<p>Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. </p>



<p>But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks.</p>



<p>In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-making-wildfire-smoke-more-deadly/">wildfires</a>, adding to the already mounting risks across the West.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-is-fueling-more-wildfires">Lightning is fueling more wildfires</h2>



<p>Wildfires need a few things to get going: dry fuel, hot temperatures, low humidity, and a spark. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-is-changing-the-atmosphere-in-surprising-ways/">Lightning</a> is one of the most powerful natural igniters.</p>



<p>In the western U.S., lightning already causes more than two-thirds of the area burned by wildfires. And now, new research shows that number is going to rise sharply due to climate change. </p>



<p>Warmer air holds more moisture, which means more unstable weather patterns. Those patterns, in turn, set the stage for more lightning.</p>



<p>A recent study has revealed that virtually all of the western U.S. - 98 percent of the region - will have more days with a greater likelihood of lightning-ignited wildfires starting as early as the 2030s. </p>



<p>For regions already accustomed to such fires, such as Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, the risk is even greater. As early as 2060, those states may have as many as 12 additional lightning-filled days per summer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-to-forecast-lightning">A model to forecast lightning</h2>



<p>Traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-models-underestimate-sea-ice-melt-and-global-warming/">climate models</a> don’t really track lightning. That’s why a team of researchers led by Dmitri Kalashnikov built their own system to fill in the gaps.</p>



<p>“The first step was to project lightning,” said Kalashnikov, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.ucmerced.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Merced</a>. “The typical climate models don’t directly simulate lightning. It’s too small a process.”</p>



<p>The researchers applied machine learning to forecast where lightning would hit based on variables that we can quantify - such as temperature, humidity, and the level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moisture-in-the-atmosphere-causes-extreme-weather-to-last-longer/">moisture in the air</a>. </p>



<p>The team merged those results with the Fire Weather Index (FWI), a mechanism that was developed back in 1968 to monitor how probable wildfire initiation and spread is from local weather.</p>



<p>The result is a forecast model tailored to the western U.S., designed to project conditions from 2030 to 2060 - decades earlier than most studies, which typically look only to the end of the century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-lightning-in-the-northwest">More lightning in the Northwest</h2>



<p>The northwestern states of Idaho, Oregon, and Montana are projected to experience the greatest growth in lightning days. But strangely, they may not experience the most rapid expansion in wildfires. </p>



<p>Although lightning will grow, the conditions favoring fires (such as extreme heat or dryness) are not expected to worsen as quickly in the Northwest compared to other regions.</p>



<p>That doesn’t mean northwestern states are off the hook. Cloud-to-ground lightning, the kind that hits trees or grass directly, is still expected to rise significantly in those areas.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-lightning-greater-wildfire-risk">Less lightning, greater wildfire risk</h2>



<p>In contrast, the Southwest - including Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and New Mexico - won’t see as much of a jump in lightning strikes. But the fire risk will still climb. </p>



<p>This is because even a small spark becomes a big threat when the land is extra dry, the heat is intense, and there’s little rain to cool things off.</p>



<p>The researchers found that these southern states are likely to experience the biggest increases in wildfires caused by lightning, despite the smaller bump in lightning activity. That’s because climate change is pushing up the number of fire-prone days overall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dry-and-wet-lightning">Dry and wet lightning</h2>



<p>Kalashnikov said the next steps could involve separating the kinds of lightning events. “You can’t help but wonder what the future will look like, especially if you dig in and you realize that there’s actually a lot that we don’t understand,” he said.</p>



<p>One key factor will be figuring out how to distinguish between "dry lightning" and "wet lightning." Dry lightning happens without much rain, making it a fire hazard. </p>



<p>Wet lightning brings <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-poses-extreme-risks-in-the-western-us/">heavy rain</a>, which can reduce fire risk but increase flood danger. Understanding that difference could help emergency services respond more precisely to fire threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-risks-are-rising-fast">Wildfire risks are rising fast</h2>



<p>As climate patterns shift, the West isn’t just getting warmer and drier - it’s getting stormier in a dangerous way. Lightning is expected to spark more fires, and fires are expected to find more dry fuel waiting. It’s a feedback loop that could reshape fire seasons in the U.S.</p>



<p>This isn’t about something that might happen a hundred years from now. The changes are coming within the next few decades - some may already be happening. </p>



<p>And for the people living in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/double-hazard-wildfire-zones-identified-in-the-american-west/">high-risk areas</a>, that means more heat, more smoke, and a greater need for preparation.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025EF006108" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's Future</a></em>.</p>



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Lightning will ignite even more wildfires as the climate heats up

Wildfires in the western U.S. have become a growing crisis. They’re lasting longer, burning hotter, and spreading into areas that rarely burned in the past. But another danger is rising, beyond heatwaves and droughts. Lightning - sudden, fierce, and incredibly powerful - is becoming one of the biggest wildfire risks. In the coming decades, scientists warn that lightning will become an increasingly dominant spark for wildfires, adding to the already mounting risks across the West. Lightning is fueling more wildfires Wildfires need a few things to get...

Cactus,Arizona,Desert,Sun.,A,Saguaro,Cactus,In,The,Foreground

<p>According to the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a> (NWS), on Saturday, September 9, the temperatures in Phoenix, Arizona set a new heat record, continuing to rise as the city broke its previous record of the most days at or above 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-new-heat-record">New heat record</h2>



<p>This was the 54<sup>th</sup> day this year that the temperatures in Phoenix surpassed 110F – one day more than the heat record of 53 days set in 2020. Moreover, the daily average temperature of 97F (36.1C) in June, July, and August surpassed the previous record of 96.7 (35.9) set three years ago.</p>



<p>As the weekend highs were expected to range between 108F and 114F (with night temperatures between 80F and 88F), NWS issued an excessive heat warning until 8pm on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-historic-heat-wave">Historic heat wave</h2>



<p>Today, the temperature is expected to be slightly lower (106F). This historic heat wave from this year’s summer stretched from Texas to New Mexico and Arizona and deep into California’s desert.</p>



<p>According to experts from NWS, such temperatures significantly increase the risk of heat stress and illnesses for both humans and animals, making it crucial for residents to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure from 10am to 6pm, wear light and loose-fitting clothing, use air conditioning, and make sure to keep their pets safe.</p>



<h2 id="h-heat-related-deaths">Heat-related deaths</h2>



<p>On Wednesday, officials from Maricopa county (which is home to Phoenix) reported that there have been 194 confirmed heat-related deaths this year, occurring mostly among people between 50 and 64 years of age. Moreover, 59 percent of these deaths have been among white non-Hispanics, making it the most number of deaths by race and ethnicity.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en">World Meteorological Organization</a>, last month was the hottest Augustt ever recorded worldwide, and the second hottest month ever measured, after July 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-anthropogenic-climate-change">Anthropogenic climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The scientists blame anthropogenic climate change correlated to the advent of El Nino (a temporary warming of parts of the Pacific Ocean impacting weather all over the globe). However, since this natural phenomenon is expected to peak at the beginning of next year, 2024 will most likely break all the heat records set this year.</p>



<p>“The dog days of summer are not just barking, they are biting,” warned United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “Climate breakdown has begun.”</p>



<h2 id="h-heat-and-human-health">Heat and human health</h2>



<p>Heat can have various effects on human health, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions</p>



<h3 id="h-heat-exhaustion">Heat exhaustion</h3>



<p>This occurs after exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Without intervention, it can progress to heat stroke.</p>



<h3 id="h-heat-stroke">Heat stroke</h3>



<p>A severe and potentially life-threatening condition. The body loses its ability to regulate temperature, causing the body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Symptoms include hot, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and unconsciousness. Immediate medical attention is necessary.</p>



<h3 id="h-dehydration">Dehydration</h3>



<p>Heat can increase the rate at which the body loses fluid through sweating, leading to dehydration. This can result in dry mouth, fatigue, dark yellow urine, and dizziness.</p>



<h3 id="h-heat-cramps">Heat cramps</h3>



<p>Muscle pains or spasms that can occur during heavy exercise in a hot environment, usually due to loss of salt and water from sweating.</p>



<h3 id="h-heat-rash">Heat rash</h3>



<p>Skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It appears as a cluster of red pimples or small blisters.</p>



<h3 id="h-chronic-illnesses">Chronic illnesses</h3>



<p>Heat can exacerbate conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, and respiratory illness.</p>



<h3 id="h-effects-on-vulnerable-populations">Effects on vulnerable populations</h3>



<p>Elderly individuals, children, and those with chronic illnesses are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.</p>



<h3 id="h-mental-health-impacts">Mental health impacts</h3>



<p>Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to mental health challenges, including increased stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders.</p>



<h3 id="h-medication-effects">Medication effects</h3>



<p>Some medications can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature or inhibit perspiration, making individuals more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.</p>



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"Climate breakdown" has begun as Phoenix breaks another heat record

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), on Saturday, September...

