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



<p>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. </p>



<p>“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>.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



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



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



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>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.</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



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



<p>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;</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>NASA, ESA, and STScI</p>



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) features the Dark Wolf Nebula, located around 5,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius.</p>



<p>According to ESO, this image of the dark <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-reveal-the-ring-nebula-as-it-has-never-been-seen-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> creates the illusion of a wolf-like silhouette against a colorful cosmic backdrop. </p>



<p>“This image takes up an area in the sky equivalent to four full Moons, but is actually part of an even larger nebula called Gum 55. If you look closely, the wolf could even be a werewolf, its hands ready to grab unsuspecting bystanders,” noted <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESO</a>.</p>



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



<p>Dark nebulae are dense regions in space filled with gas and dust that absorb visible light, making them appear as dark patches against brighter backgrounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike emission or reflection nebulae, dark nebulae do not glow on their own. Instead, they obstruct and obscure the light from stars and other objects lying behind them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This characteristic makes them challenging to observe using visible-light telescopes, as they absorb and scatter light rather than reflecting or emitting it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, when viewed in infrared, where their obscuring effect is reduced, dark nebulae reveal intricate details about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/building-blocks-of-life-found-in-the-perseus-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular clouds</a> they contain.</p>



<p>According to ESO, astronomers study these clouds of frozen dust because they often contain new stars in the making.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-wolf-nebula-nbsp">Dark Wolf Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Dark Wolf Nebula is part of a larger complex known as the Lupus Molecular Cloud, one of several significant star-forming regions close to Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Inside of dark nebulae, the conditions are prime for star formation. The dense gas and dust clump together under gravitational forces, and as the clouds contract, they heat up, eventually igniting nuclear fusion and forming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new stars</a>.</p>



<p>The Dark Wolf Nebula is known for revealing young, low-mass stars, or T Tauri stars, which are in the early stages of their evolution. These stars are still surrounded by disks of material that may eventually form new planets.</p>



<p>This nebula is typically studied in infrared, which allows scientists to look beyond the obscuring dust to observe the processes of star formation.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Scorpius is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. It resembles a scorpion with a long, curved tail and stinger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Located in the southern sky, Scorpius is especially visible during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The constellation is often associated with the story of Orion in Greek mythology. According to legend, the scorpion was sent by the goddess Artemis to kill Orion, the great hunter, either as punishment for his arrogance or to protect her animals, depending on the version of the tale.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The gods later placed both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/orion-nebula-destroys-an-oceans-worth-of-water-every-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orion</a> and Scorpius in the sky, but in opposite parts of the heavens so they would never be seen together - as Scorpius rises in the east and Orion sets in the west.</p>



<p>Scorpius contains several notable stars and deep-sky objects. Its brightest star, Antares, is a red supergiant often referred to as the "Heart of the Scorpion" due to its reddish hue and central position.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Antares is one of the largest visible stars in the sky and has a luminosity tens of thousands of times greater than that of our Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scorpius is located close to the core of the Milky Way, making it a rich region for star clusters and nebulae. Among these are the Butterfly Cluster and the Ptolemy Cluster, both of which are visible to the naked eye under dark skies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-dark-wolf-nebula">Image of the Dark Wolf Nebula </h2>



<p>“This image shows in spectacular detail how the dark wolf stands out against the glowing star-forming clouds behind it,” noted ESO.</p>



<p>“The colorful clouds are built up mostly of hydrogen gas and glow in reddish tones excited by the intense UV radiation from the newborn stars within them.”</p>



<p>The picture was created from images taken at different times. Each of the images has a filter that makes a different color of light visible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations of the Dark Wolf Nebula provide astronomers with valuable information about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of stars</a> and the environments in which they form.</p>



<p>The image was captured by the VLT Survey Telescope (VST) at ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>:</strong> ESO/VPHAS+ team</p>



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Dark Wolf Nebula in the constellation Scorpius

Today's Image of the Day from the European Southern Observatory...

