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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope</p>



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA</p>



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the aftermath of devastating floods in the Valencia region of Eastern Spain.&nbsp;</p>



<p>On October 29, 2024, torrential rainfall unleashed nearly a year’s worth of precipitation in just eight hours, leading to catastrophic flash floods that affected a vast area from Málaga to Valencia. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flash-floods-in-valencia">Flash floods in Valencia </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flash-floods-are-set-to-become-much-more-common-in-the-u-s/">Floodwaters</a> submerged entire neighborhoods and agricultural lands. Many roads and infrastructure were overwhelmed almost instantly, stranding vehicles and prompting widespread evacuations. Water levels rose faster than emergency services could respond.</p>



<p>One resident of Paiporta, near Valencia, told the BBC that when the water started to rise it was "like a tsunami wave."</p>



<p>“In a matter of minutes, flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain swept away everything in their path. With no time to react, people were trapped in vehicles, homes and businesses,” reported the Associated Press.</p>



<p>More than 200 people were killed and thousands of people were rescued. According to SOS Desaparecidos, as many as 1,300 people remained unaccounted for on Friday, three days after the floods.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnitude-of-the-tragedy-nbsp">Magnitude of the tragedy&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ángel Víctor Torres, the Minister for Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, said: “The fact that we can’t give a number of the missing persons indicates the magnitude of the tragedy.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some areas, including the Spanish town of Alfafar, are completely cut off from communication.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Juan Ramón Adsuara, the mayor of Alfafar, said the aid isn't nearly enough for residents trapped in an "extreme situation."</p>



<p>"There are people living with corpses at home. It's very sad. We are organizing ourselves, but we are running out of everything," Adsuara told reporters. "We go with vans to Valencia, we buy and we come back, but here we are totally forgotten."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-government-warning-was-not-issued-in-time">Government warning was not issued in time</h2>



<p>On Tuesday morning, Spain's meteorological agency Aemet warned that torrential rains were forecast for the region of Valencia, before issuing a&nbsp; "maximum red alert.”</p>



<p>Carlos Mazon, Valencia’s regional president, said the government sent out an SMS alert reserved for the “worst possible scenario.” But according to a report from CNN, that alert was sent hours too late.</p>



<p>“By 5 p.m., Valencia’s emergency services were swamped by hundreds of pleas for help throughout the region,” wrote Atika Shubert, a CNN Senior International Correspondent.</p>



<p>“It was at 8 p.m. that cell phones finally buzzed with the public alert telling residents to stay indoors. Much too little, much too late, even for those downstream of the raging water who might otherwise have had time to prepare.”</p>



<p>The BBC also noted that many people have questioned the timing of the government's warning, which arrived more than 12 hours after Aemet issued its first red alert.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-in-a-warming-climate">Extreme weather in a warming climate</h2>



<p>The deadly floods in Valencia were primarily caused by an extreme weather event that brought record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-events-are-interconnected-around-the-globe/">rainfall</a>. The intense downpour was fueled by unusually warm Mediterranean Sea temperatures, which increased moisture in the atmosphere and intensified the rainfall.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Climate experts link this phenomenon to climate change, as warmer seas lead to more frequent, severe storms. The combination of heavy rain and the region's limited drainage capacity led to flash flooding, overwhelming local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-floods-its-not-just-about-rainfall/">infrastructure</a>.</p>



<p>Rising ocean temperatures are largely driven by increased greenhouse gases that trap more heat in the atmosphere. Oceans absorb about 90% of this excess heat, leading to warmer waters, especially near the surface.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This warming disrupts marine ecosystems, contributing to coral bleaching and altering habitats for species like fish and marine mammals.</p>



<p>With the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/">climate crisis</a> intensifying, experts warn that warmer ocean temperatures will heighten the risk of rapid, destructive rainfall events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-second-deadliest-flood-in-europe-this-century-nbsp">Second-deadliest flood in Europe this century&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the disaster was the second-deadliest flood in Europe this century and that Spain was carrying out its largest deployment of army and security force personnel in peacetime. The country was sending 5,000 soldiers and 5,000 police officers to the eastern region of Valencia on Saturday.</p>