<p>The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment in international climate action, bringing countries together with a shared commitment to combat the existential threat of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/indisputable-evidence-of-human-caused-climate-change/">climate change</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since its inception, nations across the globe have been proactive in taking measures to mitigate its impacts. Yet, a new technical report on the global stocktake highlights an urgent need to expedite ambition and implementation.</p>



<h2 id="h-global-stocktake">Global stocktake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Established as an integral part of the Paris Agreement, the global stocktake is an assessment that is conducted every five years. The evaluation is used to gauge humanity's collective response to the mounting climate crisis and pave a strategic path ahead.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The primary goal is to inform the forthcoming round of nationally determined contributions, slated for presentation in 2025.</p>



<p>This extensive review commenced with a rigorous data collection phase in 2021. Contributions for the assessment came from many sources including international organizations, non-party stakeholders, and the parties to the Agreement itself.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-comprehensive-dialogue">Comprehensive dialogue&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Over the course of 2022 and 2023, a comprehensive technical dialogue was organized by two distinguished co-chairs, Farhan Akhtar and Harald Winkler.</p>



<p>With the <a href="https://www.un.org/en/climatechange">UN Climate Change</a> secretariat's support, the dialogue spanned various pivotal domains – from mitigation and adaptation to loss, damage, and response measures.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-inspiring-global-action">Inspiring global action</h2>



<p>“The technical dialogues were based on the best available science, drawing on the latest findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other sources of knowledge, with broad participation of experts and non-Party Stakeholders with diverse backgrounds," said Akhtar.</p>



<p>"Across the discussions it was clear that the Paris Agreement has inspired widespread action that has significantly reduced forecasts of future warming. This global stocktake is taking place at a crucial moment to inspire further global action in responding to the climate crisis."</p>



<h2 id="h-cop28">COP28</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://unfccc.int/documents/631600">global stocktake report</a> unveils 17 technical findings from these discussions. The report underscores the strides made thus far but also magnifies the immense work that lies ahead. It meticulously points out the evident gaps but also illuminates the opportunities and solutions to bridge them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>All eyes are now set on Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, where the first global stocktake's culmination will transpire at the <a href="https://unfccc.int/">UN Climate Change Conference</a> COP28.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“More than 137 non-Party stakeholders submitted input on their actions and support for the Paris Agreement goals, in total over 170,000 pages of written submissions were received, and we had over 252 hours of meetings and discussions over the three meetings of the technical dialogue – in plenaries, roundtables and world café formats," said Winkler.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As the report’s technical findings show, much more is needed now, on all fronts and by all actors to meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement."</p>



<h2 id="h-ambition-and-urgency">Ambition and urgency&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As the stocktake progresses into its final phase, a series of high-level events will be held to discuss the implications of these technical findings. These discussions will assist in identifying opportunities, good practices, and challenges to enhance climate action and support.</p>



<p>“This global stocktake report provides clear direction on how we can meet the expectations of the Paris Agreement by taking decisive action in this critical decade,” said COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“To keep 1.5 within reach we must act with ‘ambition and urgency’ to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030. That is why the COP28 Presidency has put forward an ambitious action agenda centered around fast- tracking a just and well managed energy transition that leaves no one behind, fixing climate finance, focusing on people's lives and livelihoods, and underpinning everything with full inclusivity."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"I believe we can deliver all of this while creating sustainable economic growth for our people, but we must urgently disrupt business as usual and unite like never before to move from ambition to action and from rhetoric to real results.”</p>



<h2 id="h-actionable-commitments">Actionable commitments</h2>



<p>Dr. Al Jaber says he is calling on leaders from both the public and private sector to come to COP28 with real and actionable commitments to address climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We need to rapidly decarbonize both the supply side and demand side of the energy system at the same time. We need to triple renewable energy by 2030, commercialize other zero carbon solutions like hydrogen and scale up the energy system free of all unabated fossil fuels, while we eliminate the emissions of the energies we use today," noted Dr. Al Jaber.</p>



<p>"We need to protect and enhance nature, safeguard carbon sinks and transform food systems that account for one third of emissions. And we need fundamental reform of the international financial architecture that was built for the last century.”</p>



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Global stocktake report: Ambition and urgency needed to meet Paris goals

The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark moment in international...

<p>When astronauts set foot on the barren landscape of Mars for the first time, they may owe their survival to a machine no bigger than a household microwave.&nbsp;This relatively diminutive device, MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment), has just finished its 16th and final oxygen-producing run aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-impressive-performance">Impressive performance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The results have surpassed even the most optimistic expectations of its creators at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT).</p>



<p><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a> Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy commented on the device's significance, stating: “MOXIE’s impressive performance shows that it is feasible to extract oxygen from Mars’ atmosphere – oxygen that could help supply breathable air or rocket propellant to future astronauts.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Melroy emphasized the importance of harnessing the resources of space bodies like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/days-are-getting-longer-as-the-moon-drifts-away-from-earth/">Moon</a> and Mars to facilitate sustainable human exploration.</p>



<h2 id="h-moxie-s-achievements">MOXIE's achievements&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Since the Perseverance rover's 2021 landing, the device has synthesized a total of 122 grams of oxygen. To put that in perspective, it's roughly the amount a small canine would consume in 10 hours.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Impressively, at its peak efficiency, MOXIE produced 12 grams of oxygen an hour, which is a full 100% more than what NASA had originally targeted.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During its last run on August 7, MOXIE pumped out 9.8 grams of oxygen. All of these feats were accomplished while maintaining a purity level of 98% or even higher.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-does-it-work">How does it work?</h2>



<p>MOXIE crafts molecular oxygen through a complex electrochemical process. It isolates an oxygen atom from each molecule of carbon dioxide derived from Mars' atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As these gases weave their way through the system, they undergo rigorous analysis to ascertain the quality and volume of the produced oxygen.</p>



<h2 id="h-human-exploration">Human exploration&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While Perseverance hosts myriad experiments, MOXIE stands apart, laser-focused on enabling future human ventures on the Martian expanse.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As the pioneering technology of its kind, MOXIE paves the path for future astronauts to harness Martian resources for sustenance and, crucially, for creating rocket fuel to facilitate their journey back to Earth.</p>



<h2 id="h-next-big-leap">Next big leap</h2>



<p>Michael Hecht from MIT, who led the MOXIE project, noted its role as a beacon for future space resource endeavors.</p>



<p>“MOXIE has clearly served as inspiration to the ISRU community. It showed NASA is willing to invest in these kinds of future technologies. And it has been a flagship that has influenced the exciting industry of space resources."</p>



<p>Hecht emphasized that the next big leap isn't necessarily a MOXIE upgrade. The focus would likely shift to a full-scale system amalgamating an oxygen generator like MOXIE with mechanisms to liquefy and store the generated oxygen.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But for Hecht, the real victory lies in MOXIE paving the way for other innovative technologies to shine on Mars.</p>



<h2 id="h-perseverance-s-mission">Perseverance’s mission</h2>



<p>A key objective for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance’s mission</a> on Mars, and for the MOXIE instrument, is astrobiology, including the search for signs of ancient microbial life, according to NASA.</p>



<p>Apart from hunting for these elusive life signs, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-sunspot-may-soon-disrupt-earths-power-grids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseverance</a> plays a pivotal role in understanding Mars's geological tapestry and its climatic past. Its findings are expected to lay the groundwork for future human expeditions to this alien world.</p>



<p>The broader Mars 2020 Perseverance mission lies within NASA’s grander Moon to Mars exploration blueprint. This grand vision encompasses the Artemis missions to our moon, serving as the rehearsal stage for human exploration of the Red Planet.</p>



<p>Behind the scenes, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been the force powering the construction and operations of the Perseverance rover.</p>



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Oxygen is created on Mars using MOXIE, paving the way for humans

When astronauts set foot on the barren landscape of Mars...