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features an incredible new image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors. </p>



<p>“The unusual image was produced by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. </p>



<p>Colored in red, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided information about the nebula gathered in the radio regime.</p>



<p>NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope took infrared images, which appear yellow, while the NASA/ESA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-captures-another-cosmic-masterpiece-in-galaxy-ngc-2217/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope provided images made in optical wavelengths, colored in green.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Blue colors represent ultraviolet observations made by ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope, and the purple colors are X-ray radiation data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-crab-nebula-nbsp">About the Crab Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Crab Nebula, located in the constellation Taurus, contains the remnants of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a> first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. This explosion was recorded by Chinese astronomers and possibly by Native American rock art.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nebula spans about 11 light-years across and lies approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied objects</a> in the sky, largely due to its status as a bright and dynamic supernova remnant.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crab-pulsar">The Crab Pulsar</h2>



<p>The Crab Nebula contains a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> that emits pulses of radiation. This pulsar, known as the Crab Pulsar, spins about 30 times per second and is a significant source of gamma rays and other forms of high-energy radiation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nebula itself is a complex structure of filaments and synchrotron radiation. The filaments are remnants of the original star's outer layers, while the synchrotron radiation emerges from electrons spiraling in the magnetic fields produced by the pulsar.</p>



<p>“Surrounding the pulsar lies a mix of material; some of it was originally expelled from the star before it went supernova, and the rest was ejected during the explosion itself,” explained ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Fast-moving winds of particles fly off from the neutron star, energizing the dust and gas around it. These different layers and intricacies of the nebula can be observed in all of the different wavelengths of light.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observation-nbsp">Crab Nebula observation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Throughout its history, the Crab Nebula has provided critical insights into the processes of stellar death, the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, and the mechanics of supernova remnants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its continuous observation has revealed changes over time, such as the expansion of its filaments and variations in its brightness, offering a dynamic laboratory for astrophysical studies.</p>



<p>Overall, the Crab Nebula is a highly energetic and object, providing valuable insights into the processes following a supernova explosion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-nebulae">Fascinating facts about nebulae</h2>



<p>Nebulae are some of the most breathtaking and intriguing structures in the universe. They are vast clouds of gas and dust, often considered stellar nurseries where new stars are born. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-of-nebulae">Colors of nebulae </h3>



<p>One of the most fascinating aspects of nebulae is their ability to glow in different colors. This occurs because they either reflect the light of nearby stars or emit light due to the ionization of gases within them, particularly hydrogen. </p>



<p>Some nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, are visible to the naked eye and serve as one of the nearest regions of active star formation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae">Planetary nebulae </h3>



<p>Stars are born in dense regions of nebulae, and when they die, some will expel their outer layers, creating stunning structures known as planetary nebulae. The colorful clouds left behind can shine brightly for thousands of years. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-size">Massive size</h3>



<p>Another amazing fact is that some nebulae are so vast that light can take years to travel from one side to the other, stretching across hundreds of light-years.</p>



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



<p>Perhaps even more mind-boggling is the fact that nebulae are the remnants of previous generations of stars. Supernova explosions of massive stars can create these glowing clouds of gas and dust, seeding the cosmos with the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, G. Dubner (IAFE, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires) et al.; A. Loll et al.; T. Temim et al.; F. Seward et al.; VLA/NRAO/AUI/NSF; Chandra/CXC; Spitzer/JPL-Caltech; XMM-Newton/ESA; and Hubble/STScI</p>



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Crab Nebula: The remains of a massive star explosion

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features a false-color radar depiction of central Ethiopia.</p>



<p>According to ESA, the photograph is a blend of multiple Sentinel-1 images from spring, summer and autumn 2023, which have been overlaid to create this single image.</p>



<p>“Radar images capture surface texture rather than reflected light so they are naturally black and white but here images from each season have been assigned a different color: red, green and blue respectively,” explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>“When the images are combined, the different colors reveal variations that occurred in the different seasons.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rugged-terrain-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Rugged terrain of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



<p>ESA noted that Ethiopia’s terrain is one of the most rugged in Africa. The landscape is primarily characterized by highlands and plateaus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Ethiopian Highlands, also known as the Roof of Africa, dominate this region and include some of the highest peaks in Africa, such as Ras Dashen. The terrain features steep escarpments, deep valleys, and numerous rivers.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The central part of the country is also home to the Great Rift Valley, which runs through Ethiopia and includes a series of lakes and volcanic mountains. The region's varied topography contributes to its rich biodiversity and distinct climate zones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lakes-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Lakes of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to ESA, water bodies appear dark in this image because flat water surfaces reflect the radar signal away from the satellite. “The various colors visible in some lakes are due either to the changing surface currents and sediments from rivers or to variations in water level.”</p>



<p>Lake Ziway is one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-flamingos-at-risk-due-to-rising-lake-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> in the region. It is located about 160 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lake is known for its rich bird diversity, including large populations of pelicans, cormorants, and herons. Lake Ziway also supports local fishing communities.</p>



