research project used fMRI scans to map the brains of participants as they watched clips from various movies - both Hollywood hits like "Inception" and "The Social Network," as well as independent films.



The goal was to observe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-brain-responds-to-bad-smells-within-300-milliseconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how the brain responds</a> to different components of the movie - scenes involving people, dialogue, action, and inanimate objects.



"Our work is the first attempt to get a layout of different areas and networks of the brain during naturalistic conditions," noted Reza Rajimehr, first author and neuroscientist at MIT.



"There is no stimulus - people are just thinking internally, so you don't know what has activated these networks. But with our movie stimulus, we can go back and figure out how different brain networks are responding to different aspects of the movie."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-s-response-to-movies">The brain's response to movies</h2>



The team obtained brain scans from 176 young adults, all of whom had watched the same 60-minute sequence of movie clips.



Using machine learning techniques, the scientists were able to identify distinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-pollution-impairs-brain-network-connectivity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain networks</a> involved in the processing of the movie content.



In reviewing this data, the researchers recognized 24 distinct brain networks, each correlating with specific aspects of sensory or cognitive processing. 



These encompassed areas such as recognizing human faces or bodies, interacting with inanimate objects, and processing speech or social interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-brain-s-operational-dynamics">The brain's operational dynamics</h2>



Interestingly, the study highlighted an inverse relationship between 'executive control domains' (brain regions responsible for planning, problem-solving, and prioritizing information) and regions with specific functions like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-coordinate-group-activities-for-language-processing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language processing</a>. 



"Executive control domains are usually active in difficult tasks when the cognitive load is high," said Rajimehr.



"It looks like when the movie scenes are quite easily comprehendible, for example if there’s a clear conversation going on, the language areas are active."



"But in situations where there is a complex scene involving context, semantics, and ambiguity in the meaning of the scene, more cognitive effort is required, and so the brain switches over to using general executive control domains."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-movie-brain-mapping">Future of movie-brain mapping</h2>



Although this study provides a comprehensive analysis of average brain activities, the scientists acknowledge that there is more ground to be covered.



The next step is to investigate how individual brains differ in their responses to movie content. This can pave the way for understanding how age, developmental disorders, or psychiatric conditions may impact these neural responses.



“In future studies, we can look at the maps of individual subjects, which would allow us to relate the individualized map of each subject to the behavioral profile of that subject," noted Rajimehr.



"Now, we’re studying in more depth how specific content in each movie frame drives these networks - for example, the semantic and social context, or the relationship between people and the background scene.”



This research marks a new milestone in understanding the human brain. By coupling neuroscience with the power of cinema, scientists are moving closer towards unraveling the secrets of our complex mind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-movie-based-brain-mapping">Implications of movie-based brain mapping</h2>



The study's approach of using movies to stimulate brain activity opens doors to a range of applications beyond basic research. 



One potential area of exploration is in diagnosing and treating neurological and psychiatric disorders.



By observing how brains with specific conditions respond to film sequences compared to healthy brains, scientists could identify unique neural signatures or deviations. This could ultimately lead to more tailored interventions or therapies.



Moreover, using movie stimuli could offer insight into how cultural and environmental factors shape brain responses. Different populations may process the same movie scenes differently, revealing underlying cognitive and emotional processing that varies across cultures.



The ability to decode these differences might prove essential in understanding global psychological patterns and enhancing cross-cultural empathy.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0896627324007268" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neuron</a>.



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How movies illuminate our brains

Movies have a certain magic about them. They can make...

Sleep is one of biology’s enduring mysteries. Present across nearly all animal groups, from jellyfish and insects to birds and mammals, sleep is marked by reduced movement, muscle relaxation, and an increased need to make up for lost sleep.&nbsp;



But despite its prevalence, scientists still don’t fully understand how sleep rhythms are controlled.&nbsp;



New research at the <a href="https://brain.mpg.de/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Max Planck Institute for Brain Research</a> is shedding light on these mechanisms in an unexpected source: the Australian dragon lizard (Pogona vitticeps).&nbsp;



The findings, published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08162-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, reveal that sleep in reptiles may share ancient roots with mammals and birds, and could help unravel the evolutionary history of sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-states-in-the-australian-dragon-nbsp">Sleep states in the Australian dragon&nbsp;</h2>



In humans and many animals, sleep is divided into two primary states: slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS).&nbsp;



Slow-wave sleep, characterized by slow brain activity, typically begins sleep cycles, followed by rapid eye movement sleep, which shows brain activity levels similar to wakefulness and includes rapid eye movements and muscle twitches.&nbsp;



This alternation of sleep states is called the ultradian rhythm, which varies across species. In humans, for instance, a full SWS-REMS cycle lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, while in the Australian dragon, each cycle lasts just one minute.