<p>Four days after the devastating floods, rescuers are still searching for bodies. Thousands of volunteers are helping to clean up the thick mud that covers streets, homes, and businesses in the hardest-hit towns.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Prime Minister Sanchez responded to people who expressed they feel abandoned with no help or communication in the days following the tragic flooding.</p>



<p>“I am aware the response is not enough, there are problems and severe shortages… towns buried by mud, desperate people searching for their relatives.”</p>



<p>"For those who at this moment are still looking for their loved ones, the whole of Spain weeps with you."</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/">ESA</a>, the Copernicus Emergency Rapid Mapping Service has been activated to provide satellite imagery that can support rescue and recovery efforts.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>:</strong> USGS, processed by ESA&nbsp;</p>



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Valencia floods: A tragedy fueled by extreme weather

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

<p>Recent research led by the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa challenges the commonly held belief that coral reefs face inevitable decline.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Led by the Toonen-Bowen “ToBo” Lab at <a href="https://www.himb.hawaii.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HIMB</a> with collaboration from the <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>, the study shows that coral reefs have the potential to adapt and survive in changing climates if carbon emissions are reduced and local stressors are managed effectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-innovative-experimental-design">Innovative experimental design</h2>



<p>Researchers constructed 40 experimental “mesocosms” in a laboratory near the coral reefs, replicating the conditions and biodiversity found in nature. </p>



<p>The mesocosms included eight common Hawaiian coral species along with reef sand, rubble, and various organisms that create a mini-ecosystem reflective of wild reefs.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For two years, these mesocosms were subjected to controlled levels of higher temperatures, increased acidity, or a combination of both to simulate potential future climate conditions.</p>



<p>“We included the eight most common coral species in Hawai‘i, which constitute about 95% of the coral cover on Hawaiian reefs,” explained lead author Christopher Jury, a postdoctoral fellow at HIMB.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“By understanding how these species respond to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-study-provides-answers-to-how-coral-reefs-can-survive-climate-change/">climate change</a>, we should have a better understanding of how Hawaiian reefs and other Indo-Pacific reefs will change over time, and how to better allocate resources as well as plan for the future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-process-of-coral-calcification">The process of coral calcification</h2>



<p>Coral reefs form over time through calcification, where individual coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate to create limestone structures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, various organisms naturally erode these reefs. If reef erosion surpasses calcification, coral structures and the vast array of species that depend on them may vanish.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ToBo Lab closely monitored how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-reefs-could-vanish-if-temperatures-continue-to-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> and acidity affected calcification and reef health in the mesocosms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-results-challenge-projections">Surprising results challenge projections</h2>



<p>Contrary to widespread projections, the experimental reef communities did not <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-save-coral-reefs-with-selective-breeding/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">collapse</a> but persisted and adapted. </p>



<p>“These experimental reef communities persisted as new reef communities rather than collapsing,” Jury said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This was a very surprising result, since almost all projections of reef futures suggest that the corals should have almost entirely died, the reef communities should have experienced net carbonate dissolution, and reef biodiversity should have collapsed.”</p>



<p>This result suggests that under controlled, realistic conditions that account for diverse reef organisms - including microbes, algae, invertebrates, and fish - reefs demonstrate resilience.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Rather than focusing on just one or two species in isolation, we included the entire complement of reef species from microbes, to algae, invertebrates, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-coral-reef-fish-survive-in-the-worlds-warmest-waters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fish</a>, under realistic conditions they would experience in nature,” noted co-senior author Rob Toonen, the co-director of the UH Marine Biology Graduate Program. </p>



<p>This comprehensive approach is a key differentiator that sets the ToBo Lab’s study apart from traditional, more limited research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-coral-conservation">Implications for coral conservation</h2>



<p>The findings offer a renewed sense of hope for coral conservation strategies. Coral reefs, known for their rich biodiversity, support millions of people globally, providing resources and livelihoods. However, they are vulnerable to the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-corals-can-survive-high-ocean-heat-which-could-save-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean warming</a> and acidification due to climate change. </p>



<p>“Reefs are not inevitably doomed. The recognition that coral reefs are not doomed if we take appropriate action on climate change and local stressors reinforces the need to accomplish these goals,” Jury said.</p>