<p>According to a report from the <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en">World Meteorological Organization</a> (WMO), the Earth has just endured its hottest three-month period on record. The data, sourced from the European Union-funded <a href="https://climate.copernicus.eu/">Copernicus Climate Change Service</a> (C3S) and implemented by ECMWF, paints a concerning picture of the planet's changing climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data reveals that global sea surface temperatures have touched unprecedented highs for three consecutive months. Additionally, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-sea-ice-hits-a-new-record-low-this-year/">Antarctic sea ice</a> extent sits at a record low for this period of the year.</p>



<h2 id="h-multiple-red-flags">Multiple red flags&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The month of August alone has raised multiple red flags. "It was the hottest August on record - by a large margin - and the second hottest ever month after July 2023," the Copernicus Climate Change Service ERA 5 dataset confirmed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Delving deeper into the figures, August's average temperatures were roughly 1.5°C warmer than the preindustrial average measured between 1850 and 1900, as per the C3S monthly climate bulletin.</p>



<h2 id="h-second-warmest-year">Second warmest year</h2>



<p>To put this year into context, the period from January to August ranks as the second warmest on record, only surpassed by 2016. It's worth noting that 2016 witnessed a potent warming El Niño event, which contributed significantly to its high temperatures.</p>



<p>“Eight months into 2023, so far we are experiencing the second warmest year to date, only fractionally cooler than 2016, and August was estimated to be around 1.5°C warmer than pre-industrial levels," said Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.</p>



<p>"What we are observing, not only new extremes but the persistence of these record-breaking conditions, and the impacts these have on both people and planet, are a clear consequence of the warming of the climate system."</p>



<h2 id="h-sea-surface-temperatures">Sea surface temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Perhaps the most alarming revelation was regarding global sea surface temperatures. "August as a whole saw the highest global monthly average sea surface temperatures on record across all months, at 20.98°C," the <a href="https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/earth-had-hottest-three-month-period-record-unprecedented-sea-surface">WMO report</a> stated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Astonishingly, temperatures in August exceeded the previous record, set in March 2016, on each day of the month.</p>



<h2 id="h-climate-breakdown">Climate breakdown</h2>



<p>“Our planet has just endured a season of simmering – the hottest summer on record. Climate breakdown has begun," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.</p>



<p>"Scientists have long warned what our fossil fuel addiction will unleash. Surging temperatures demand a surge in action. Leaders must turn up the heat now for climate solutions. We can still avoid the worst of climate chaos – and we don’t have a moment to lose."</p>



<h2 id="h-antarctic-sea-ice-extent">Antarctic sea ice extent</h2>



<p>In the icy realms of our planet, there's also cause for concern. The Antarctic sea ice extent is operating at a record low for this period, showing a monthly value 12% below average.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This discrepancy marks the most significant negative anomaly for August since satellite observations commenced in the late 1970s. Meanwhile, the Arctic's sea ice extent lags by 10% below average, although it is still considerably above the record minimum observed in August 2012.</p>



<h2 id="h-summer-of-extremes">Summer of extremes</h2>



<p>“The northern hemisphere just had a summer of extremes – with repeated heatwaves fuelling devastating wildfires, harming health, disrupting daily lives and wreaking a lasting toll on the environment," noted WMO Secretary-General Professor Petteri Taalas</p>



<p>"In the southern hemisphere Antarctic sea ice extent was literally off the charts, and the global sea surface temperature was once again at a new record."</p>



<p>"It is worth noting that this is happening BEFORE we see the full warming impact of the El Niño event, which typically plays out in the second year after it develop."&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-more-heat-records-to-come">More heat records to come</h2>



<p>For its comprehensive climate monitoring activities and its State of the Climate reports, the WMO amasses data not just from C3S, but five other international datasets.</p>



<p>Further compounding climate worries, a joint report released in May by the WMO and the UK's Met Office warned of the immediate future. According to their findings, there's a 98% likelihood that one of the upcoming five years will be the warmest ever recorded.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, there's a 66% chance that temperatures will temporarily surge past 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average within the next half-decade.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the report clarified, "This does not mean that we will permanently exceed the 1.5°C level specified in the Paris Agreement which refers to long-term warming over many years."</p>



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Earth just endured the hottest three-months ever recorded

According to a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO),...

<p>In a new study led by Young Zhou from the Quinney College of Natural Resources at <a href="https://www.usu.edu/">Utah State University</a>, researchers have explored the climate mitigation potential of tropical savannas. These are unique ecosystems where trees and grasses coexist.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With the ever-increasing threat of global warming, efforts are being made worldwide to capture carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases from the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some of the most commonly proposed nature-based solutions for carbon capture are&nbsp; planting trees and allowing forests to regrow.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



<p>The research was focused on afforestation, planting trees with the prime goal of capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide. As these trees grow, carbon is stored both in their woody structure and the surrounding soils.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although the carbon storage potential of trees has long been recognized, the role of grasses and their surrounding soil has not been well-studied.</p>



<h2 id="h-tropical-savannas">Tropical savannas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts set out to gain a better understanding of the mechanics of carbon storage in the soils of tropical savannas. The findings have been published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01232-0"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a>.</p>



<p>The analysis was based on a case study in South Africa's Kruger National Park, as well as data from tropical savannas worldwide.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts discovered that soils enriched with carbon from grasses had notably higher carbon concentrations. Impressively, grasses were responsible for more than half of the soil carbon content in these ecosystems, even beneath tree canopies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This revelation highlights the substantial role of grasses in the carbon sequestration mechanism associated with tropical savannas.</p>



<h2 id="h-the-role-of-tree-cover">The role of tree cover</h2>



<p>“This underscores the nuanced nature of increasing tree cover on the dynamics of carbon in savanna soils," said Zhou.</p>



<p>“On average, the increase in soil carbon storage resulting from the expansion of tree cover across tropical savannas is negligible.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>This observation aligns with the team's earlier findings that pinpointed the effect of increased tree cover due to fire suppression: it led to heightened carbon storage in trees but left soil carbon storage largely unchanged.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"Our findings challenge the commonly held assumption that afforestation uniformly boosts soil carbon storage," Zhou said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"However, we have yet to pinpoint the precise factors responsible for the substantial variation observed in the soil carbon storage response to increased tree cover across tropical savannas."</p>



<h2 id="h-carbon-reservoirs">Carbon reservoirs&nbsp;</h2>



<p>While forests primarily store carbon in their above-ground parts, grass-dominated habitats, like savannas and grasslands, primarily tuck away their carbon underground.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These subterranean carbon reservoirs, found in extensive grass root systems and decaying organic matter, offer a robust form of long-term storage.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-crucial-roles-of-savannas">Crucial roles of savannas&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a world that faces increased warming, and with threats of droughts and wildfires becoming more frequent, soil carbon storage emerges as a resilient solution.</p>



<p>“It makes even more clear that savannas play crucial roles in the global carbon cycle in their unique ways, underscoring the importance of preserving and protecting these ecosystems in an equitable manner," said Zhou.</p>



<p>The research team included experts from Yale University, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of Cape Town, Texas A&amp;M, Kruger National Park, Harvard University, and the University of Oregon</p>



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Tropical savannas have a hidden weapon against global warming 

In a new study led by Young Zhou from the...

