Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. The image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



“A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-hubble-spies-spiral-galaxy-ngc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“As NGC 2566 appears to gaze at us, astronomers gaze right back, using Hubble to survey the galaxy's star clusters and star-forming regions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-appearance-of-ngc-2566">Complex appearance of NGC 2566</h2>



NGC 2566 lies at a considerable distance from Earth, making it a challenging object for amateur astronomers to observe in detail without powerful telescopes.&nbsp;



It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is better observed from locations with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-light-pollution-influences-interest-in-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a>.&nbsp;



The galaxy's arms are populated with young, bright stars, regions of active star formation, and interstellar gas and dust - giving it a dynamic and complex appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ages-of-stars">Measuring the ages of stars</h2>



According to NASA, data from Hubble is especially valuable for studying stars that are just a few million years old. “These stars are bright at the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”



“Using these data, researchers can measure the ages of NGC 2566's stars, which helps piece together the timeline of the galaxy's star formation and the exchange of gas between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.”



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



Star formation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> is a fascinating and complex process that unfolds over millions of years. It begins in vast clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, which are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies or in regions of irregular or starburst galaxies.&nbsp;



These clouds provide the raw material for star formation, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements.



As the molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity, regions within them begin to condense and fragment, forming dense clumps. Within these clumps, protostars emerge. Their formation is driven by the gravitational pull drawing in surrounding gas.&nbsp;



During this process, the gas heats up due to increasing pressure, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in the core, signaling the birth of a new star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-star-formation-nbsp-across-galaxies">Rate of star formation&nbsp;across galaxies</h2>



The rate of star formation varies across galaxies is influenced by numerous factors. In spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, star formation is most active in the spiral arms, where density waves compress gas and dust, triggering the collapse of molecular clouds.&nbsp;



Elliptical galaxies, which often have little cold gas and dust, typically exhibit low rates of star formation or none at all.



Starburst galaxies, on the other hand, experience episodes of exceptionally high star formation, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-galaxy-collision-with-a-radiant-smile/">galactic collisions</a> or interactions. 



These events can funnel large amounts of gas into central regions, leading to intense star-forming activity. However, such bursts are usually short-lived on cosmic timescales, exhausting the available gas quickly.



The environment within a galaxy also plays a significant role. Stellar winds and supernova explosions from existing stars can both inhibit and promote star formation. They may disperse gas, preventing further collapse, or compress nearby clouds, triggering new star formation.&nbsp;



Over time, as galaxies evolve, the availability of gas diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in star formation activity.



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



The Puppis constellation in the southern sky represents the stern of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis, which depicted the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts.&nbsp;



However, Argo Navis was later divided into three separate constellations: Puppis, Carina (the keel), and Vela (the sails). Puppis is the largest of these three and contains many notable celestial objects.



This constellation is home to several bright stars, including Naos (Zeta Puppis), a hot, massive star that emits intense ultraviolet radiation. Puppis also hosts a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and nebulae.&nbsp;



Among these, Messier 46 and Messier 47 stand out. Both are beautiful star clusters that are visible through binoculars or small telescopes. The region is dense with stars because it lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, making it a prime area for stargazing and astrophotography. 



Image Credit: NASA



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A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



“This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“UGC 5460 has hosted two recent supernovae named SN 2011ht and SN 2015as. It’s because of these two stellar explosions that Hubble targeted this galaxy, collecting data for three observing programmes that aim to study various kinds of supernovae.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-core-collapse-supernova-nbsp">A core-collapse supernova&nbsp;</h2>



SN 2015as is an example of a core-collapse supernova. This type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> occurs when the core of a massive star - typically with more than 8 times the mass of the sun - can no longer support its own gravity after exhausting its nuclear fuel. 



This causes the core to collapse under its own weight, leading to an extremely violent explosion. The collapse triggers the release of an enormous amount of energy, expelling the outer layers of the star into space.