<p>The study highlights that, while reefs will undergo significant changes under future ocean conditions, a total collapse can be avoided if global warming is kept within the Paris Climate Agreement targets and local environmental pressures are managed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-coral-reef-research-nbsp">Future of coral reef research&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Rob Toonen and his colleagues are optimistic about the future of coral reef research and conservation, advocating for proactive and science-based measures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These more realistic mesocosm experiments help us to understand how coral reefs will change over time,” Toonen said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study also sets a precedent for future research aimed at developing effective strategies to preserve coral reef ecosystems amidst a changing climate.</p>



<p>This breakthrough suggests that with urgent climate action and localized efforts, coral reefs can remain resilient.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research underscores the critical importance of climate change mitigation and localized protective measures, showcasing that nature's resilience can be leveraged if humanity rises to the challenge.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2407112121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a>. </p>



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Coral reefs may be more resilient than we thought

Recent research led by the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology...

<p>A new study suggests that extreme temperatures could lead to a mass extinction event -- the first since the dinosaurs died out -- that would ultimately end the reign of humans and mammals on Earth.</p>



<p>Dr. Alexander Farnsworth, a Senior Research Associate at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, led the research that paints a grim picture of our planet's distant future.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangea-ultima-future-supercontinent">Pangea Ultima -- future supercontinent</h2>



<p>Scientists believe that Earth's continents are slowly drifting and will eventually come together to form a single massive landmass, called Pangea Ultima. </p>



<p>This supercontinent would drastically change the planet's climate. </p>



<p>The study, published in <em>Nature Geoscience</em>, uses supercomputer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate models</a> to show how this new configuration could create an environment that's too hot and dry for most life forms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triple-threat-to-life-on-earth">Triple threat to life on Earth</h2>



<p>So, what's causing this extreme heat that results in the extinction of humans? </p>



<p>"The newly-emerged <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supercontinent</a> would effectively create a triple whammy, comprising the continentality effect, hotter sun and more CO₂ in the atmosphere, of increasing heat for much of the planet," Dr. Farnsworth explained.</p>



<p>First, the formation of the supercontinent would mean more land area far from the cooling effects of the ocean -- a phenomenon known as the continentality effect. </p>



<p>Second, over millions of years, the sun will become brighter, emitting more energy and warming the Earth. </p>



<p>Third, increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> due to tectonic movements would release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trapping more heat.</p>



<p>"Widespread temperatures of between 40 to 50° Celsius (104 to 122° Fahrenheit), and even greater daily extremes, compounded by high levels of humidity would ultimately seal our fate," Dr. Farnsworth added.</p>



<p>"Humans -- along with many other species -- would expire due to their inability to shed this heat through sweat, cooling their bodies."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammals-heat-limitations">Mammals' heat limitations</h2>



<p>Mammals have always been adaptable, surviving various <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate extremes</a> throughout history. We've evolved features like fur to keep warm and the ability to hibernate during cold spells. </p>



<p>However, our upper temperature tolerance hasn't changed much. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat is much harder for mammals to handle.</p>



<p>The study suggests that only about 8% to 16% of the land on the new supercontinent would be habitable for mammals. </p>



<p>With most of the planet facing extreme heat and dryness, finding food and water would become nearly impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-current-climate-action-and-extinction-of-humans">Current climate action and extinction of humans</h2>



<p>While this scenario is millions of years away, the researchers stress that we shouldn't lose sight of the current climate crisis. </p>



<p>"It is vitally important not to lose sight of our current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-crisis-global-supply-chains-face-25-trillion-in-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Crisis</a>, which is a result of human emissions of greenhouse gases," urged Co-author Dr. Eunice Lo, Research Fellow in Climate Change and Health at the University of Bristol. </p>



<p>"While we are predicting an uninhabitable planet in 250 million years, today we are already experiencing extreme heat that is detrimental to human health. This is why it is crucial to reach net-zero emissions as soon as possible."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-co₂-levels-and-tectonic-shifts">CO₂ levels and tectonic shifts</h2>



<p>To estimate future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide levels</a>, the team used models of tectonic plate movement and ocean chemistry. </p>



<p>They predict that CO₂ levels could rise from around 400 parts per million today to more than 600 ppm in the future. </p>