Jungle,Exoplanet,,Green,And,Biologically,Active,Alien,Planet,With,Moons

<p>In the vast expanse of our universe, with its billions of stars and galaxies, the discovery of over 5,000 exoplanets has led scientists to a compelling realization: there is no such thing as an "ordinary" planet. These distant worlds, far removed from our own, challenge our understanding of outer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jwst-spots-a-mysterious-question-mark-in-deep-space/">space</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-exoplanet-with-a-sun-like-star">First exoplanet with a Sun-like star&nbsp;</h2>



<p>It was 1995 when astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz stumbled upon <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/7001/51-pegasi-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">51 Pegasi b</a>, the first exoplanet found orbiting a Sun-like star. "The discovery rocked the astronomical world as its characteristics did not fit into the theory of planetary formation at the time," recalls the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This "hot Jupiter" orbits its star in a mere four days. The planet is tidally locked, forever showing its same face to its star. Adding to the allure, water particles were detected in its atmosphere by 2017.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-with-an-atmosphere">First with an atmosphere</h2>



<p>The art of exoplanet detection evolved, and by 1999, <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/resources/231/hd-209458b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HD 209458 b</a> was discovered using the transit method. As a planet transits or passes in front of its star, the starlight gets absorbed by particles in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The historical moment came when the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope measured the atmosphere's composition, marking it the first of its kind. This exoplanet, later revisited by ESA’s Cheops mission in 2020, has a remarkably dark and cloudless atmosphere.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-exoplanet-to-be-photographed">First exoplanet to be photographed</h2>



<p>Direct imaging, another method of detecting exoplanets, introduced us to the enigmatic <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/resources/300/2m1207-b-first-image-of-an-exoplanet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2M1207b</a>. This heavyweight, boasting five times the mass of Jupiter, orbits a brown dwarf at a staggering distance, equivalent to 55 times that from Earth to the Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This exoplanet proudly claimed its title as the first directly imaged planet, courtesy of the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in 2004.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-orbiting-two-stars">First orbiting two stars</h2>



<p>Our universe thrives on variety. Some exoplanets, like <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/1814/kepler-16b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kepler 16b</a>, orbit not one, but two stars. This gaseous entity, slightly smaller than Saturn, revolves around a binary star system. Each star is less massive than our Sun, one significantly more so than the other.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-exoplanet-with-a-deformed-shape">First exoplanet with a deformed shape</h2>



<p><a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/5157/wasp-103-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WASP-103b</a> defies our understanding of planetary shapes. With a mass 1.5 times that of Jupiter, it's squeezed into an elongated, rugby ball-like form due to intense gravitational interactions with its star. As it whirls around its star in less than a day, it appears to be gradually distancing itself.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-terrestrial-exoplanet">First terrestrial exoplanet&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/1242/corot-7-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CoRoT-7b</a> is an example of terrestrial planets, but it is a far cry from Earth. Larger by half and six times heavier, its days are molten, and nights, bitterly cold. An unforgiving landscape with no discovered atmosphere to buffer the heat.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-with-traces-of-co2">First with traces of CO2</h2>



<p>The advent of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope escalated exoplanet studies. Its keen eyes discerned traces of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/5673/wasp-39-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WASP-39 b</a> – the first-ever confirmation of this molecule on an exoplanet.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-exoplanets-orbiting-a-pulsar">First exoplanets orbiting a pulsar&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The pulsar <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/7134/psr-b125712-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PSR B1257+12</a> revealed a surprise – two planets in its vicinity. Pulsars, magnetized neutron stars emitting strong radiation, are incredibly precise in their rotations. However, discrepancies in this pulsar's emission led scientists to its planetary companions.</p>



<h2 id="h-first-synchronized-exoplanets">First synchronized exoplanets&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Diversity reigns supreme in the universe, even in planetary systems. A rhythmic dance is on display around the star <a href="https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/7816/toi-178-b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TOI-178</a>. Five of its six planets have synchronized orbits, moving in a captivating 18:9:6:4:3 pattern. To an observer, they align at regular intervals, presenting a celestial ballet.</p>



<p>These discoveries highlight the boundless mysteries of our universe. Each exoplanet, with its unique story, pushes the boundaries of our knowledge. As the European Space Agency notes, the exoplanet realm continually challenges our comprehension of the cosmos.</p>



<h2>More about the search for exoplanets</h2>



<p>Exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system, have intrigued astronomers and the public alike for decades. But how do scientists find these distant worlds, and why does their discovery matter? Let's dive into the dynamic realm of exoplanet exploration.</p>



<h3>Why hunt for exoplanets?</h3>



<p>The search for exoplanets isn't just about finding new worlds; it's about seeking answers to fundamental questions. Are we alone in the universe? What kinds of planetary systems exist out there? Is there another Earth-like planet? Discovering exoplanets expands our understanding of the universe and the potential for life beyond our solar system.</p>



<h3>The tools of the trade: Telescopes and techniques</h3>



<h4>Transit method</h4>



<p>The most successful technique, the transit method, involves monitoring stars for small, regular dips in brightness. When a planet crosses in front of its star from our viewpoint, it blocks a tiny fraction of the star's light. This event, known as a 'transit', gives away the planet's presence. NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/kepler/overview/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kepler Space Telescope</a>, launched in 2009, utilized this method and identified thousands of exoplanet candidates.</p>



<h4>Radial velocity or doppler method</h4>



<p>As a planet orbits its star, it exerts a gravitational tug, causing the star to wobble slightly. Astronomers detect this wobble by observing shifts in the star's spectrum of light. The European Southern Observatory's <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/lasilla/36/harps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HARPS instrument </a>stands out as a champion in this method, having confirmed dozens of exoplanets.</p>



<h4>Direct imaging</h4>



<p>Here, astronomers try to capture images of planets directly. Though challenging due to the brightness of stars, advancements in technology have made a few direct images possible, especially for large planets far from their stars.</p>



<h4>Gravitational microlensing</h4>



<p>This method takes advantage of the gravitational force of stars and planets. When a distant star aligns perfectly with a nearer star, the closer star's gravity can magnify and brighten the distant star's light. If the closer star has a planet, it too can act as a lens, producing a noticeable effect in the light curve.</p>



<h3>Looking forward</h3>



<p>The search for exoplanets has undergone rapid advancements over the past few decades. Future and current missions, like the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> and the European Space Agency's <a href="https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/plato" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLATO mission</a>, promise to revolutionize our understanding even further. These telescopes will offer greater sensitivity and precision, enabling the detection of smaller, Earth-like planets in the habitable zones of their host stars.</p>



<p>The search for exoplanets challenges our understanding of the cosmos. Every discovery offers a chance to contemplate our place in the universe and to dream of worlds yet unseen. As technology advances and our gaze deepens, we inch closer to answering some of life's most profound questions.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA</p>



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Science has found over 5,000 alien worlds, but what do we know about these exoplanets?

In the vast expanse of our universe, with its billions...