Eight years ago, researchers at Max Planck, led by director Gilles Laurent, discovered REM-like sleep in the Australian dragon lizard.&nbsp;



This discovery suggested that REMS could be an ancient trait shared across amniotes - a group that includes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-secrets-of-the-evolution-of-prehistoric-reptiles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reptiles</a>, birds, and mammals - dating back roughly 320 million years.&nbsp;



The research team, including postdoctoral scientists Lorenz Fenk and Luis Riquelme, explored why this ultradian rhythm cycles so quickly in reptiles and what drives these alternating states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-pattern-generator">Central pattern generator </h2>



To investigate further, the team looked for signs of a central pattern generator (CPG), a neural circuit that produces rhythmic motor outputs like walking or breathing. CPGs are well-known in motor control, but their potential role in regulating sleep was novel.&nbsp;



“This idea of a sleep CPG was completely counterintuitive because CPGs control motor output, whereas sleep is characterized by the near absence of motor activity,” Laurent noted.



To test their hypothesis, the researchers introduced external cues, such as short bursts of light, to see if they could reset the lizards’ sleep cycles - a phenomenon known as phase-dependent reset. 



This is similar to “tripping on a stone while walking,” explained Riquelme, where the rhythm is affected by the timing of the disruption.&nbsp;



The team found that brief light pulses to the lizards’ closed eyes reset their REM-SWS cycle, pointing to the influence of a CPG-like mechanism in regulating these sleep states.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partial-independence-in-sleep-rhythms">Partial independence in sleep rhythms</h2>



Another discovery revealed that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-threatens-the-future-of-8-in-10-lizards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lizards</a>’ sleep rhythms could be manipulated even while they were awake. This indicates that the circuits driving sleep - and the transition between SWS and REMS - might function independently.&nbsp;



“This is important because it suggests that sleep and the alternation between SWS and REMS are at least partially independent,” Fenk noted.



Further, the study found that although SWS and REMS alternation occurs on both sides of the brain, only one side can be disrupted, causing it to fall out of sync with the other.&nbsp;



After a one-sided perturbation, the two hemispheres quickly re-synchronize, suggesting two interconnected CPGs, one for each side of the brain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-evolution-of-sleep">Understanding the evolution of sleep</h2>



The findings open intriguing questions about the evolution and flexibility of sleep regulation across species.&nbsp;



According to the scientists, these findings are exciting since they link neural circuits usually associated with motor activity to the regulation of sleep states when the body is at rest.&nbsp;



Such circuits, likely based in the brainstem, may be adaptable enough to explain the diverse sleep patterns seen in animals, but more research is needed to determine their exact composition and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-is-essential-for-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">function</a>.



The presence of a CPG-like mechanism in lizard sleep suggests that these circuits may exist across other vertebrates, such as birds and mammals.&nbsp;



This could mean that sleep has deeper evolutionary roots than previously understood, potentially stretching back to the earliest amniotes.&nbsp;



The team’s research may even help answer one of the most fundamental questions in biology: why sleep evolved in the first place.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restorative-functions-of-rest">Restorative functions of rest </h2>



The study raises significant questions for future research. Could a similar CPG mechanism be found in mammals or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-birds-dream-of-flying-scientists-say-they-now-know-the-answer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a>? If so, how might it account for the different sleep cycle durations seen in these groups?&nbsp;



And what about animals with vastly different sleep requirements, like dolphins, which can sleep with one hemisphere of the brain at a time?



Understanding the precise role of these circuits in sleep regulation could ultimately offer insights into the purpose of sleep itself.&nbsp;



While researchers have some understanding of sleep’s restorative functions, the exact benefits remain elusive. Studying how different species control and experience sleep may shed light on why it persists across the animal kingdom, even in vastly different forms and durations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-sleep-in-the-australian-dragon">Studying sleep in the Australian dragon </h2>



The study’s results could also change how scientists approach the study of sleep in general. CPGs, which were once thought to be limited to controlling physical actions, may now be central to understanding cognitive and physiological processes that occur when the body is at rest.&nbsp;



“This discovery suggests that sleep and other complex biological rhythms may be regulated by neural circuits we typically associate with movement,” Fenk said.



These findings lay the groundwork for new research into the role of CPGs in sleep, potentially reshaping our understanding of sleep across diverse animal groups.&nbsp;



For now, the Max Planck team’s work offers an exciting glimpse into the evolutionary origins of sleep, highlighting that even in rest, the brain is remarkably active, controlled by rhythms that may date back millions of years.&nbsp;



As researchers continue to uncover the mysteries of sleep, the study of the humble Australian dragon lizard offers a valuable clue about the complexities that lie within the seemingly simple act of sleep.



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Australian dragons reveal new clues about the mysteries of sleep 

Sleep is one of biology’s enduring mysteries. Present across nearly...

Tremendous,Formation,Of,Permafrost,-,Amazing,Mountain,Landscape,In,The

A few decades ago, it was established that the farthest corners of our planet had conserved carbon in frozen permafrost for many years. However, recent studies led by experts at NASA suggest that Arctic permafrost is approaching a tipping point.



As it thaws, the permafrost is releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane - both of which accelerate global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frozen-arctic-permafrost">Frozen Arctic permafrost</h2>



Permafrost is ground that remains permanently frozen, typically year-round, for extended periods - often spanning decades, centuries, or even millennia.