<p>"We think CO₂ could rise from around 400 parts per million (ppm) today to more than 600 ppm many millions of years in the future," noted Professor Benjamin Mills at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_humans-mammals-extinct_illustration_UBristol_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Pangea-Ultima_supercontinent_humans-mammals-extinct_illustration_UBristol_1s.webp" alt="The image shows the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Credit: University of Bristol" class="wp-image-1949412"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The image shows the geography of today’s Earth and the projected geography of Earth in 250 million years, when all the continents converge into one supercontinent (Pangea Ultima). Credit: University of Bristol</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Of course, this assumes that humans will stop burning fossil fuels, otherwise we will see those numbers much, much sooner."</p>



<p>"The outlook in the distant future appears very bleak. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/virus-lifespan-and-transmission-boosted-by-high-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carbon dioxide levels</a> could be double current levels," Dr. Farnsworth added.</p>



<p>"With the sun also anticipated to emit about 2.5% more radiation and the supercontinent being located primarily in the hot, humid tropics, much of the planet could be facing temperatures of between 40 to 70°C (104 to 158°F)."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-beyond-earth">Implications beyond Earth</h2>



<p>This research doesn't just tell us about Earth's future; it also has implications for the search for life on other planets. </p>



<p>"This work also highlights that a world within the so-called '<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitable zone</a>' of a solar system may not be the most hospitable for humans depending on whether the continents are dispersed, as we have today, or in one large supercontinent," Dr. Farnsworth concluded.</p>



<p>Understanding how continental layouts affect climate can help scientists assess the habitability of exoplanets -- planets outside our solar system. Could other worlds be facing similar challenges?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-past-mass-extinctions">Past mass extinctions</h2>



<p>The Earth’s geological and climatic history is punctuated by several mass extinction events, moments in time when the planet experienced abrupt shifts, leading to the substantial loss of its biodiversity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ordovician-silurian-extinction-around-443-million-years-ago">Ordovician-Silurian Extinction (Around 443 million years ago)</h3>



<p>In this first notable mass extinction, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice ages</a> predominated and caused substantial marine life loss, wiping out nearly 85% of sea life. </p>



<p>Changing sea levels and temperatures reduced habitat range and induced environmental stress, directly affecting marine biodiversity. </p>



<p>This extinction primarily decimated marine species, since life on land was scarce during this period.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-late-devonian-extinction-around-360-million-years-ago">Late Devonian Extinction (Around 360 million years ago)</h3>



<p>The Late Devonian extinction left a significant impact, with a 75% <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sounding-the-alarm-half-of-earths-species-are-experiencing-rapid-population-decline/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reduction in species</a>. This extinction event extensively affected marine life, particularly reef-building organisms and fish. </p>



<p>Volcanic activity and asteroid impacts are considered primary culprits, disrupting ecosystems and altering atmospheric conditions, leading to extensive marine anoxia.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-permian-triassic-extinction-around-252-million-years-ago">Permian-Triassic Extinction (Around 252 million years ago)</h3>



<p>Often referred to as “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saber-toothed-predator-was-king-prior-to-the-great-dying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Great Dying</a>,” this cataclysm annihilated around 96% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species. </p>



<p>Massive volcanic eruptions in what is now Siberia released colossal amounts of lava, triggering severe climate change, acid rain, and ocean acidification. </p>



<p>These environmental alterations devastated global ecosystems, transforming life on Earth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triassic-jurassic-extinction-around-200-million-years-ago">Triassic-Jurassic Extinction (Around 200 million years ago)</h3>



<p>This event marked the end of the Triassic and the rise of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-extinction-may-hold-clues-about-our-oceans-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jurassic period</a>, with around 50% of species perishing. </p>



<p>Large-scale volcanic activities and resultant climate changes are believed to be the driving forces, facilitating the dominance of dinosaurs by clearing ecological niches and allowing for adaptive radiations of various species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cretaceous-paleogene-extinction-around-66-million-years-ago">Cretaceous-Paleogene Extinction (Around 66 million years ago)</h3>



<p>This well-known mass extinction event resulted from a colossal asteroid impact, creating the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-chicxulub-disaster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicxulub crater</a> in present-day Mexico and obliterating approximately 75% of all species, including the non-avian dinosaurs. </p>



<p>The impact caused wildfires, tsunamis, and released substantial quantities of sulphur, leading to a “nuclear winter” effect, causing extreme and sudden climate shifts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-climate-supercontinents-and-extinction">Humans, climate, supercontinents, and extinction</h2>



