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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy NGC 5643, which is located roughly 40 million light-years away in the constellation Lupus.&nbsp;



NGC 5643 belongs to the Hubble classification SBc, indicating that it is a barred spiral galaxy with loosely wound arms.&nbsp;



Its orientation, nearly face-on to Earth, provides astronomers with an exceptional view of its detailed spiral structure and central bar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-5643-a-grand-design-spiral-nbsp">NGC 5643: A grand design spiral&nbsp;</h2>



“NGC 5643 is what’s known as a grand design spiral, referring to how the galaxy’s two large, winding spiral arms are clear to see,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images">ESA</a>. “The spiral arms are defined by bright blue stars, lacy reddish-brown dust clouds and pink star-forming regions.”



“As fascinating as the galaxy appears at visible wavelengths, some of NGC 5643’s most interesting features are invisible to the human eye.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-activity-in-ngc-5643">Intense activity in NGC 5643</h2>



This galaxy is notable for its Seyfert 2 nucleus, a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). The intense activity in its core is powered by a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/">black hole</a> that accretes surrounding material, emitting energy across a wide range of wavelengths.&nbsp;



“When a supermassive black hole ensnares gas from its surroundings, the gas collects in a disc that heats up to hundreds of thousands of degrees. The superheated gas shines brightly across the electromagnetic spectrum, but especially at X-ray wavelengths,” said ESA.



Observations have revealed jets and outflows of material emanating from the nucleus, likely driven by the black hole’s activity.&nbsp;



NGC 5643’s AGN has been studied extensively for its role in galactic evolution, particularly in how its energetic processes interact with the galaxy’s interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-ngc-5643-x-1">The mystery of NGC 5643 X-1</h2>



However, ESA pointed out that NGC 5643’s active galactic nucleus isn’t the brightest source of X-rays in the galaxy.&nbsp;



“Researchers using ESA’s XMM-Newton discovered an even brighter X-ray-emitting object, called NGC 5643 X-1, on the galaxy’s outskirts. What could be a more powerful source of X-rays than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/">supermassive black hole</a>?”&nbsp;



“Surprisingly, the answer appears to be a much smaller black hole! While the exact identity of NGC 5643 X-1 is not yet known, evidence points to a black hole that is about 30 times more massive than the Sun.”&nbsp;



“Locked in an orbital dance with a companion star, the black hole ensnares gas from its stellar companion, creating a superheated disc that outshines the galactic center,” said ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-5643">Star formation in NGC 5643</h2>



NGC 5643 also exhibits prominent regions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">star formation</a> within its spiral arms. These areas are rich in gas and dust - the raw materials for birthing new stars - and glow brightly in ultraviolet and infrared light.&nbsp;



Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have helped uncover the complex interplay between star formation and the galaxy's central activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-ionized-gas-regions-nbsp">Extended ionized gas regions&nbsp;</h2>



A defining feature of NGC 5643 is the presence of its extended ionized gas regions, which are shaped by the galaxy's AGN activity and star-forming regions.&nbsp;



These structures have been mapped through optical spectroscopy, revealing intricate patterns that help astronomers understand the physical conditions of the gas, such as density, temperature, and composition.



The galaxy also has a dust lane that crosses its nucleus, partially obscuring direct observations of the central region in visible light.&nbsp;



Overall, NGC 5643 offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of barred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/">spiral galaxies</a> with active nuclei, serving as a valuable resource for studying the interactions between supermassive black holes, star formation, and galactic evolution.



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



Lupus is a constellation located in the southern sky, its name meaning "wolf" in Latin. It has been known since antiquity and was cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy.&nbsp;



Once part of the larger constellation Centaurus, Lupus was later recognized as a distinct constellation. It is relatively faint but holds historical significance in mythology, often associated with a sacrificial wolf in ancient stories.



Lupus is bordered by other constellations like Scorpius, Centaurus, and Libra. Its stars do not form a particularly striking pattern, but it contains a variety of interesting astronomical features. Among them are numerous double stars, globular clusters, and other deep-sky objects, visible through telescopes.&nbsp;



For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, Lupus is best seen in the winter and spring months, while it appears closer to the horizon for those in northern latitudes.