<p>Recent breakthroughs at the international <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en/lac/projects/itn-cloud">CLOUD project</a>, based at the nuclear research center CERN, have revealed fascinating insights into the mysteries of cloud formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This natural process is of paramount importance in comprehending the planet’s shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dangerous-climate-feedback-loops-have-been-underestimated/">climate</a> patterns, as it plays a significant role in reflecting solar radiation, consequently impacting the Earth's temperature.</p>



<h2 id="h-cloud-formation">Cloud formation</h2>



<p>Cloud formation requires water vapor to coalesce around condensation nuclei, which are solid or liquid particles that provide a foundation for water vapor to condense upon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Various aerosols serve this purpose, ranging from sea salt and desert sand to pollutants from industrial and vehicular activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Nonetheless, an intriguing aspect of this process is the concept of "new particle formation" (NPF), where gaseous molecules merge in the atmosphere and transition into solids.</p>



<h2 id="h-hydrocarbons">Hydrocarbons&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The NPF process involves hydrocarbons, including isoprenes, monoterpenes, and the lesser-studied sesquiterpenes, which are emitted by vegetation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These hydrocarbons are not only fundamental to the scents we encounter during woodland strolls or after cutting grass, but they also undergo an oxidation process with atmospheric ozone to form aerosols.</p>



<h2 id="h-factors-influencing-cloud-formation">Factors influencing cloud formation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>"With tighter environmental regulations, there's been a noteworthy decline in the concentration of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere," said Dr. Lubna Dada, an atmospheric scientist from PSI.</p>



<p>"Contrastingly, there's a surge in terpene concentrations, particularly when plants undergo stress due to temperature spikes, extreme weather shifts, and increased drought exposure."</p>



<p>This dynamic presents a crucial question for climatologists: which among these factors will dominate in influencing cloud formation?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-sesquiterpenes">Sesquiterpenes</h2>



<p>Sesquiterpenes are gaseous hydrocarbons that are released by trees and other plants. While prior knowledge is extensive on sulphuric acid and both isoprene and monoterpene roles have been demystified, sesquiterpenes remained a rather untouched frontier in atmospheric studies. </p>



<p>"Sesquiterpenes have remained under the radar primarily due to their rapid reaction with ozone and their comparative rarity in the environment," said Dada.</p>



<p>Yet, Dada’s latest study, emphasizes the integral role sesquiterpenes play in cloud formation. Remarkably, at equivalent concentrations, they form particles at a rate ten times higher than their counterparts.</p>



<p>The CLOUD chamber at CERN, globally recognized as the purest of its kind, allowed for this discovery. This sealed environment simulates varied atmospheric conditions, granting researchers the capacity to study even the low sesquiterpene concentrations found in nature.</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-discovered">What the researchers discovered&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Dada’s team delved into mimicking biogenic particle formation from pre-industrial times, a period without anthropogenic sulphur dioxide emissions, providing a clearer picture of human-induced impacts on climate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The results were revealing. The oxidation of a natural blend of isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes led to the creation of Ultra-Low-Volatility Organic Compounds (ULVOCs). These compounds are adept at particle formation, which can eventually mature into condensation nuclei.</p>



<p>"A single sesquiterpene molecule comprises 15 carbon atoms, while monoterpenes have ten and isoprenes merely five," said Dada.</p>



<h2 id="h-significance-of-the-study">Significance of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This research does not only reveal another dimension by which flora influences meteorological patterns. It makes a compelling argument for the inclusion of sesquiterpenes in future climate modeling.</p>



<p>Given the reduction in atmospheric sulphur dioxide and the rise in biogenic emissions from climate stress, the research is increasingly significant.</p>



<p>“Next, we and our CLOUD partners want to investigate what exactly happened during industrialisation, when the natural atmosphere became increasingly mixed with anthropogenic gases such as sulphur dioxide, ammonia and other anthropogenic organic compounds," said Imad El Haddad, group leader at the Laboratory for Atmospheric Chemistry</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi5297"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



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Mysteries in the sky: How trees impact cloud formation

Recent breakthroughs at the international CLOUD project, based at the...

Comparing,Green,Earth,And,Effect,Of,Air,Pollution,From,Human

<p>In addition to their struggle with habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change, bees are now facing yet another threat – ozone pollution. A new study reveals that bees and other pollinators are having difficulty locating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/male-bees-create-perfume-from-flowers-to-attract-females/">flowers</a> due to air pollution's degradation of floral scents.</p>



<p>The extensive research involved a collaboration between the UK Centre for Ecology &amp; Hydrology (UKCEH) and several academic institutions including the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/index.aspx">University of Birmingham</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-ozone-pollution">Ozone pollution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the key findings was the significant impact of ozone on floral odor plumes. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-threatens-the-health-of-plants-and-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ozone</a> was found to reduce the size of these odor plumes and significantly alter their scent. </p>



<p>The most alarming revelation was the discovery that ozone pollution could reduce the ability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybee-pollination-produces-plant-offspring-vastly-inferior-to-plants-pollinated-by-other-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honeybees</a> to identify odors by up to 90 percent.</p>



<p>Ozone forms at ground level when nitrogen oxide emissions from vehicular and industrial sources interact with volatile organic compounds emitted by plants, catalyzed by sunlight.</p>



<p>“Our study provides robust evidence that the changes due to ground-level ozone on floral scent cause pollinators to struggle to carry out their crucial role in the natural environment also with implications for food security," said Professor Christian Pfrang, who was actively involved in the research.</p>



<h2 id="h-detrimental-impacts">Detrimental impacts</h2>



<p>With previous studies highlighting ozone's detrimental impact on plant growth and subsequent food production, this research further emphasizes the scale of the problem.</p>



<p>Dr. Ben Langford, an atmospheric scientist at UKCEH and the lead author of the study, pointed out that 75% of our food crops and nearly 90% of wild flowering plants depend, to some extent, upon animal pollination - particularly by insects.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Therefore, understanding what adversely affects pollination, and how, is essential to helping us preserve the critical services that we rely upon for production of food, textiles, biofuels and medicines, for example.”</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To measure the impact, the research team set up an experiment in a 30-meter wind tunnel at the <a href="https://www.surrey.ac.uk/">University of Surrey</a>. This allowed them observe changes in the size and structure of odor plumes in the presence of ozone.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts found that certain compounds in the scent plume decayed faster than others due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-depletion-in-the-arctic-leads-to-weather-anomalies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone</a>, leading to a significant change in the overall scent.</p>



<h2 id="h-floral-scents">Floral scents</h2>



<p>The role of floral scents is pivotal in the world of pollinators. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honeybees-have-surprising-abilities-to-maintain-their-nest-structure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honeybees</a>, for instance, associate the unique blend of chemical compounds in a flower’s scent with the nectar it provides. </p>



<p>This association assists them in locating the same species of flower in later searches. But, with ozone-modified scents, the research disclosed a worrying pattern.&nbsp;</p>



<p>At the center of scent plumes, only 52% of honeybees could recognize a scent from 6 meters away, dropping to 38% at 12 meters. Even more concerning, at the edges of these plumes, which decayed faster due to ozone, just 32% of the bees could identify the scent from 6 meters, and only 10% could do so from 12 meters.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Beyond the hunt for flowers, the research hints at potential disruptions in other odor-controlled behaviors of insects, such as mating.</p>



<p>This pivotal research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, which operates under UK Research and Innovation, and the findings are published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122336" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Pollution</em></a>.</p>



<p>“We know that air pollution has a detrimental effect on human health, biodiversity, and the climate, but now we can see how it prevents bees and other pollinating insects from carrying out their key job," said Professor Pfrang.</p>



<p>"This should act as a wake-up call to take action on air pollution and help safeguard food production and biodiversity for the future.“</p>



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Ozone pollution makes it difficult for bees to find flowers

In addition to their struggle with habitat loss, pesticides, and...