In the aftermath of the explosion, a dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnant</a> is created. This is often a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass of the original star. Core-collapse supernovae are some of the most powerful events in the universe.



According to ESA, Hubble observations of SN 2015as will help researchers understand what happens when the expanding shockwave of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> collides with the gas that surrounds the exploded star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-stars-with-large-eruptions-nbsp">Rare stars with large eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



“SN 2011ht might have been a core-collapse supernova as well, but it could also be an impostor called a luminous blue variable. Luminous blue variables are rare stars that experience eruptions so large that they can mimic supernovae,” noted ESA.



“Crucially, luminous blue variables emerge from these eruptions unscathed, while stars that go supernova do not. Hubble will search for a stellar survivor at SN 2011ht’s location, and the explosion’s identity may be revealed at last.”



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



Spiral galaxies are some of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the universe. They are known for their distinctive arms that spiral outward from a central bulge.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The arms are often sites of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, where clouds of gas collapse to form new stars. 



In the center of a spiral galaxy lies a dense concentration of older stars and, often, a supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-a-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Structure of a spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The structure of a spiral galaxy is generally divided into three main components: the disk, the bulge, and the halo.&nbsp;



The disk is where the spiral arms are located and contains most of the galaxy's visible stars and interstellar medium.&nbsp;



The bulge is a tightly packed region of older stars at the core, and the halo consists of a sparse collection of stars and globular clusters that surround the galaxy.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies can be classified into different types based on the tightness and number of their spiral arms, as well as the size of their central bulge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-galaxy">The Milky Way galaxy</h2>



Our solar system is located within a large spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. The name refers to its appearance as a dim, milky band of light stretching across the night sky.&nbsp;



The term "Milky Way" comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated the goddess Hera's milk spilling into the sky. In Greek, it was called "Galaxias Kyklos," meaning "milky circle."&nbsp;



Spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter, the Milky Way is composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The galaxy has a distinct disk shape with spiral arms that wind outward from a central bulge, which houses a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. 



Our sun is located in one of the spiral arms - known as the Orion Arm - positioned roughly halfway from the center to the outer edge.&nbsp;



The Milky Way is part of a small group of galaxies called the Local Group, which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several smaller galaxies.



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Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features an incredible image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors.&nbsp;



“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>.&nbsp;



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



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;



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.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-crab-nebula">What is the Crab Nebula? </h2>



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;



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;



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



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;



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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;



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.



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



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



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. 



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



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. 



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.



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



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. 



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



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.



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



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.



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



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Crab Nebula: The remains of a massive star explosion

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of Northern Afghanistan. 



The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-fayzabad-nbsp">Climate of Fayzabad&nbsp;</h2>



The climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental, according to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the picturesque landscape.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fayzabad-culture">Fayzabad culture</h2>



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-afghanistan">Northern Afghanistan </h2>



Northern Afghanistan is known for its diverse landscape, featuring fertile plains, rugged mountains, and strategic rivers such as the Amu Darya. 



Historically, northern Afghanistan has been an important cultural and trade center. The city of Balkh, often referred to as "the mother of cities," is a hub of early civilization and a major stop on the Silk Road.



Northern Afghanistan has experienced periods of relative stability compared to the rest of the country, though it has also seen conflict - particularly during the Soviet invasion, the civil war of the 1990s, and the more recent Taliban resurgence.



The region's economy traditionally revolves around agriculture. Wheat, cotton, and fruits are key crops. In addition, there are vast mineral resources, although instability has hindered their full exploitation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-northern-afghanistan">Wildlife of Northern Afghanistan </h2>



In mountainous regions of Northern Afghanistan, such as the Hindu Kush, you can find species like the elusive snow leopard, which is well-adapted to the rugged terrain. 



Other mountain-dwelling animals include the Asiatic black bear and the Siberian ibex, both of which thrive in the high-altitude environments.



The plains and valleys are home to various species of antelope, such as the goitered gazelle, as well as foxes, wolves, and smaller mammals like hares. 