This constellation also lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/">Milky Way</a>, offering a rich field of stars and nebulae for stargazers. Despite its modest brightness, Lupus holds a special place in the science of astronomy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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NGC 5643: Secrets of a spiraling galactic powerhouse

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of Mount Nemrut, a volcano located in eastern Turkey near Lake Van.



Mount Nemrut is notable for its immense caldera, which was formed through a series of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a>. The caldera, one of the largest in the world, now contains several lakes such as Lake Nemrut.&nbsp;



"The eastern half of the caldera is partially filled by solidified lava flows from past eruptions. Snow cover present at the time of this photo accentuates pressure ridges that formed as the lava was flowing and cooling," noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"These pressure ridges vary in size, thickness, and orientation due to the varying viscosity and flow direction of the lavas during eruptions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-lake-nemrut">Formation of Lake Nemrut</h2>



"Lake Nemrut (Nemrut Gölü) occupies the western half of the caldera, creating a rough crescent shape that partially submerges the old lava flows," said NASA.



"This freshwater lake, reaching up to 176 meters deep, is accompanied by a smaller lake at the upper-center of the caldera."



The lake was formed after the collapse of the Nemrut volcano's summit. This collapse created a massive crater, which gradually filled with water over time, forming 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">lake</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unesco-world-heritage-site">UNESCO World Heritage Site </h2>



Mount Nemrut and its surroundings are part of a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their ecological and geological significance.



The site is home to diverse wildlife, including various bird species that use the lake as a stopover during migration. The caldera also contains smaller lakes and wetlands, adding to the area's biodiversity.



Lake Nemrut is a popular destination for tourists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the volcanic landscape.



Despite its popularity, the lake remains relatively remote and unspoiled, contributing to its appeal as a natural wonder.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mount-nemrut-has-shaped-the-landscape">Mount Nemrut has shaped the landscape</h2>



Geologically, Mount Nemrut is interesting because its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruptions</a> have played a key role in shaping the local landscape. 



Its last major eruption occurred around 1441 AD, which indicates that it's not currently active but is considered dormant.



The area around Nemrut is known for its geothermal activity, including hot springs and fumaroles, suggesting that there is still significant heat beneath the surface.



Over thousands of years, various civilizations have inhabited the region around Nemrut, leaving behind a wealth of archaeological sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tribute-to-a-king">Tribute to a king</h2>



The summit of Mount Nemrut is dominated by a vast funerary mound constructed by King Antiochus I Theos, who ruled the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st century BCE. 



The site was intended to serve as his tomb sanctuary and a place to commemorate the king's vision of divine kingship and unity between Eastern and Western cultures.



The mound, made of loose crushed stones, measures about 50 meters (164 feet) in height and spans a diameter of 150 meters (492 feet), creating an imposing feature visible from afar.



Surrounding the mound are terraces on the eastern, western, and northern sides, each adorned with colossal statues and reliefs. The statues, ranging in height from 8 to 10 meters (26 to 33 feet), represent various deities, including Zeus, Apollo, Hercules, and the goddess Tyche, alongside King Antiochus himself. 



The heads of the statues, many of which have toppled over due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-map-shows-75-percent-of-the-u-s-at-risk-of-damaging-earthquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earthquakes</a> and erosion, lie scattered around the site, creating an iconic and enigmatic scene.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiritual-and-religious-practices">Spiritual and religious practices</h2>



In addition to the statues, inscriptions at Mount Nemrut provide valuable historical information about the kingdom, the king's lineage, and the religious practices of the time.



The site is not only a marvel of ancient engineering but also a spiritual and astronomical center. Scholars believe the terraces were aligned with celestial events, serving as an observatory for solstices and equinoxes.



In addition to its natural and historical significance, the Nemrut volcano has been the subject of scientific study, as researchers aim to understand more about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in the region, the history of its eruptions, and the potential risks it may pose in the future.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Mount Nemrut: Ancient mysteries and natural marvels 

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



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.&nbsp;



“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>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-dark-nebulae">Observing dark nebulae </h2>



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;



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;



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



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.



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



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



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;



Inside of dark nebulae, the conditions are prime for star formation. The dense gas and dust clump together under gravitational forces. As these 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>.



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.



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



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



Located in the southern sky, Scorpius is especially visible during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere and during the winter months in the Southern Hemisphere. 



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;



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.



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. 