<p>For years, the mysterious nature of black holes has intrigued scientists and the general public alike. A new study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stad1925"><em>Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society</em></a> hints at the existence of multiple black holes nestled within the Hyades star cluster..</p>



<h2 id="h-hyades-star-cluster">Hyades star cluster&nbsp;</h2>



<p></p>



<p>This discovery is particularly striking because the Hyades cluster is the nearest open cluster to our solar system. If confirmed, this would mean that these are the closest black holes to our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-like-planets-may-be-more-common-than-we-ever-imagined/">planet</a> ever identified.</p>



<p>The study was an international collaboration led by Dr. Stefano Torniamenti of the University of Padua, Italy. Key contributors to the research also included Mark Gieles, an ICREA professor affiliated with both the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the <a href="https://web.ub.edu/en/web/ub/">University of Barcelona</a> (ICCUB) and the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), and Friedrich Anders from ICCUB-IEEC.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In 2015, scientists detected gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime caused by cataclysmic events like the merging of two black holes. These detections have shed light on low-mass black hole mergers, propelling the scientific community's interest.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To search for the presence of black holes in the Hyades cluster, the team employed intricate simulations. These digital replicas meticulously traced the trajectories and evolutionary paths of all stars within the Hyades, which is approximately 150 light-years or 45 parsecs away from our Sun.</p>



<p>This simulation was then compared with real-time data from the European Space Agency's Gaia satellite, which has revolutionized our understanding of the positions and velocities of stars in open clusters.</p>



<p>"Our simulations can only simultaneously match the mass and size of the Hyades if some black holes are present at the centre of the cluster today (or until recently)," said Dr. Torniamenti.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-what-the-researchers-learned">What the researchers learned&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The most plausible simulations suggest the presence of two to three black holes currently residing in the Hyades star cluster. At the same time, scenarios in which the black holes were ejected less than 150 million years ago (constituting the last quarter of the cluster's life) cannot be completely ruled out.</p>



<p>What's unequivocal is that the black holes originating from the Hyades cluster either inhabit it or reside in its close vicinity. This positioning makes them the closest known black holes to our Sun, overshadowing the prior nearest candidate, Gaia BH1, located a distant 480 parsecs away.</p>



<h2 id="h-study-implications">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Mark Gieles highlights the broader implications of their findings: "This observation helps us understand how the presence of black holes affects the evolution of star clusters and how star clusters in turn contribute to gravitational wave sources."&nbsp;</p>



<p></p>



<h2 id="h-what-is-a-black-hole">What is a black hole?</h2>



<p>A black hole is a region in space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. The boundary surrounding a black hole is called the event horizon. Once something crosses the event horizon, it is inexorably drawn into the black hole and cannot escape.</p>



<h2 id="h-how-are-black-holes-formed">How are black holes formed?</h2>



<p>Stellar black holes are formed when massive stars undergo gravitational collapse at the end of their life cycles. The core contracts and the outer layers are expelled, and the core's gravity increases, pulling everything into a small, infinitely dense point known as a singularity.</p>



<p>Supermassive black holes are found at the center of most galaxies, including our own Milky Way, have masses ranging from millions to billions of solar masses. Their formation process is still a topic of research, but they might result from the merging of several small black holes and the accretion of gas from their host galaxy.</p>



<p>Intermediate black holes are of a mass between stellar and supermassive black holes. Their formation is still a mystery.</p>



<p>Primordial black holes are theoretical entities that are thought to have formed soon after the Big Bang. They could have been created from the gravitational collapse of high-density regions in the early universe.</p>



<h2 id="h-key-features-of-black-holes">Key features of black holes</h2>



<h3 id="h-singularity">Singularity</h3>



<p>At the center of a black hole, gravity crushes all matter into an infinitely small, infinitely dense point.</p>



<h3 id="h-event-horizon">Event horizon</h3>



<p>Once something crosses this threshold, it can't escape the black hole's gravitational pull.</p>



<h3 id="h-accretion-disk">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>As matter gets drawn towards a black hole, it forms a spinning disk of gas and dust around the event horizon known as an accretion disk.</p>



<h3 id="h-jets">Jets</h3>



<p>Some black holes emit streams of particles at nearly the speed of light. These are known as relativistic jets.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: Jose Mtanous</em></p>



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Hyades star cluster may contain the closest black holes to Earth

For years, the mysterious nature of black holes has intrigued...

Happy,African,American,Young,Woman,With,Afro,Hair,Modern,Cafe

<p>Paper coffee cups may not be the environmentally friendly alternative to plastic cups that we hoped for. Researchers at the <a href="https://www.gu.se/en">University of Gothenburg</a> have found that these seemingly eco-friendly substitutes may be just as harmful as their plastic counterparts.</p>



<p>As distressing news continues to emerge about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unprecedented-increase-in-global-ocean-plastic-pollution-since-2005/">plastic pollution</a> contaminating every part of our planet, consumers are opting for what they believe to be more eco-friendly options.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A notable trend has been the growing preference for paper coffee cups. Many cafes have transitioned from plastic to paper cups, often served with paper lids. However, this well-intentioned switch might not be the ideal solution.</p>



<h2 id="h-studying-disposable-paper-cups">Studying disposable paper cups&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In a meticulously executed study, the Gothenburg team observed the effects of disposable cups made of various materials on butterfly mosquito larvae.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"We left paper cups and plastic cups in wet sediment and water for a few weeks and followed how the leached chemicals affected the larvae. All of the mugs negatively affected the growth of mosquito larvae,” noted study lead author Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth.</p>



<p>Given that paper on its own is neither fat nor water-resistant, it needs a surface coating to make it suitable for food packaging. This coating is a plastic layer designed to protect the paper from the contents it holds, like the piping hot coffee from your favorite café.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-paper-cups-have-toxins">Paper cups have toxins</h2>



<p>In recent times, this protective plastic film has been made from polylactide (PLA), a type of bioplastic commonly derived from renewable resources like corn, cassava, or sugarcane.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although it's frequently labeled as biodegradable – implying its ability to decompose faster than conventional oil-based plastics under ideal conditions – the study indicates that PLA can still have toxic implications.</p>



<p>Professor Carney Almroth points out the grave environmental challenge posed by bioplastics, which do not break down effectively when they end up in the environment, in water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"There may be a risk that the plastic remains in nature and resulting microplastics can be ingested by animals and humans, just as other plastics do. Bioplastics contain at least as many chemicals as conventional plastic."</p>



<h2 id="h-potential-health-hazard-of-paper-cups">Potential health hazard of paper cups</h2>



<p>But what about the direct health implications for humans? “Some chemicals in plastics are known to be toxic, others we lack knowledge about," said Carney Almroth.</p>



<p>"Paper packaging also presents a potential health hazard compared to other materials, and it’s becoming more common. We are exposed to the plastics and the associated chemicals via contact with food.”</p>



<h2 id="h-transformative-shifts-are-needed">Transformative shifts are needed</h2>



<p>The study authors emphasize the need for transformative shifts to address the ongoing environmental and health challenges posed by plastic pollution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When disposable products arrived on the market after the Second World War, large campaigns were conducted to teach people to throw the products away, it was unnatural to us! Now we need to shift back and move away from disposable lifestyles," said Carney Almroth.</p>



<p>"It is better if you bring your own mug when buying takeaway coffee. Or by all means, take a few minutes, sit down, and drink your coffee from a porcelain mug.”</p>



<p>On a global scale, discussions are currently in progress at the UN, aiming to negotiate a binding agreement to curb the proliferation of plastics both in our societies and the natural environment.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-phasing-out-problematic-plastics">Phasing out problematic plastics&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As a member of the <a href="https://ikhapp.org/scientistscoalition/">Scientists Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty</a> (SCEPT), Carney Almroth and her fellow scientists are supporting the cause by providing invaluable scientific insights into these negotiations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The coalition vehemently advocates for the phasing out of superfluous and problematic plastics. They also emphasize the importance of due diligence to ensure we aren’t simply replacing one detrimental product with another.</p>