Birdlife is also abundant, with species ranging from eagles and vultures in the mountains to waterfowl along rivers and wetlands. The region’s rivers and lakes, though under environmental pressure, support fish species and amphibians.



However, many of these species are under threat. Decades of war and instability have impacted conservation efforts, with illegal hunting and habitat destruction taking a toll on populations. 



Some areas, such as the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast, remain relatively untouched and serve as crucial refuges for wildlife where rare species like the Marco Polo sheep still roam. These havens are increasingly important for conservation efforts in the region.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

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>



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



“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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Secrets of a spiraling galactic powerhouse

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has taken direct images of multiple gas giants in the HR 8799 system. This young planetary system, located 130 light-years away, has been a focal point for planet formation studies.



The observations indicate that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-3d-view-of-an-exoplanet-atmosphere-reveals-chaotic-alien-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> in HR 8799 are rich in carbon dioxide. This suggests they formed in a similar way to Jupiter and Saturn. 



Scientists believe they slowly built solid cores that attracted surrounding gas by means of gravitational force, a process called core accretion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atmospheres-of-gas-giants">Atmospheres of gas giants</h2>



<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a>'s ability to analyze exoplanet atmospheres using spectroscopy has further confirmed these observations. 



The Telescope's spectroscopic instruments help to identify atmospheric components in great detail.



This means that scientists can now infer the chemical makeup of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-super-earth-hd-20794-found-just-20-light-years-away-is-best-target-yet-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant worlds</a> using imaging.



“By spotting these strong carbon dioxide features, we have shown there is a sizable fraction of heavier elements, like carbon, oxygen, and iron, in these planets’ atmospheres,” said William Balmer, of <a href="https://www.jhu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> in Baltimore. 



“Given what we know about the star they orbit, that likely indicates they formed via core accretion, which is an exciting conclusion for planets that we can directly see.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gas-giants-in-hr-8799">Gas giants in HR 8799</h2>



HR 8799 is about 30 million years old - extremely young compared to our solar system’s 4.6 billion years. Its planets still radiate heat from their formation, emitting strong infrared signals. 



These signals allow researchers to gather important data on how such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-sized-exoplanet-orbiting-ultracool-dwarf-star-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a> form.



Gas giants can emerge in two main ways. One involves forming a solid core that then gathers surrounding gas, similar to the way in which Jupiter and Saturn are thought to have formed.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HR-8799-system_carbon-dioxide_analysis-graphic_nasa_webb_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HR-8799-system_carbon-dioxide_analysis-graphic_nasa_webb_1s.webp" alt="This graph shows a spectrum of one of the planets in the HR 8799 system, HR 8799 e. Spectral fingerprints of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide appear in data collected by Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera). Credit: NASA" class="wp-image-1962889"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This graph shows a spectrum of one of the planets in the HR 8799 system, HR 8799 e. Spectral fingerprints of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide appear in data collected by Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera). Credit: NASA</figcaption></figure>



The other occurs when gas particles rapidly collapse into a massive object from a young star’s cooling disk. Understanding which process is more common helps scientists differentiate planetary systems.



“Our hope, with this kind of research, is to understand our own solar system, life, and ourselves in the comparison to other exoplanetary systems, so we can contextualize our existence,” Balmer explained.



“We want to take pictures of other solar systems and see how they’re similar or different when compared to ours. From there, we can try to get a sense of how weird our solar system really is - or how normal.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cutting-edge-imaging-technology">Cutting-edge imaging technology</h2>



Out of nearly 6,000 known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-kmt-2020-blg-0414-reveals-fate-of-earth-eight-billion-years-from-now/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>, very few have been imaged directly.



This is because even large planets appear thousands of times fainter than their host stars. Webb’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nircam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRCam</a> (Near-Infrared Camera) coronagraph made these new images possible by blocking starlight to the reveal hidden worlds.