Antares is one of the largest visible stars in the sky and has a luminosity that is tens of thousands of times greater than that of our Sun. 



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.



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



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



“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.”



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;



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.



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



Image Credit: ESO/VPHAS+ team



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Dark Wolf Nebula in the constellation Scorpius

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.



Astronomers captured this image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).



The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view, but also deep insights into the life cycle of <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> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula - a term which refers to its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. 



However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.&nbsp;



Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. 



This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It includes a central ring, giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. 



This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;



Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. 



The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures. This heat is estimated to be 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun.&nbsp;



This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-glow-of-messier-76">Powerful glow of Messier 76</h2>



The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;



The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes.&nbsp;



The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. 



The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale. It is expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.&nbsp;



This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.



The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.



Studying Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. 



The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.



Image Credit: ESA Space Agency&nbsp;



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Secrets of the Little Dumbbell Nebula  

A recent discovery has drawn attention to a deposit containing about 1,000 metric tons (1,100 US tons) of high-quality gold ore. If ultimately proven true, this massive find would make it the largest gold deposit on Earth.



The news has turned heads around the world, considering that such a find could influence global markets, local economies, and long-term mining strategies.



The deposit sits in a region known for mineral wealth but has now proven to be far richer than anyone had previously guessed. 



In early examinations, it appears to meet the criteria of what experts call a "supergiant" deposit, a term used when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-role-of-seawater-in-gold-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold resources</a> measure up not in millions, but potentially billions of ounces, surpassing even well-known reserves around the world. 



Bureau prospector Chen Rulin at the <a href="http://www.enghunan.gov.cn/hneng/Government/ASocialO/GovernmentDepartments/201308/t20130805_1801515.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geological Bureau of Hunan Province</a> has been closely involved in examining the site.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-a-gold-deposit-supergiant">What makes a gold deposit "supergiant"</h2>



Not all gold deposits earn the title supergiant. Deposits of that magnitude represent natural collections of gold that formed under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fools-gold-may-be-a-valuable-source-of-lithium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">special conditions</a>. 



Such conditions can lead to concentrations exceeding those in typical mines, which usually hold far fewer ounces.



China’s newly identified reservoir is valued at up to approximately 600 billion yuan, or US$83 billion. 



Comparisons are already being drawn to other well-known sites, surpassing even the 900 metric tons believed to lie within <a href="https://www.goldfields-southdeep.co.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Africa’s South Deep mine</a>, a deposit long celebrated for its riches.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-network-of-hidden-veins">Network of hidden veins</h2>



The Geological Bureau of Hunan Province has confirmed the detection of 40 gold veins stretched within a depth of about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) below the surface. 



Each of these veins is like a thin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golds-glow-luminescence-caused-quantum-realm-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thread of treasure</a> winding through layers of ancient rock. These 40 gold veins at the Wangu gold field were previously thought to contain around 300 metric tons of gold. 



Three-dimensional modeling suggests there may be even more hidden further below, at a depth of about 3 kilometers, hinting at a possibility that the newfound riches extend beyond initial surveys. 



Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold, says bureau prospector Chen Rulin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quality-and-richness-of-the-ore">Quality and richness of the ore</h2>



Every metric ton of ore dug up from this area might contain as much as 138 grams (nearly 5 ounces) of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healing-chronic-wounds-with-gold-and-red-wine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a>. 



Experts consider ore from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/illegal-gold-mining-dumps-mercury-in-the-peruvian-rainforest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underground mines</a> high grade if it contains more than 8 grams, so this is a serious cut above the usual finds.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/supergiant-gold-deposit_drilled-rock-samples_Wangu-gold-field_Pingjiang-County_Xinhua_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/supergiant-gold-deposit_drilled-rock-samples_Wangu-gold-field_Pingjiang-County_Xinhua_1s.webp" alt="This photo taken in November 2024 shows drilled rock samples from the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County, central China's Hunan Province. Credit: (Xinhua/Su Xiaozhou)" class="wp-image-1953686"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This photo taken in November 2024 shows drilled rock samples from the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County, central China's Hunan Province. Credit: (Xinhua/Su Xiaozhou)</figcaption></figure>



China has already claimed a major place in the gold market, maintaining reserves exceeding 2,000 tons earlier in 2024. 