<p>Wrapping it all up, this study from the University of Bristol shows that Earth's future could get so hot that most mammals, including humans, won't be able to avoid extinction. </p>



<p>The formation of a new supercontinent called Pangea Ultima, a brighter sun, and higher CO₂ levels could crank up the heat to unbearable levels. </p>



<p>It's a wild thought, but it reminds us that our planet is always changing, and not always in ways that suit us.</p>



<p>When we look back at the mass extinction events throughout Earth's history, we keep seeing the same story play out. </p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Something big happens -- like a huge volcano erupts or an asteroid smacks into Earth -- and suddenly everything changes, wiping out huge numbers of species. </li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The environment shifts so dramatically and quickly that most life just can't keep up.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>These ancient mass extinctions teach us a pretty sobering lesson about life on Earth: it's way more fragile than we might think. </li>
</ul>



<p>As we face our own environmental crisis today, these past events remind us to take better care of our environment and the planet's biodiversity. </p>



<p>Mother Earth has a wild and predictable history of shaking things up, and we humans -- just like all the creatures before us -- are really just temporary residents on this ever-changing planet.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-023-01259-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.</em></p>



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Scientists predict how and when humans and mammals will face extinction

A new study suggests that extreme temperatures could lead to...

<p>Between 120 and 130 million years ago, during the age of the dinosaurs, northeast China hosted vibrant temperate forests and lakes that nurtured a diverse ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Fossils from this period stayed untouched for millions of years until villagers began to unearth exceptionally preserved specimens in the 1980s.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These finds, often sold to collectors and museums, initiated a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> rush that has since transformed the region into one of the most heavily excavated paleontological sites in the world, visible even from space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossils-of-well-preserved-dinosaurs">Fossils of well-preserved dinosaurs</h2>



<p>The dinosaur fossils discovered in the Yixian Formation stood out for being remarkably well-preserved. </p>



<p>Unlike the usual fragmented skeletal remains found at other sites, these fossils often included soft tissues, internal organs, feathers, fur, and even stomach contents. </p>



<p>Notable among these finds was a cat-sized mammal locked in a struggle with a small dinosaur, both seemingly frozen in time. </p>



<p>Such discoveries confirmed that modern birds are descendants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-evolved-feathers-for-much-more-than-just-flying/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">feathered dinosaurs</a> and provided crucial insights into their evolution, redefining paleontological understanding. </p>



<p>Early theories suggested that a sudden volcanic event, similar to the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that buried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tragic-end-of-pompeii-was-not-solely-caused-by-mount-vesuvius/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pompeii</a>, might have been responsible for preserving these fossils, leading to the formation’s nickname, “Chinese Pompeii.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refuting-volcanic-theories">Refuting volcanic theories</h2>



<p>A recent study published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2322875121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a> challenges the long-held belief that volcanic activity was the primary reason for the pristine preservation of these fossils.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers, using precise dating techniques, argue that the fossils were preserved not by dramatic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-early-humans-survived-the-eruption-of-toba-supervolcano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic cataclysms</a> but by more common occurrences such as burrow collapses and periods of heavy rainfall that quickly buried the remains.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This new study pinpoints the age of these fossils to a compact period of less than 93,000 years, dismissing the notion that preservation was the result of multiple volcanic pulses over millions of years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-well-preserved-dinosaur-discoveries">Well-preserved dinosaur discoveries</h2>



<p>“These are probably the most important dinosaur discoveries of the last 120 years,” said study co-author Paul Olsen, a paleontologist at the Columbia Climate School’s <a href="https://lamont.columbia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dinosaurs_Psittacosaurus_skeletons_burrow-collapse_credit-Jun-Liu_CAS_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dinosaurs_Psittacosaurus_skeletons_burrow-collapse_credit-Jun-Liu_CAS_1s.webp" alt="Two perfectly articulated skeletons of the sheep-size dinosaur Psittacosaurus, found in China's Yixian Formation. New research suggests they died in burrow collapses, not via volcanism, as previously thought. Credit: Jun Liu, Institute of Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences" class="wp-image-1949576"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Two perfectly articulated skeletons of the sheep-size dinosaur Psittacosaurus, found in China's Yixian Formation. New research suggests they died in burrow collapses, not via volcanism, as previously thought. Credit: Jun Liu, Institute of Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>“But what was said about their method of preservation highlights an important human bias. That is, to ascribe extraordinary causes, i.e. miracles, to ordinary events when we don’t understand their origins. These [fossils] are just a snapshot of everyday deaths in normal conditions over a relatively brief time.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-against-volcanic-theories">Evidence against volcanic theories</h2>