<p>Lake Shala is the deepest lake in the Ethiopian Rift Valley and is known for its volcanic origins. It has a maximum depth of 266 meters and is surrounded by hot springs and steep, rocky cliffs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Climate of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Central Ethiopia features a diverse climate, primarily influenced by its elevation and geographical location within the tropics.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-highland-climate">Highland climate</h3>



<p>Much of central Ethiopia consists of highlands, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to over 3,000 meters above sea level. These highlands experience a temperate climate, with cooler <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-in-africa-are-rising-above-levels-that-rhinoceros-can-tolerate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> compared to the lowlands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The average temperatures range from 50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher elevations, such as those found in the Ethiopian Highlands, can experience temperatures that are close to freezing at night.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainy-seasons">Rainy seasons</h3>



<p>Central Ethiopia has two main rainy seasons. The primary rainy season, known as the "Kiremt," occurs from June to September and brings the majority of the annual rainfall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The "Belg," or short rainy season, occurs from March to May. The rainfall during these periods supports agriculture, which is a key part of the region's economy.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-season">Dry season</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-wet-forests-have-seen-an-alarming-rise-in-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dry season</a>, known as the "Bega," spans from October to February.&nbsp;During this time, the region experiences significantly less rainfall, and the weather tends to be sunny and dry. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-of-central-ethiopia-nbsp">Culture of central Ethiopia&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-not-the-only-animals-that-create-their-own-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> of central Ethiopia is a dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. This culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and a profound connection to the region's historical and spiritual roots.</p>



<p>The Amhara people have played a significant role in the cultural and political life of central Ethiopia. The Amhara are known for their rich heritage, which includes the Amharic language, a Semitic tongue that serves as one of the country's official languages.</p>



<p>Orthodox Christianity is a key aspect of central Ethiopian culture, particularly among the Amhara and other highland communities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This part of East Africa is also known for its traditional music and dance, which reflect the region's historical depth and cultural diversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The cuisine of central Ethiopia is another significant cultural aspect, with injera (a spongy flatbread made from teff) being a staple food.&nbsp;Injera is typically served with a variety of stews (wats) and salads.</p>



<p>The communal eating experience, where meals are shared from a single large plate, emphasizes the importance of community and togetherness.</p>



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



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The vibrant seasons of central Ethiopia

<p>NASA’s upcoming SPHEREx mission, set to launch by April 2025, is poised to revolutionize space observation. </p>



<p>Unlike previous space telescopes, SPHEREx will explore the universe in 102 infrared colors, providing unprecedented insights into cosmic origins and the potential presence of water on planets. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-will-unravel-mysteries-of-the-universe-nbsp">Colors will unravel mysteries of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Although invisible to the human eye, this multicolor infrared mapping will shed light on mysteries dating back to the birth of the universe.</p>



<p>“We are the first mission to look at the whole sky in so many colors,” said SPHEREx Principal Investigator Jamie Bock, affiliated with NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> and <a href="https://www.caltech.edu/">Caltech</a>. “Whenever astronomers look at the sky in a new way, we can expect discoveries.”</p>



<p>The heart of SPHEREx’s capability lies in its use of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-secrets-of-water-molecules-discovered-in-the-lab-through-spectroscopy/">spectroscopy</a>. This method separates light into its individual colors, much like a prism breaking sunlight into a rainbow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By observing the infrared light emitted by hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies, scientists can derive critical information about their composition and distance from Earth. This data will be synthesized into an all-sky map, unlike any seen before.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-growth-of-the-early-universe-nbsp">Rapid growth of the early universe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of SPHEREx’s primary objectives is to map the positions of galaxies to study the physics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-could-explain-the-rapid-expansion-of-the-early-universe/">cosmic inflation</a>. Inflation refers to the moment after the Big Bang when the universe expanded exponentially in less than a second.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This expansion left lasting imprints on how matter is distributed across the cosmos today. By examining these patterns, SPHEREx will help scientists better understand the mechanisms behind the early universe’s rapid growth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-light-on-galaxy-evolution">Shedding light on galaxy evolution</h2>



<p>SPHEREx’s survey of the universe will also capture the accumulated light produced by all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/">galaxies</a> throughout time, offering a holistic view of the universe’s light production.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Unlike studies that only observe individual galaxies and extrapolate findings, SPHEREx will track how light production has evolved over billions of years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This means detecting even faint and distant sources that were previously overlooked, such as galaxies too small or distant for other telescopes to identify.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analyzing-light-stretched-across-space">Analyzing light stretched across space</h2>