Its miners are no strangers to success, contributing about 10 percent of global output. News of this discovery has further driven an uptick in gold prices, adding to rising demand worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold-deposits-are-harder-to-find">Gold deposits are harder to find</h2>



Gold is a finite resource, meaning there’s only a certain amount of it on Earth.



So far, humans have mined about 53,000 metric tons of gold throughout history, and experts believe there could be another 50,000 metric tons hidden underground waiting to be found. 



However, these new deposits are often harder to reach and more expensive to extract compared to older, more accessible mines. 



Plus, environmental regulations and the push for more sustainable practices make <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-investing-in-asteroid-mining-make-you-a-billionaire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mining new gold</a> more challenging. 



As a result, the future of gold mining not only depends on discovering new sources but also on improving mining technology and increasing recycling efforts to keep up with demand.



Some researchers think humanity might be nearing the point where there are fewer big finds to make, while others remain unconvinced that the end is in sight. 



No one is certain how many more major discoveries like this are waiting beneath Earth’s crust. Peak gold is a matter of debate, and this new discovery will likely fuel that conversation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-does-gold-come-from">Where does gold come from?</h2>



Buried seams of crystallized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-diamond-dust-reverse-global-warming-and-cool-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">silicon dioxide</a>, better known as quartz, seem to encourage this precious metal to precipitate out and settle. 



While this theory is widely accepted, it doesn't fully explain the formation of large gold nuggets, especially considering that the concentration of gold in these fluids is extremely low, says Chris Voisey, a geologist at <a href="https://www.monash.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/supergiant-gold-deposit_technicians-examine_Wangu-gold-field_Pingjiang-County_Xinhua_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/supergiant-gold-deposit_technicians-examine_Wangu-gold-field_Pingjiang-County_Xinhua_1s.webp" alt="Technicians of Hunan Province Geological Disaster Survey and Monitoring Institute check rock samples at the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County, central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Su Xiaozhou)" class="wp-image-1953688"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Technicians of Hunan Province Geological Disaster Survey and Monitoring Institute check rock samples at the Wangu gold field in Pingjiang County, central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Su Xiaozhou)</figcaption></figure>



These Australian scientists offered a new perspective on gold formation. They reported that seismic activity linked to earthquakes may help gather gold into concentrated areas. 



Though the fundamentals of how gold appears in the Earth’s crust have long been taught in textbooks, ongoing work by groups like Australia's Monash University, the <a href="https://www.csiro.au/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CSIRO</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ansto.gov.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation</a> has questioned traditional assumptions. 



By peering closer at how gold settles into veins, these researchers challenge old beliefs and encourage fresh lines of inquiry into the link between gold and earthquakes in their study published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01514-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-angles-on-gold-deposit-formation">Fresh angles on gold deposit formation</h2>



Mining involves more than simply unearthing what nature buried millions of years ago. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44160-024-00518-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A study published in April 2024</a> described the creation of a two-dimensional gold form called goldene, a layer just one atom thick. 



This unique material behaves differently from the regular three-dimensional variety and may hint at unconventional applications for gold in the future.



"If you make a material extremely thin, something extraordinary happens – as with&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphene">graphene</a>,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1041079">explains materials scientist Shun Kashiwaya</a>&nbsp;of Linköping University in Sweden.



"The same thing happens with gold. As you know, gold is usually a metal, but if single-atom-layer thick, the gold can become a semiconductor instead."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-gold-rush">Beginning of the end of the gold rush</h2>



Earth’s supply of gold has never been endless. It takes immense spans of time for these deposits to arise from geological events that remain only partly understood. 



Yet the signs at the Hunan site indicate that what looks like a limit might be more flexible than once assumed. 



Core samples taken around the periphery of the discovery hint that the reservoir stretches even further than initial predictions, which would mean they are sitting on top of the biggest gold deposit ever found on Earth. Stay tuned...only time will tell.



The initial report was published by the <a href="https://english.news.cn/20241121/cc54468169bb4c8c9db21c08885dc2a5/c.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese State Media</a>.



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'Supergiant' gold deposit find claims to be the world’s largest discovery ever

A recent discovery has drawn attention to a deposit containing...