This technology helped researchers detect infrared signals from HR 8799’s planets at wavelengths absorbed by specific gases. 



Their findings show that these planets contain more heavy elements than previously thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hr-8799-plants-and-brown-dwarfs">HR 8799 plants and brown dwarfs</h2>



Scientists are now working to determine whether objects seen around distant stars are true gas giants or whether they are brown dwarfs. Brown dwarfs form like stars but lack the mass needed for nuclear fusion to occur.



“We have other lines of evidence that hint at these four HR 8799 planets forming using this bottom-up approach,” said Laurent Pueyo, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute (<a href="https://www.stsci.edu/">STScI</a>) in Baltimore, who co-led the research.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HR-8799-system_carbon-dioxide_first-direct-image_nasa_webb_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HR-8799-system_carbon-dioxide_first-direct-image_nasa_webb_1s.webp" alt="NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided the clearest look in the infrared yet at the iconic multi-planet system HR 8799. The closest planet to the star, HR 8799 e, orbits 1.5 billion miles from its star, which in our solar system would be located between the orbit of Saturn and Neptune. The furthest, HR 8799 b, orbits around 6.3 billion miles from the star, more than twice Neptune’s orbital distance. In this image, the color blue is assigned to 4.1 micron light, green to 4.3 micron light, and red to the 4.6 micron light. Credit: NASA/Webb" class="wp-image-1962891"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided the clearest look in the infrared yet at the iconic multi-planet system HR 8799. The closest planet to the star, HR 8799 e, orbits 1.5 billion miles from its star, which in our solar system would be located between the orbit of Saturn and Neptune. The furthest, HR 8799 b, orbits around 6.3 billion miles from the star, more than twice Neptune’s orbital distance. In this image, the color blue is assigned to 4.1 micron light, green to 4.3 micron light, and red to the 4.6 micron light. Credit: NASA/Webb</figcaption></figure>



“How common is this for planets we can directly image? We don't know yet, but we're proposing more Webb observations to answer that question.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hard-work-pays-off">Hard work pays off</h2>



“We knew Webb could measure colors of the outer planets in directly imaged systems,” added Rémi Soummer, director of STScI’s <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/stsci-research/research-topics-and-programs/russell-b-makidon-optics-laboratory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Russell B. Makidon Optics Lab</a> and former lead for Webb coronagraph operations.



“We have been waiting for 10 years to confirm that our finely tuned operations of the telescope would also allow us to access the inner planets. Now the results are in and we can do interesting science with it.”



Webb’s NIRCam observations of HR 8799 and another system, 51 Eridani, were conducted under NASA’s <a href="https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/691/JWSTSSS/index.html#:~:text=Guaranteed%20Time%20Observation%20Programs%20for,plan%20the%20observatory's%20scientific%20mission." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guaranteed Time Observations programs</a>.



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



The James Webb Space Telescope is the world’s leading space science observatory and is operated as an international collaboration between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>), and the <a href="https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Space Agency</a>.



It will continue to uncover the mysteries of our solar system and study gas giants and other distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-hd110067-discovered-that-moves-in-perfect-mathematical-harmony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a>. 



By looking deeper into the cosmos, the JWST helps scientists understand the origins of the universe and humanity’s place in it.



Information in this article comes from a NASA <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasas-webb-images-young-giant-exoplanets-detects-carbon-dioxide/#:~:text=NASA's%20James%20Webb%20Space%20Telescope%20has%20captured%20direct%20images%20of,target%20for%20planet%20formation%20studies.">press release</a>.



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First direct image of CO2 outside our solar system captured by Webb

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has taken direct images...

The Earth is exposed to restless forces that are never still or settled. Over thousands of years, it has shifted, cracked, and reformed itself in ways both violent and gradual. 



Ice has come and gone, swallowing landscapes and then revealing them again. And through it all, the sea has kept its own record - rising, falling, shaping coastlines, and erasing entire worlds.