<p>“We at SCEPT are calling for transparency requirements within the plastics industry that forces a clear reporting of what chemicals all products contain, much like in the pharmaceutical industry. But the main goal of our work is to minimize plastic production," said Carney Almroth.</p>



<h2>More about eco-friendly cups</h2>



<p>In today's fast-paced world, disposable cups have become an everyday convenience for many. But with concerns about environmental degradation rising, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives has surged. Eco-friendly cups, crafted from sustainable materials and designed for minimal environmental impact, have emerged as a frontrunner in this green revolution.</p>



<h3>Materials matter</h3>



<p>Eco-friendly cups typically come from renewable resources. Manufacturers make these cups from materials like bamboo, paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, or even bioplastics derived from plants. Unlike conventional plastic cups, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, eco-friendly materials break down much faster, reducing the strain on our landfills.</p>



<h3>Less carbon footprint</h3>



<p>Producing conventional plastic cups emits significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. In contrast, eco-friendly cups often have a smaller carbon footprint. For instance, bamboo grows rapidly, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, which offsets the emissions from manufacturing products made from it.</p>



<h3>No harmful chemicals</h3>



<p>Many plastic cups contain chemicals like BPA, which can leach into beverages and pose health risks. Eco-friendly cups, on the other hand, steer clear of such harmful additives. By choosing these, consumers can enjoy their drinks without worrying about ingesting toxic chemicals.</p>



<h3>Reusability and recyclability</h3>



<p>While many eco-friendly cups are disposable, an increasing number now come as reusable options. Materials like stainless steel and glass make for durable, long-lasting cups. And when these eco-cups have reached the end of their lifespan, many can be easily recycled, further reducing waste.</p>



<h3>Supporting sustainable industries</h3>



<p>By purchasing eco-friendly cups, consumers support industries committed to sustainable practices. This demand can shift market dynamics, encouraging more companies to adopt eco-friendly strategies.</p>



<p>In summary, the shift towards eco-friendly cups isn't just a trend, it's a necessary step towards creating a sustainable future. By making the switch, consumers can enjoy their favorite beverages guilt-free, knowing they're making a difference. As more people adopt these green alternatives, the positive impact on our planet will only continue to grow.</p>



<p>The research is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121836" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Environmental Pollution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Paper coffee cups are not so eco-friendly after all

Paper coffee cups may not be the environmentally friendly alternative...

The,Earth,As,Seen,From,The,Surface,Of,The,Moon

<p>A recent study exploring the Earth’s ancient association with the moon has revealed that days on our planet are gradually getting longer, largely due to changes in the distance between the Earth and the moon.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-shorter-days-of-the-past">Shorter days of the past</h2>



<p>According to the experts, about 1.4 billion years in the past, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-full-day-on-earth-lasted-just-19-hours-for-about-one-billion-years/">day on Earth</a> lasted just over 18 hours, a phenomenon caused by the moon’s closer proximity, which influenced Earth’s rotational behavior.</p>



<p>“As the moon moves away, the Earth is like a spinning figure skater who slows down as they stretch their arms out,” explained study co-author Stephen Meyers, a professor of Geoscience at the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a>.</p>



<h2 id="h-astrochronology">Astrochronology&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To help them understand and describe this peculiar phenomenon, the researchers developed a statistical technique bridging astronomical theories and geological findings, called astrochronology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This method offers insights into Earth’s ancient geology, solar system evolution, and old climate transitions captured in rock formations.</p>



<p>“One of our ambitions was to use astrochronology to tell time in the most distant past, to develop very ancient geological time scales. We want to be able to study rocks that are billions of years old in a way that is comparable to how we study modern geologic processes,” Meyers said.</p>



<h2 id="h-milankovitch-cycles">Milankovitch cycles&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The gravitational pull from other celestial bodies, such as the planets and the moon, impacts Earth’s movement in space, resulting in variations in our planet’s axial rotation, wobble, and solar orbit.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These shifts, known as <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2948/milankovitch-orbital-cycles-and-their-role-in-earths-climate/">Milankovitch cycles</a>, play a role in sunlight distribution on Earth and consequently, our climate patterns, which can be observed in the rock record, spanning hundreds of millions of years.</p>



<h2 id="h-solar-system-chaos">Solar system chaos&nbsp;</h2>



<p>However, diving deeper into billions of years of Earth’s history presents significant challenges. While traditional methods such as radioisotope dating lack the precision needed to identify these cycles, limited knowledge about the moon’s history and the concept of solar system chaos - first introduced by Jacques Laskar in 1989 - further complicates matters.</p>



<p>The solar system, with its myriad components including planets circling the sun, is susceptible to solar system chaos, meaning that even minor initial variations can lead to significant alterations millions of years later, a phenomenon posing major challenges to understanding long-term changes.</p>



<p>However, in 2022, Meyers and his colleagues managed to crack the code on this chaotic solar system in an examination of sediments from a 90 million-year-old rock formation which captured the Earth’s climate cycles.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-projecting-backward">Projecting backward&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Yet, the further back in the rock record scientists are trying to go, the less reliable their findings tend to be.</p>



<p>For instance, the moon is now moving away from the Earth at a rate of 3.82 centimeters annually.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Meyers, using this current rate and projecting backward, it follows that “beyond about 1.5 billion years ago, the moon would have been close enough that its gravitational interactions with the Earth would have ripped the moon apart.” However, this contradicts the known age of the moon, which is 4.5 billion years.</p>



<h2 id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To solve this puzzle, Meyers aimed to accurately track the movements of our neighboring planets billions of years back to fathom their effects on Earth and its Milankovitch cycles. He presented this dilemma at Columbia University’s <a href="https://lamont.columbia.edu/">Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory</a> during his sabbatical in 2016.</p>



<p>Alberto Malinverno, a researcher at Columbia and co-author of the recent study, was present. “I was sitting there when I said to myself, ‘I think I know how to do it! Let’s get together!’” he recounted. “It was exciting because, in a way, you dream of this all the time; it was a solution looking for a problem.”</p>



<h2 id="h-how-the-research-was-conducted">How the research was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



<p>During their collaboration, they combined a statistical approach Meyers devised in 2015, termed TimeOpt, with astronomical theories, geologic insights, and a refined statistical method called Bayesian inversion, to help them understand system uncertainties.</p>



<p>Testing their new method, named <a href="https://search.r-project.org/CRAN/refmans/astrochron/html/timeOptMCMC.html">TimeOptMCMC</a>, they examined two rock strata: the 1.4 billion-year-old Xiamaling Formation in Northern China and a 55 million-year-old segment from the Walvis Ridge in the southern Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 id="h-reliable-evaluations">Reliable evaluations&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This technique allowed for reliable evaluations of Earth’s rotational axis direction and orbital shape from both recent and ancient times, and factored in uncertainties, while also helping them pinpoint the day’s length and the gap between Earth and the moon.</p>



<p>“In the future, we want to expand the work into different intervals of geologic time,” Malinverno said.</p>



<p>Two other studies have also employed rock records and Milankovitch cycles to decode Earth’s history and behavior. One team at Lamont-Doherty authenticated Earth’s orbital fluctuations using an Arizonian rock formation. Another collaborative effort involving Meyers studied marine organisms’ evolution and extinction cycles, tracing back 450 million years.</p>



<p>“The geologic record is an astronomical observatory for the early solar system. We are observing its consistent rhythm, preserved in rocks and life’s history,” Meyers concluded.</p>



<h2>More about the moon's impact on Earth</h2>



<p>The Moon, Earth's only natural satellite, has long captured our imagination. But beyond its romantic allure, the Moon actively shapes our world in a myriad of tangible ways.</p>



<h3>Tidal Forces: The Ebb and Flow</h3>



<p>First and foremost, the Moon affects Earth's oceans through gravitational forces. As the Moon orbits our planet, its gravitational pull tugs at the Earth's water, leading to the phenomenon we recognize as tides. </p>