Astronomers have utilized NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to delve deeper than ever into the enigmatic surroundings of quasar 3C 273.&nbsp;The study has uncovered new features that bring the experts closer to understanding the processes powering these celestial beacons.&nbsp;



Quasars, short for "quasi-stellar objects," are some of the most luminous and energetic phenomena in the universe. 



They are powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of distant galaxies, where matter spirals inward, forming an accretion disk that releases immense amounts of energy as it heats up.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weird-things-in-the-quasar-s-environment">Weird things in the quasar’s environment </h2>



The latest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-spots-a-mysterious-explosion-lfbot-in-a-place-it-should-not-have-happened/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> observations provide unprecedented detail about the quasar’s environment, including what researcher Bin Ren from the Côte d'Azur Observatory describes as “weird things.”&nbsp;



The team observed various peculiar structures within 16,000 light-years of the central black hole, including blobs of differing sizes and a mysterious L-shaped filament.&nbsp;



These features may include satellite galaxies that could feed material into the black hole, further fueling the quasar’s immense energy output.



“Thanks to Hubble's observing power, we're opening a new gateway into understanding quasars,” Ren said. “My colleagues are excited because they've never seen this much detail before.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasar-3c-273-a-celestial-powerhouse">Quasar 3C 273: A celestial powerhouse</h2>



Quasar 3C 273 is not only one of the closest quasars to Earth but also the first to be identified. It was discovered in 1963 by astronomer Maarten Schmidt.&nbsp;



Located 2.5 billion light-years away, quasar 3C 273 emits energy exceeding that of the brightest elliptical galaxies by a factor of ten. If it were much closer to Earth - within a few tens of light-years - it would shine as brightly as the Sun.



The term quasi-stellar object reflects the quasar’s starlike appearance in the night sky. However, as Schmidt noted, its extreme luminosity could only be explained by the accretion of material onto a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a>, marking the discovery of a new class of cosmic phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-hubble-s-advanced-instruments">Insights from Hubble’s advanced instruments</h2>



In 1994, Hubble's sharp imaging revealed that quasars’ host environments are far more complex than initially assumed. Earlier observations hinted at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collision-2-million-mph-stephans-quintet-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic collisions</a> and mergers funneling debris toward supermassive black holes, effectively reigniting quasars.



Now, with its Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), Hubble has pushed these insights further by employing a coronagraph, which blocks the intense light from the quasar’s core.&nbsp;



This approach allowed researchers to focus on fine details of the quasar’s host galaxy, unveiling dusty disks and intricate galactic interactions.



The coronagraph enabled astronomers to examine regions eight times closer to the black hole than ever before. For context, observing the quasar's core is likened to trying to spot an ant on a car's headlight while staring directly into the glare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quasar-host-morphology">Understanding quasar host morphology</h2>



The STIS instrument also provided remarkable observations of the quasar’s 300,000-light-year-long extragalactic jet. This enormous stream of material is traveling at nearly the speed of light.&nbsp;



By comparing new data with archival images from 22 years ago, the researchers discovered that the jet accelerates as it moves farther from the black hole.



“With the fine spatial structures and jet motion, Hubble bridged a gap between the small-scale radio interferometry and large-scale optical imaging observations, and thus we can take an observational step towards a more complete understanding of quasar host morphology,” Ren explained.&nbsp;



“In the future, looking further at 3C 273 in infrared light with the James Webb Space Telescope might give us more clues.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tools-for-astronomical-research">Tools for astronomical research </h2>



Quasar 3C 273 is just one of over one million quasars that are distributed throughout the vast expanse of the universe. These remarkable objects serve as invaluable tools for astronomical research.



Quasars peaked in abundance roughly three billion years after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origins-of-matter-discovered-by-recreating-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, during a time when galactic collisions were far more frequent. These collisions provided the necessary conditions for their formation.



Hubble's cutting-edge observations of 3C 273 not only deepen our understanding of quasars but also set the stage for future studies. 



As researchers continue to unlock the secrets of these cosmic lighthouses, they shed light on the intricate processes driving the evolution of galaxies across the cosmos.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, Bin Ren (Université Côte d’Azur/CNRS)



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Hubble took the closest-ever image of a quasar, and captured some 'weird things'

Astronomers have utilized NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to delve deeper...

Close,Up,Of,Colorful,Atomic,Particle,Background,Science,3d,Illustration

For the first time, researchers have observed a type of quasiparticle that behaves in an unusual way. In one direction, it acts like it has no mass, zipping around as if it were made of pure energy. 