Today, as melting ice sheets push <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-of-2024-triggered-a-surge-in-sea-level-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean levels</a> higher, scientists are looking back to a time when the planet last emerged from an ice age and experienced changes in sea level.



A recent study published in the journal Nature provides a rare and detailed look at how sea levels rose during the early Holocene epoch, about 11,700 years ago.



​Led by researchers from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.deltares.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deltares</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uu.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utrecht University</a>, and the&nbsp;Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (<a href="https://www.nioz.nl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIOZ</a>), the study reveals the staggering speed at which ice sheets once melted, and offers unsettling parallels to our modern climate crisis.​



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-was-swallowed-by-sea-level-rise">Land was swallowed by sea-level rise</h2>



There was a time when the North Sea was not a sea at all. It was a vast, habitable land, home to rivers, forests, and early human settlements. 



That land, Doggerland, now rests beneath the ocean, a drowned world preserved in layers of sediment. Scientists have long known that rising waters consumed it, but exactly how fast and how much the sea rose remained uncertain - until now.



By analyzing layers of ancient peat and borehole samples from the seabed, researchers reconstructed sea-level changes with remarkable precision. Their findings show that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a> did not rise steadily. Instead, there were sudden surges - two in particular - that transformed the landscape in dramatic ways.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-planet-in-flux">A planet in flux</h2>



The end of the last ice age triggered a global transformation. As temperatures increased, glaciers that had once towered over North America and Europe began to shrink. Some of this meltwater trickled into the oceans slowly, but at times, vast quantities were released all at once.



This study identified two major pulses of rapid sea-level rise, one around 10,300 years ago and another at 8,300 years ago. During these peak periods, waters rose at rates exceeding one meter per century, which is comparable to the worst-case projections for the future.



One of the reasons for the rapid rise was a catastrophic drainage event from Lake Agassiz–Ojibway, an immense glacial lake in North America. When its ice dams collapsed, an enormous surge of freshwater spilled into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-hidden-ice-dynamics-will-redefine-sea-level-projections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>, contributing to one of the most rapid rises in recorded history. 



These events reshaped coastlines, submerged settlements, and forced human populations to adapt or move.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-ancient-sea-level-rise">Mapping ancient sea-level rise </h2>



Reconstructing ancient sea levels is no small feat. The research team compiled 88 sea-level data points from the North Sea and removed the effects of glacial isostatic adjustment - the slow rebounding of land after the weight of ice sheets disappears. 



The result, a much clearer picture was obtained of how much water was added to the oceans and how quickly this happened.



Earlier estimates of sea-level rise between 11,000 and 3,000 years ago have ranged from 32 to 55 meters (105 and 180 feet). The current study refined these previous estimates, narrowing down the total rise to approximately 38 meters. This updated figure provides crucial insight into how Earth's climate system responds to rapid warming.



Another key finding involved the role of thermosteric effects - the expansion of seawater as it warms. While not the dominant factor, this process still contributed to the overall rise, adding yet another layer to the complex relationship between temperature and sea level.



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



In just a few thousand years, Doggerland went from a thriving environment to an underwater relic. The forests disappeared. The rivers merged with the sea. Entire communities were destroyed or displaced.



The lesson from this is that the Earth doesn’t wait. It doesn’t pause for human civilization to catch up. When the conditions are right, changes happen fast.



The peak rates of early Holocene sea-level rise reached nearly 9 mm (0.35 inches) per year - a number that is concerning to anyone following modern <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-coastal-cities-around-the-world-could-disappear-under-rising-seas-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate projections</a>. The ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica are already melting rapidly.



The oceans are rising. And the conditions that led to rapid change in the past are aligning once again.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-warning-from-the-past">A warning from the past</h2>



Marc Hijma, a geologist at Deltares and the lead author of the study, spoke to the broader significance of these findings. 



"With this groundbreaking research, we have taken an important step towards a better understanding of sea level rise after the last ice age," said Hijma.