<p>Light takes time to travel through space, so observing distant galaxies is like looking back in time. </p>



<p>As light journeys across space, it becomes stretched due to the universe’s expansion, changing its wavelength. </p>



<p>By analyzing this stretched light, SPHEREx will determine when it was emitted and what it reveals about the state of the universe during different epochs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-water-and-life-critical-elements">Tracking water and life-critical elements</h2>



<p>A significant mission goal is understanding the distribution of water ice, carbon dioxide, and other essential molecules across the Milky Way. This information will illuminate how these substances contribute to planet formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Research suggests that most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-water-travel-through-our-solar-system/">water</a> in our galaxy is found in icy form on dust grains. These ice-coated particles can be incorporated into newly forming planets, possibly fostering environments capable of supporting oceans like those on Earth.</p>



<p>The unique spectrum of SPHEREx will allow scientists to pinpoint where water and other molecules are most concentrated. The chemical signatures left in the colors of the infrared light tell us exactly what these elements are.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-from-space-telescopes">Observations from space telescopes </h2>



<p>While telescopes such as Hubble and James Webb provide detailed imagery of individual celestial objects, SPHEREx combines wide-ranging sky surveys with detailed spectral data. </p>



<p>This combination offers a comprehensive approach, enabling a more connected understanding of space. </p>



<p>Observations from telescopes designed for specific sky sections, paired with SPHEREx’s full-sky perspective, will deliver a richer and more layered comprehension of cosmic processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformative-discoveries-in-infrared-color">Transformative discoveries in infrared color</h2>



<p>SPHEREx is expected to complement the efforts of prior and existing space observatories, delivering a broader understanding of universal phenomena.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By observing the universe in numerous infrared colors, the mission will add to the groundwork for future explorations and may reveal hidden aspects of cosmic history.</p>



<p>With its innovative approach, SPHEREx is set to answer deep questions about the origins of galaxies, the universe’s rapid inflation, and the formation of life-supporting molecules, opening a new chapter in our understanding of the cosmos.</p>



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NASA telescope will reveal the universe in more than 100 colors

NASA’s upcoming SPHEREx mission, set to launch by April 2025,...

<p>For ages, people have wondered whether sea stars, commonly called starfish, have a head or not. Unlike creatures like worms or fish, where it's clear which end is which, starfish have five identical arms that can all move independently. </p>



<p>This has made it hard to figure out where their front or back might be.</p>



<p>"It's as if the sea star is completely missing a trunk, and is best described as just a head crawling along the seafloor," said Laurent Formery, a postdoctoral scholar and lead author of a new study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starfish-symmetry-is-a-mystery">Starfish symmetry is a mystery</h2>



<p>Formery works in the labs at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> and <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Berkeley</a>, both led by investigators from the Chan Zuckerberg <a href="https://www.czbiohub.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biohub</a> San Francisco. </p>



<p>Their research has found that, contrary to previous beliefs, starfish are now assumed to be "all head" and no traditional body at all.</p>



<p>The researchers discovered that genes associated with head development are active throughout the starfish's entire "body," while genes related to the torso and tail are mostly absent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-look-at-an-old-question">New look at an old question</h2>



<p>Most animals, including humans, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-story-of-early-animal-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have a body plan</a> that's symmetrical on both sides and runs from head to tail. </p>



<p>Scientists have long understood how genes control this body plan in creatures like fruit flies and worms. </p>



<p>But starfish, which belong to a group called echinoderms, have puzzled researchers because of their unique five-point symmetry and lack of an obvious head or tail.</p>



<p>Echinoderms like starfish, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-urchins-have-some-unexpected-predators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea urchins</a>, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-cucumbers-protect-coral-reefs-from-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea cucumbers</a> have always been a bit of a mystery. Their unusual body structure doesn't fit neatly into the typical patterns seen in most animals. </p>



<p>Some scientists thought that perhaps each arm of a starfish was like a separate head-to-tail axis. Others speculated that the axis might run from the top to the bottom of the sea star.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-starfish-heads-with-cutting-edge-genetics">Studying starfish heads with cutting-edge genetics</h2>



<p>To get to the bottom of this, the researchers used advanced genetic sequencing techniques. They partnered with <a href="https://www.pacb.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PacBio</a>, a company that develops genome-sequencing devices. </p>



<p>Using a method called HiFi sequencing, they were able to read long stretches of DNA quickly and accurately. This allowed them to see which genes were active in different parts of the starfish's body.</p>