<p>The research team dismissed the possibility of preservation by volcanic lahars -- fast-moving mudflows -- due to their violent nature, which would have obliterated delicate remains. </p>



<p>Similarly, the theory of pyroclastic flows, like those that buried Pompeii, was ruled out. </p>



<p>Such flows would have incinerated feathers and fur, and left the bodies in the characteristic “pugilistic” posture seen in victims of extreme heat. </p>



<p>Instead, the animals in the Yixian Formation are found in more relaxed positions, suggesting a peaceful end.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theory-of-sudden-burrow-collapses-nbsp">Theory of sudden burrow collapses&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Instead of volcanic cataclysms, the researchers propose that many of the preserved fossils were the result of sudden burrow collapses. Evidence for this theory came from the composition of the rock surrounding the fossils.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While the general rock formations were made of coarse grains, the material immediately around and within the skeletons was finer, indicating that fine sediment seeped in as bacteria or insects degraded the soft tissues, preserving the bones.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dinosaurs_Psittacosaurus-babies_burrow_hunted_Repenomamus-mammal_credit-Alex-Boersma_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/dinosaurs_Psittacosaurus-babies_burrow_hunted_Repenomamus-mammal_credit-Alex-Boersma_1s.webp" alt="Artist's rendition of a Psittacosaurus dinosaur with babies being hunted by Repenomamus, a mammal. One fossil assemblage from the Yixian Formation preserved the remains of these species in mortal combat, frozen in mid-action. The dinosaur here is shown with bristly proto-feathers on its tail. Credit: Alex Boersma" class="wp-image-1949578"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Artist's rendition of a Psittacosaurus dinosaur with babies being hunted by Repenomamus, a mammal. One fossil assemblage from the Yixian Formation preserved the remains of these species in mortal combat, frozen in mid-action. The dinosaur here is shown with bristly proto-feathers on its tail. Credit: Alex Boersma</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Olsen noted that even today, burrow collapses can be fatal for animals like penguins, illustrating how this process may have played a role in the preservation of ancient creatures.</p>



<p>The extraordinary find of a mammal and dinosaur locked in combat could potentially be explained by such collapses. </p>



<p>The mammal may have been invading the dinosaur’s burrow in search of food or safety when both met their end.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-triggered-burrow-collapses">What triggered burrow collapses?</h2>



<p>While the researchers propose burrow collapses as the primary cause of death, the exact triggers remain speculative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One possibility is that larger dinosaurs, which do not appear in the fossil record but likely roamed the area, may have inadvertently crushed the burrows while moving through the landscape. </p>



<p>Additionally, periods of intense rainfall could have destabilized the ground, contributing to collapses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-for-future-dinosaur-discoveries">Potential for future dinosaur discoveries</h2>



<p>Olsen believes that the Yixian Formation's unique preservation is not exclusive and that other areas around the world could yield similarly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gigoutella-mauretanica-best-preserved-trilobite-fossils-ever-found/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">well-preserved</a> dinosaur fossils if excavated with the same intensity. </p>



<p>“It’s just that there is no place else where such intense collecting has been done in this kind of environment,” he said. </p>



<p>While China has taken measures to regulate fossil sales, the demand remains robust, and significant investments have been made to promote tourism around these fossil sites.</p>



<p>Olsen mentioned sites in the eastern United States that share environmental similarities with Yixian, such as a quarry straddling the North Carolina-Virginia border, sites in Connecticut, and a former quarry in New Jersey.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, large-scale excavation in these areas has yet to happen due to the high cost and the value of the land.</p>



<p>“It takes enormous effort, which is expensive. And land is valuable in these areas. So no one is doing it. At least not yet,” Olsen concluded.</p>



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<p>Image Credit: Jun Liu, Institute of Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences</p>



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How did the world’s best-preserved dinosaurs die? 

Between 120 and 130 million years ago, during the age...


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