Found mostly in the Earth’s northern regions, such as the Arctic and parts of Alaska, Canada, and Siberia, permafrost serves as a natural storehouse of carbon. 



This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/abrupt-permafrost-thaw-releases-more-co2-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frozen ground</a> traps organic matter like dead plants and animal remains that have not fully decomposed due to the low temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-carbon-safe">Underground carbon safe</h2>



Over time, these materials accumulate vast amounts of carbon, effectively locking it underground in what has long been considered a "carbon safe."



However, as the Arctic warms at an accelerated rate - up to four times faster than other regions - permafrost begins to thaw. This thawing process releases previously stored greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere.



These heat-trapping gases contribute to global warming, turning permafrost from a carbon sink into a source of emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greenhouse-gases-released-from-permafrost">Greenhouse gases released from permafrost </h2>



A recent study led by scientists at NASA and <a href="https://www.su.se/cmlink/stockholm-university" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stockholm University</a> provides intriguing insights into this vast permafrost region.



The study meticulously accounts for where and how greenhouse gases are making their escape as the Arctic warms up. 



The researchers discovered that, between 2000 and 2020, emissions from the land nearly overshadowed the carbon dioxide absorbed by it.



The permafrost region, thus, is increasingly contributing to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-permafrost-thaw-in-alaska-threatens-global-climate-balance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. This phenomenon is also linked to another greenhouse gas - methane. While not as long-lived as carbon dioxide, methane can pack quite a punch within its short lifetime, trapping heat much more effectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tipping-the-balance-of-permafrost">Tipping the balance of permafrost</h2>



Abhishek Chatterjee is a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California and a co-author of the study.



"We know that the permafrost region has captured and stored carbon for tens of thousands of years,” said Chatterjee.



“But what we are finding now is that climate-driven changes are tipping the balance toward permafrost being a net source of greenhouse gas emissions."



Perhaps the concept of permafrost needs a bit more unpacking. A slice from the core of permafrost unveils layers upon layers of icy soils. These soils are chock-full of dead plant and animal matter, which can be carbon-dated using various techniques.



This is the organic carbon that microbes feed on when permafrost thaws and decomposes, expelling some of it as greenhouse gases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-permafrost-emissions">Tracking permafrost emissions</h2>



Scientists have been using an array of methods to track emissions - from ground-based instruments and aircraft to satellites.



NASA's Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (<a href="https://above.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ABoVE</a>) zeroes in on Alaska and western Canada. However, taking measurements across the vast northern expanses is anything but straightforward.



The new study, part of the Global Carbon Project’s RECCAP-2 effort, monitored three greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide - across 7 million square miles of permafrost terrain from 2000 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-release-across-arctic-ecosystems">Carbon release across Arctic ecosystems </h2>



The experts found that forests absorbed slightly more carbon dioxide than they released. However, this was largely offset by carbon dioxide emissions from lakes and rivers as well as from forest and tundra fires.



The findings suggest that greenhouse gases contributed to planetary warming over the 20-year period. But over a 100-year timeframe, emissions and absorptions would primarily balance each other out.



Thus, the region has been oscillating between serving as a carbon source and a weak carbon sink.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-complex-picture-has-emerged">A complex picture has emerged</h2>



To reach these conclusions about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/time-traveling-pathogens-exposing-the-dangers-of-melting-permafrost/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thawing</a> permafrost and its greenhouse gas emissions, the scientists had to use a combination of methods.



"Bottom-up” methods estimated emissions using ground and air-based measurements as well as ecosystem models, whereas “top-down” methods used atmospheric measurements from satellite sensors, including NASA’s Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) and JAXA’s (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite.



“This study is one of the first where we are able to integrate different methods and datasets to put together this very comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-melting-arctic-sea-ice-could-disrupt-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> budget into one report,” Chatterjee said. “It reveals a very complex picture.”



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Thawing permafrost is becoming an enormous source of global warming

A few decades ago, it was established that the farthest...

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 Satellites can help predict malaria outbreaks Today’s Video of the Day comes from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> and features a look at how satellites can help predict malaria outbreaks.  Microscopic diagnosis is relatively resource intensive, requiring trained personnel, specific equipment, electricity, and a consistent supply of microscopy slides and stains
90% of all malaria cases in the Western Hemisphere occur in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-rainforest-back-deforestation/">Amazon</a>. According to recent data, over the past five years, reported cases of malaria in Brazil have been decreasing, while cases in Per have been increasing. But now, NASA scientists are using satellite data to map the environmental conditions in which an outbreak is most likely to occur. The patterns observed can be useful in predicting future outbreaks to help preparation and prevention.
Also there is a potential dormant period in the liver, these organisms differentiate to yield thousands of merozoites, which, following rupture of their host cells, escape into the blood and infect red blood cells to begin the erythrocytic stage of the life cycle. After a period of dormancy, they reactivate and produce merozoites. 
However they give considerably less information than microscopy, and sometimes vary in quality from producer to producer and lot to lot. 
 &#8212;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a>
Video Credit: <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a>