<p>"The kind of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-ocean-dna-study-uncovers-mysteries-of-marine-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sequencing</a> that would have taken months can now be done in a matter of hours, and it's hundreds of times cheaper than just five years ago," said David Rank, a former PacBio Scientific Fellow and co-senior author of the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-of-starfish-are-only-associated-with-heads">Genes of starfish are only associated with heads</h2>



<p>What they found was unexpected. Genes associated with the front part of the head in other animals were active in the middle of each starfish arm.</p>



<p>As you moved toward the edges of the arms, genes associated with more rear parts of the head became active. There was little to no expression of genes linked to the torso and tail.</p>



<p>"These results suggest that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-eating-sea-cucumbers-can-prevent-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echinoderms</a>, and starfish in particular, have the most dramatic example of decoupling of the head and the trunk regions that we are aware of today," Formery said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-curveball">Evolutionary curveball</h2>



<p>This suggests that starfish might have lost their bodies over evolutionary time, ending up as creatures that are essentially all head. </p>



<p>The team is excited about what this means for understanding evolution. They hope to investigate whether similar patterns are found in other echinoderms like sea urchins and sea cucumbers.</p>



<p>"If we take the opportunity to explore unusual animals that are operating in unusual ways, that means we are broadening our perspective of biology, which is eventually going to help us solve both ecological and biomedical problems," said Daniel Rokhsar of UC Berkeley, an expert on the molecular evolution of animal species.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-unanswered-questions-remain">Many unanswered questions remain</h2>



<p>Formery is also interested in learning more about the starfish's nervous system, which remains a bit of a mystery. </p>



<p>Starfish walk by moving water through thousands of tube feet and digest their prey by extruding their stomachs outside of their bodies. </p>



<p>It only stands to reason that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brittle-stars-have-no-brain-but-still-manage-to-learn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual creatures</a> have also evolved completely unexpected strategies for staying healthy.</p>



<p>"It just opens a ton of new questions that we can now start to explore," Formery added. </p>



<p>Questions like how their unique body plan affects their behavior and interaction with the environment are next on the list.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



<p>Christopher Lowe, a marine and developmental biologist at Stanford University, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts. </p>



<p>"The Biohub's willingness to take risks and provide support for a joint position between our labs has been critical for the success of this project," he said.</p>



<p>The collaboration between institutions and the use of innovative technology have paved the way for this breakthrough. </p>



<p>The researchers utilized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationship-plant-roots-underground-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spatial transcriptomics</a> to pinpoint which genes are active in precise locations within the starfish's body, providing a detailed map of genetic activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-starfish-heads-and-humanity">Starfish, heads, and humanity</h2>



<p>To sum it all up, this study flips our understanding of starfish on its head -- literally. </p>



<p>By revealing that starfish are essentially all head and no body, the researchers have opened up a whole new way of thinking about these fascinating creatures. </p>



<p>"Exploring these unique animals broadens our perspective of biology," Rokhsar concluded.</p>



<p>Their unique genetic makeup challenges what we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal evolution</a> and body structures.</p>



<p>Looking ahead, this discovery unravels some of the mysteries surrounding starfish while setting the stage for exploring other unusual animals.</p>



<p>Studying these amazingly unique creatures might even lead to breakthroughs in medicine and new approaches to fighting diseases. </p>



<p>It's exciting to think about what other secrets the starfish holds and how we're going to figure them out.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06669-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em>.</p>



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Starfish are just "one big head" crawling on the seafloor without an actual body

For ages, people have wondered whether sea stars, commonly called...

<p>Across the natural world, puncture threats are nearly unavoidable. From animal fangs to plant thorns, nature is full of sharp tools capable of breaking through many layers of defense. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, the skin that covers many animals - including pigs and humans - has its unique way of mitigating these potentially harmful occurrences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-reduces-internal-damage">Skin reduces internal damage</h2>



<p>In a recent study, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign discovered that our skin - that thin, stretchy layer wrapping our bodies - is not just an exterior shell.</p>



<p>It plays an active role in lessening the internal damage when punctured, and it does so even better than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-sweaters-use-synthetic-fibers-mimicking-polar-bear-fur/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic materials</a> designed to imitate it. </p>



<p>This attribute largely comes from skin's ability to redistribute the energy from a puncturing object, thereby minimizing harm to the deeper tissues. The team embarked on a journey to decipher the secret of skin's remarkable resilience.</p>