"By drawing on detailed data for the North Sea region, we can now better unravel the complex interaction between ice sheets, climate, and sea level. This provides insights for both scientists and policymakers, so that we can prepare better for the impacts of current climate change, for example by focusing on climate adaptation."



The implications are massive. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (<a href="https://www.ipcc.ch" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IPCC</a>) warns that, if current trends persist, sea levels could rise by several meters by 2300. Some projections suggest an increase of more than a meter per century - on par with what the ancient world experienced after the last ice age.



The big difference now is that today’s coastlines are home to cities, industries, and billions of people. The stakes are infinitely higher.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-from-the-water-s-edge">Learning from the water’s edge</h2>



Modern satellites can track sea-level rise with incredible accuracy. Yet, even with all our technology, there is no substitute for the deep records stored in the Earth itself.



The seabed holds a memory that no human archive can match - a history of climate, ice, and water that stretches back through time.



The data from Doggerland is more than just numbers and graphs. It’s a message from a world that no longer exists. It tells us what happens when ice melts too fast, when seas rise unchecked, and when the planet reshapes itself with little regard for what stands in the way.



This research is not just about the past - it’s a glimpse into our future. What happened once can happen again. The only difference is whether we choose to listen.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08769-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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How much did sea levels rise after the last ice age? Alarming new clues revealed

The Earth is exposed to restless forces that are never...

Brown,And,White,Sugar

Sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners show up in many diets and "low-calorie" products, promoted as a way to help people enjoy sweet flavors without the usual calories.



Some folks pick them to help manage weight goals or reduce daily sugar intake. Others look for sugar-free snacks to limit changes in blood glucose.



Their popularity reflects a common desire to avoid sugar-related pitfalls. Yet concerns continue to surface about how these substances may affect overall health. 



Senior and corresponding author Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., from Cleveland Clinic’s <a href="https://www.lerner.ccf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lerner Research Institute</a>, addresses these questions through new findings on certain sugar substitutes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-substitutes-the-basics">Sugar substitutes - the basics</h2>



There are many forms of "sugar substitutes," also known as artificial sweeteners. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mice-fed-artificial-sweetener-exhibit-alarming-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aspartame</a>, sucralose, saccharin, and sugar alcohols such as erythritol and xylitol are available in various items labeled “diet” or “low-calorie.” 



They offer sweetness in small amounts because many are far sweeter than table sugar. Saccharin, for example, is typically hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, so only a tiny dose is required.



They also appeal to those trying to manage their weight. Some people believe replacing sugar with these products helps them avoid extra calories. 



Others rely on them to reduce sudden spikes in blood sugar, which can be appealing to individuals with conditions like diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-divide-in-the-scientific-community">Divide in the scientific community</h2>



Several regulatory agencies consider many of these sugar substitutes acceptable at certain daily intake levels. Some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-baby-food-isnt-nutritious-despite-what-the-label-says/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutritional guidelines</a> encourage their use when people need to cut back on simple carbohydrates. 



“Many professional societies and clinicians routinely recommend that people at high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-cannabis-users-face-higher-heart-attack-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular risk</a> - those with obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome - consume foods that contain sugar substitutes rather than sugar,” Dr. Hazen explained.



“These findings highlight the importance of further long-term clinical studies to assess the cardiovascular safety of erythritol and other sugar substitutes.”



Though these products are labeled “<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Generally Recognized as Safe</a>,” the way individuals actually consume them raises questions that may not have been fully covered in past research. 



Some experts would like to see broader and longer studies on potential effects beyond weight management.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sugar-substitute-called-erythritol">Sugar substitute called Erythritol</h2>



Over time, scientists wondered if all sugar substitutes behave the same way in the body. A Cleveland Clinic team looked at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythritol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erythritol</a>, a sugar alcohol found in sugarless items such as gum and certain snack products. 



During an intervention study with healthy volunteers, they noticed a pattern that prompted follow-up.