But turning another way, it carries mass, slowing down and resisting motion. 



This mysterious entity, called a semi-Dirac fermion, had appeared in theory about 16 years ago but had never been seen inside a real material.



After careful experiments, a team made up of scientists from <a href="https://www.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a> and <a href="https://www.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Columbia University</a> recently announced its discovery in the journal Physical Review X.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-outcomes-in-a-crystal">Unexpected outcomes in a crystal</h2>



The strange quasiparticle was spotted within a crystal known as ZrSiS, which is a type of semi-metal. The team had not set out searching for semi-Dirac <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-photons-fascinating-behavior-in-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fermions</a> but instead stumbled upon them. 



“This was totally unexpected,” exclaimed lead author on the paper is Yinming Shao, assistant professor at Penn State University. 



“We weren’t even looking for a semi-Dirac fermion when we started working with this material, but we were seeing signatures we didn’t understand -- and it turns out we had made the first observation of these wild quasiparticles that sometimes move like they have mass and sometimes move like they have none," Shao explained.



These findings highlight how some materials harbor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/like-charged-particles-attract-each-other-defying-coulombs-laws-of-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual particle behavior</a> that does not match everyday expectations. 



Inside solid substances, many particles can clump together to form emergent behavior. It was within these interactions that the researchers identified the odd switch between massless and massive motion. 



The discovery follows predictions made in 2008 and 2009, when theoretical physicists outlined the possibility of particles that behave differently depending on their direction of travel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasiparticles-from-theory-to-reality">Quasiparticles: From theory to reality</h2>



Sixteen years after those predictions, the team caught the semi-Dirac fermion through magneto-optical spectroscopy. 



They shone infrared light on the crystal while applying a powerful magnetic field and then examined the reflected light to uncover the quasiparticle’s properties. 



“We were studying optical response, how electrons inside this material <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-electrons-move-1-quintillionth-of-second-attoseconds-attomicroscopy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">respond to light</a>, and then we studied the signals from the light to see if there is anything interesting about the material itself, about its underlying physics,” Shao noted. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_credit_PSU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_credit_PSU_1s.webp" alt="The quasiparticle, called a semi-Dirac fermion, was first theorized 16 years ago, but was only recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called ZrSiS. The observation of the quasiparticle opens the door to future advances in a range of emerging technologies from batteries to sensors, according to researchers who made the discovery. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State" class="wp-image-1953113"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The quasiparticle, called a semi-Dirac fermion, was first theorized 16 years ago, but was only recently spotted inside a crystal of semi-metal material called ZrSiS. The observation of the quasiparticle opens the door to future advances in a range of emerging technologies from batteries to sensors, according to researchers who made the discovery. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State</figcaption></figure>



“In this case, we saw many features we’d expect in a semi-metal crystal and then all of these other things happening that were absolutely puzzling.”



Running the experiment in the <a href="https://nationalmaglab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National High Magnetic Field Laboratory</a> in Florida made it possible to tap into one of the strongest sustained magnetic fields on Earth. 



The team exposed their sample of ZrSiS to a field around 900,000 times stronger than the Earth’s own. 



They also chilled the material down to around -452 degrees Fahrenheit, which helped reduce unwanted motion of particles and revealed the subtle patterns of energy levels inside the crystal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massless-along-just-one-path">Massless along just one path</h2>



Quasiparticles that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massless-dirac-electrons-seen-moving-in-four-dimensions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have no mass</a> move at the speed of light. A photon, for instance, is massless and sprints along at light speed. 



Under certain conditions, a particle’s behavior can shift, so its effective mass emerges only along certain directions within the structure of a crystal. 



Inside ZrSiS, these shifting conditions became clear through direct observation of energy levels known as Landau levels. 



The researchers found that instead of following the standard pattern expected from massive particles, these levels showed a relationship known as the B^(2/3) power law, considered a signature of semi-Dirac fermions.



Electrons trapped in the crystal’s structure move along certain pathways. When the magnetic field forces their energy states into Landau levels, the spacing between these steps would normally depend on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/edge-state-atoms-how-electrons-find-their-groove-in-frictionless-flow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electron mass</a>. 