<p>"You’ll find things that puncture across multiple kinds of organisms - vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and fungi - at all scales and different dynamic regimes, so fangs, claws, spines, stingers, and other long, sharp implements," said Professor Philip Anderson, who led the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamics-of-puncture">The dynamics of puncture</h2>



<p>Understanding the dynamics of puncture involves studying a myriad of variables - the speed, shape, and sharpness of the puncturing object, and the properties of the target material.</p>



<p>The team began by observing the basic elements of puncture, using 3D-printed cones of varying shapes and sharpness levels, and silicone gels of different densities. When this groundwork was laid, they advanced their investigation to actual biological materials.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-protects-from-puncture-damage">Skin protects from puncture damage </h2>



<p>With a series of experiments, the team examined the "puncturability" of pork slabs with and without skin and compared these with synthetic imitations. The synthetic analogue was a silicone gel approximating the rigidity of animal blubber and a thinner, higher-rigidity gel representing skin.</p>



<p>"Using a combination of dynamic puncture experiments and theoretical modeling, we examined the puncture resistance of both natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-food-dye-makes-skin-invisible-for-medical-imaging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skin tissues</a> and synthetic bilayer tissue-mimicking materials," noted Bingyang Zhang, postdoctoral researcher at the<a href="https://illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign</a>.</p>



<p>"We found that, despite its thinness, pig skin attached to underlying tissue reduced damage from puncture by about 60% at slower speeds and 73% at higher speeds compared with the same pig tissue without skin."</p>



<p>In contrast, synthetic skin offered less protection, reducing the damage to the underlying gel by less than 40% at slower speeds and less than 30% at higher speeds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-composition-of-skin">Unique composition of skin</h2>



<p>The researchers hypothesize the superior performance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-craft-living-human-skin-on-a-robotic-finger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural skin</a> could be attributed to its structure being primarily composed of collagen fibers. These fibers are interweaved, offering resistance even when some are broken. </p>



<p>Additionally, the breakage of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-does-skin-become-leathery-after-too-much-uv-light-from-sun-exposure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collagen fibers</a> dissipates some of the energy from the puncturing object, thus slowing it down and reducing its capacity to penetrate deeper into the tissue. Synthetic materials lack this crucial trait.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-redistributes-force">Skin redistributes force</h2>



<p>The study showed that our skin is not just our body's wrapping; it's an active shield that remarkably redistributes force and dissipates energy. </p>



<p>"We also learned a great deal about how synthetic materials, while useful in many scenarios, still fall short in replicating these complex biological functions," said Zhang. </p>



<p>This research shines new light on the wonders of nature and the incredible ways our bodies protect us from harm, even in ways we've never realized. </p>



<p>As scientists continue to uncover these mysteries, we can only marvel at the extraordinary complexity and functionality of such seemingly simple things - like the skin we live in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovations-in-flexibility-and-durability">Innovations in flexibility and durability </h2>



<p>The insights from this study have potential applications far beyond understanding natural defenses. </p>



<p>Medical devices, wound dressings, and protective equipment could all benefit from mimicking the puncture-resistant properties of skin. </p>



<p>By incorporating collagen-like fibers or designing materials that can distribute puncture energy, manufacturers may enhance the safety and durability of products like surgical gloves, body armor, or even artificial skin grafts. </p>



<p>This knowledge could ultimately inspire innovations in fields where both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-skin-is-the-perfect-balance-of-flexibility-and-durability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flexibility and durability</a> are essential, bringing human-made materials a step closer to the natural efficiency seen in skin.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2024.0311" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of The Royal Society Interface</a></em>.</p>



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Skin’s secret strength shields against puncture damage

Across the natural world, puncture threats are nearly unavoidable. From...

<p></p>
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<p><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Solar chimney designed to save lives Today&#8217;s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from </span><a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">RMIT University</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> describes new solar chimneys that can cut energy costs in half with an added benefit of fire safety.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the first time a solar chimney has been designed to help prevent the loss of lives in a building fire.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The chimney increases the time that people can safely evacuate a burning building from about two minutes to over 14 minutes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;In an emergency situation where every second counts, giving people more time to escape safely is critical,&#8221; said Dr. Long Shi.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;Our research demonstrates that solar chimneys offer powerful benefits for both people&#8217;s safety and the environment.&#8221;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;Delivering on two important functions could boosts the already strong cost-effectiveness of this sustainable technology.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;We hope our findings will inspire more investment and development of solar chimneys in Australia, and around the world.&#8221;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8212;</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chrissy Sexton</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: RMIT University</span></i></p>