“This research raises some concerns that a standard serving of an erythritol-sweetened food or beverage may acutely stimulate a direct clot-forming effect,” said study co-author W. H. Wilson Tang, M.D., research director for Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation Medicine at <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Clinic</a>. 



“Erythritol and other sugar alcohols commonly used as sugar substitutes should be evaluated for potential long-term health effects, especially when such effects are not seen with glucose itself.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-xylitol-also-has-issues">Xylitol also has issues</h2>



Those same scientists saw that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/holiday-dangers-keeping-your-pets-safe-on-easter-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">xylitol</a>, another sugar alcohol, displayed similar behavior in the bloodstream. 



Individuals with higher xylitol levels appeared to have an increased likelihood of experiencing serious cardiac-related events over the following few years. 



Since these trends emerged in people already facing cardiovascular issues, the question has become whether these substances could pose added risks.



Some products are marketed as keto-friendly, which has further boosted the reputation of sugar alcohols for those on very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/low-carb-diets-have-more-nutritional-value-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">low-carb diets</a>. 



While xylitol and erythritol fit the profile for reduced-calorie sweetening, this latest work suggests that they merit deeper research to see how they interact with blood and overall heart function in various groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-sweetness-and-safety">Balancing sweetness and safety</h2>



In light of the new data, there are suggestions for caution, particularly if a person has conditions linked to thrombosis or other cardiac complications. 



“I feel that choosing sugar-sweetened treats occasionally and in small amounts would be preferable to consuming drinks and foods sweetened with these sugar alcohols, especially for people at elevated risk of thrombosis, such as those with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugary-drinks-linked-to-millions-of-diabetes-and-heart-disease-cases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome,” Dr. Hazen advises. 



“Cardiovascular disease builds over time, and heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. We need to make sure the foods we eat aren’t hidden contributors.”



Manufacturers often include sugar substitutes in a range of drinks and snacks. Some individuals like them simply because they believe they promote better control of caloric intake. 



Yet researchers suggest that people who already have heart-related issues or metabolic conditions pay special attention to how often they rely on these sweeteners.



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



One reason experts remain cautious is the fact that sweetener consumption can vary widely from person to person. Some drink several diet beverages a day or frequently snack on sugar-free treats. 



Guidelines about upper intake levels were developed when long-term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-coffee-drinkers-have-a-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular outcomes</a> were less clear. 



Now, these studies may prompt new evaluations of how all sugar alcohols behave in those at high risk for blood clots.



Whether someone chooses sugar alternatives for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weight-loss-drugs-could-save-an-enormous-number-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weight management</a> or portion control, these details introduce fresh reasons to check in with a healthcare provider. 



An individual plan that considers medical history and personal risk factors can be valuable when figuring out how often to use products sweetened with substances like erythritol or xylitol.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-next-for-sugar-substitutes">What's next for sugar substitutes</h2>



Opinions differ about whether these sugar substitutes fully serve their intended purpose. Some see them as helpful for limiting sugar. 



Others consider them a source of unintended problems when used regularly, especially in people with a history of heart disease or metabolic disorders. 



As new information continues to emerge, discussions may lead to fresh guidelines or label requirements that highlight potential cardiovascular considerations.



For now, moderate consumption and a balanced diet remain popular approaches. Artificial sweeteners may fit into certain meal plans, but the recent research from Cleveland Clinic invites extra thought about possible drawbacks. 



Reading labels and talking with trusted healthcare professionals can help people figure out the best mix of sweet options in daily life. 



That awareness may allow many to avoid unwelcome surprises while still keeping their favorite flavors on the menu.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.321019" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology</a>.



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Artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes directly linked to heart attacks and strokes

Sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners show up in many diets...

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This video shows a great example of Sentinel monitoring Arctic sea-ice and iceberg mapping with the Danish Meteorological Institute in Copenhagen.
&#8212;
<a href="http://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Space Agency</a>

Sentinel-1B tracks sea ice

News coming your way