Instead, something entirely different took place. The observed shifts matched the earlier theoretical predictions for semi-Dirac fermions rather than the standard pattern seen in conventional materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasiparticles-changing-directions-and-identity">Quasiparticles changing directions and identity</h2>



It is as if these tiny entities shed their mass when moving in one direction, only to pick it up again when forced along another route. That directional change disrupts the normal flow of energy and produces distinctive signals. 



“Imagine the particle is a tiny train confined to a network of tracks, which are the material’s underlying electronic structure," Shao implored.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_summary-figure_credit_PSU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/quasiparticle_semi-Dirac-fermion_mass-one-direction_summary-figure_credit_PSU_1s.webp" alt="An illustration of the calculated structure of ZrSiS near the crossing points of its structure, showing a semi-Dirac point as a black sphere on the left. Data points as purple dots support the existence of semi-Dirac fermions in ZrSiS material with the characteristic B2/3 power-law behavior on the right. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State" class="wp-image-1953116"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An illustration of the calculated structure of ZrSiS near the crossing points of its structure, showing a semi-Dirac point as a black sphere on the left. Data points as purple dots support the existence of semi-Dirac fermions in ZrSiS material with the characteristic B2/3 power-law behavior on the right. Credit: Yinming Shao/Penn State</figcaption></figure>



"Now, at certain points the tracks intersect, so our particle train is moving along its fast track, at light speed, but then it hits an intersection and needs to switch to a perpendicular track. Suddenly, it experiences resistance, it has mass. The particles are either all energy or have mass depending on the direction of their movement along the material’s ‘tracks.’”



The structure of ZrSiS creates these intersections. Instead of particles freely moving in all directions, they are guided by the arrangement of atoms. At certain crossing points, the character of the quasiparticle changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



ZrSiS is made up of layers that resemble other well-known materials such as graphite. Researchers can isolate very thin sheets that show off <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-tunneling-allow-particles-break-light-speed-barrier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unusual properties</a>. 



“It is a layered material, which means once we can figure out how to have a single layer cut of this compound, we can harness the power of semi-Dirac fermions, control its properties with the same precision as graphene,” Shao said. 



“But the most thrilling part of this experiment is that the data cannot be fully explained yet. There are many unsolved mysteries in what we observed, so that is what we are working to understand.”



Such layered materials have drawn interest for a broad range of uses. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nanotech-material-graphene-passes-human-safety-tests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Graphene</a> has been studied for cutting-edge energy storage, advanced electronics, and sensitive detectors. 



ZrSiS, now known to host semi-Dirac fermions, could follow a similar path toward future devices. 



With careful efforts, it might become a valuable piece of future sensors, energy devices, or other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emerging technologies</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-direction-for-quantum-research">New direction for quantum research</h2>



The existence of these quasiparticles sparks new questions. The semi-Dirac fermion represents a new twist on what seemed like established physics. 



While the basic idea of mass and massless particles is well-understood, this finding adds a fresh layer of complexity that challenges standard thinking. 



Although researchers made an important observation, they acknowledge that there are still puzzles that must be addressed. New theoretical models might help pin down exactly why these quasiparticles behave as they do.



With these experimental results now on record, Shao and his collaborators are eager to learn more. Each piece of data adds to the understanding of how electrons interact, how they pick up or lose mass, and what this means for future materials research. 



The first direct observation of semi-Dirac fermions marks an intriguing moment. There may be more oddities yet to find, and those answers will require further studies, but the door is now open.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.14.041057" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review X</a>.



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"Quasiparticle" that only has mass moving in one direction is seen for the first time

For the first time, researchers have observed a type of...

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Today&#8217;s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> tells the story of Landsat 9, which will continue a legacy of monitoring Earth from space that spans nearly 50 years.
At least one Landsat satellite has been orbiting Earth since 1972. By collecting data on the planet&#8217;s forests, farms, urban areas, and freshwater, the mission has compiled the longest continuous observational record of its kind. 
Scientists all over the world use Landsat data to improve agricultural practices, allocate scarce water resources, respond to natural disasters, and to gain a better understanding of climate change.
The Landsat 9 mission, which is scheduled to launch in mid-2021, will continue to monitor key natural and economic resources. 
Video Credit: NASA Goddard 
&#8211;&#8212;
By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Landsat legacy continues