<p>The water bulges toward the Moon, creating high tides on the side facing the Moon and, due to centrifugal forces from Earth's rotation, on the opposite side as well. Consequently, locations between these bulges experience low tides. The tides rise and fall twice a day in most coastal areas due to this intricate dance between the Earth and the Moon.</p>



<h3>Stabilizing Earth's Wobble</h3>



<p>The Moon also plays a pivotal role in stabilizing Earth's axial tilt. Earth's axis tilts at an angle, which gives us our seasons. Without the Moon's gravitational influence, Earth might experience dramatic variations in its axial tilt, causing extreme and unpredictable changes in climate. </p>



<p>The Moon's presence ensures our planet's tilt remains relatively constant at around 23.5 degrees, providing a stable climate that has been crucial for the development and survival of life.</p>



<h3>Lunar Eclipses: Shadows in the Sky</h3>



<p>The relationship between the Earth and Moon also provides a visual spectacle: lunar eclipses. These occur when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon's surface. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth's umbra (central shadow) covers the Moon, often giving it a reddish hue due to the Earth's atmosphere bending sunlight and indirectly illuminating the Moon.</p>



<h3>Impact on Earth's Length of Day</h3>



<p>As mentioned in this article, the Moon's gravitational pull also causes a slight braking effect on Earth's rotation. This effect, known as tidal friction, results in a gradual lengthening of our day. Over millions of years, the Earth's rotation has been slowing down, and days have been getting longer, albeit at a very gradual pace.</p>



<p>In summary, the Moon does more than just light up our night skies. It shapes the rhythms of our oceans, stabilizes our climate, showcases celestial phenomena, and even impacts the length of our days. In this delicate cosmic balance, the Moon remains an influential and essential partner to Earth.</p>



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



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Our days are getting longer as the moon slowly drifts away from the Earth

A recent study exploring the Earth’s ancient association with the...

<p>Deep beneath the waves off the coast of Alaska, an exploration team embarking on the <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/explorations/seascape-alaska/welcome.html">Seascape Alaska 5 expedition</a> encountered a mystery.&nbsp;While guiding a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) along the ocean floor, they noticed a shining golden object. </p>



<p>This unexplained discovery has stunned scientists, presenting more questions than answers.</p>



<h2 id="h-oceanic-wonders">Oceanic wonders&nbsp;</h2>



<p>It’s often stated that our understanding of the Moon's surface surpasses our knowledge of our own ocean. This bizarre "golden egg" can now be added to the list of oceanic wonders that include the eerie yellow-brick roads and peculiar creatures of the Mariana Trench.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As researchers pilot their equipment thousands of meters below the sea level, every dive has the potential to unveil secrets that we cannot yet comprehend.</p>



<h2 id="h-inspecting-the-object">Inspecting the object</h2>



<p>The golden object - located two miles deep and firmly attached to a rocky base - wasn't just a solid piece. It was found with a gaping hole in the front, prompting a researcher (as captured in the live feed broadcasted by the Miami Herald) to remark, “Something tried to get in… or to get out.”</p>



<p>The task of closely inspecting this orb fell upon a robotic arm. The ROV’s capabilities went beyond mere inspection: it delicately vacuumed a series of peculiar discs from a sea wall. This highlights the advanced capabilities that scientists now have to interact with deep-sea environments.</p>



<p>One of the expedition members humorously noted the surrealness of the situation: “I just hope when we poke it, something doesn’t decide to come out.”</p>



<h2 id="h-leading-theories">Leading theories</h2>



<p>Currently, the leading theories surrounding the golden object mystery range from it being an unusually reflective egg casing to the remnants of an unknown species of sponge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, no consensus has been reached. It was fortunate that the ROV managed to secure the specimen for further analysis.</p>



<p>One thing is for certain - this discovery is genuinely odd. “When our collective knowledge can’t identify it, it’s something weird," said a team member.</p>



<h2 id="h-potentially-a-new-species">Potentially a new species</h2>



<p>Dr. Tammy Horton at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton said the golden object is potentially a new species.</p>



<p>"It is not unusual to find unknowns in the deep sea – we have a lot to explore," Dr. Horton told MailOnline</p>



<p>"They have a sample and will be able to study it more closely and will probably do some genetic analyses to determine at least what sort of animal it came from."</p>



<h2 id="h-the-sponge-theory">The sponge theory</h2>



<p>Dr. Lucy Woodall, a professor at the University of Exeter, agreed with the idea that the golden object may be a type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-sponges-play-a-critical-role-in-the-ocean-and-they-are-rapidly-vanishing/">sponge</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The hole is probably just damage that has been suffered over time, but then again it could provide a whole new insight as to how life in the deep sea survives and thrives," Dr. Woodall told MailOnline.</p>



<p>"However the deep sea is full of wonders that we are only just discovering. I look forward to learning more about it from the taxonomists who will be working on the collected specimen."</p>



<h2 id="h-seascape-alaska-5-expedition">Seascape Alaska 5 expedition</h2>



<p>The Seascape Alaska 5 expedition, which began on August 23, has been navigating from Kodiak to Seward, Alaska. Their mission focuses on exploring marine environments deeper than 200 meters (656 feet), reaching depths up to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet).&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to NOAA, the objective is to explore deep-sea coral and sponge habitats, fish habitats, chemosynthetic communities, and the water column and to improve knowledge of past and potential geohazards.</p>



<p>And the most exciting part of this grand oceanic journey? Thanks to cutting-edge telepresence technology, this expedition is not limited to scientists and crew members.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Anyone with internet access can <a href="https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/explorations/seascape-alaska/">join virtually</a>, witnessing and listening to the ongoing dives, making the deep mysteries of the ocean more accessible to all.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA Ocean Exploration</a>&nbsp;</em></p>



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Mysterious golden object unknown to science is recovered from the seafloor

Deep beneath the waves off the coast of Alaska, an...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



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Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



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



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



<p>Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery">The discovery</h2>



<p>Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.</p>



<p>Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



<p>The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.</p>



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What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



<p>Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



<p>The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-monitoring-networks">Scientific monitoring networks</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.</p>



<p>The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



<p>This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.</p>



<p>The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.</p>



<p>The full study was recently published in <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



<p>Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



<p>A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.</p>



<p>Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.</p>



<p>Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents".  In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively.   MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.</p>



<p>MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization.  The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



<p>Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.</p>



<p>Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



<p>The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



<p>Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.</p>



<p>This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



<p>The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.</p>



<p>PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



<p>AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.</p>



<p>In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



<p>The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.</p>



<p>As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.</p>



<p>The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.</p>



<p>For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.</p>



<p>The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p>MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a></p>



<p>Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a></p>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



<p>The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



<p>Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.</p>



<p>The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-food-security">Implications for global food security</h2>



<p>The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



<p>While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



<p>As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



<p>-----</p>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

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<p>A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. </p>



<p>Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. </p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. </p>



<p>Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. </p>



<p>The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.</p>



<p>Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.</p>



<p>Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.</p>



<p>This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. </p>



<p>The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. </p>



<p>"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."</p>



<p>"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.</p>



<p>"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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<p>Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.</p>



<p>According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."</p>



<p>Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. </p>



<p>Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> </em>Staff Writer </p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.</p>



<p>"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

[sendtonews key="f8fukm28Vz-2491833-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.</p>



<p>In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.</p>



<p>The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.</p>



<p>The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.</p>



<p>The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. </p>



<p>Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.</p>



<p>Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.</p>



<p>From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

[sendtonews key="3UUsNkFOuS-2487333-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how  Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.</p>



<p>According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

[sendtonews key="JbW4VsY53O-1632195-12187" type="single"] Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected...

<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.</p>



<p>“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.</p>



<p>The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.</p>



<p>“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.</p>



<p>"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.</p>



<p>"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."</p>



<p>"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."</p>



<p>According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.</p>



<p>"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

[sendtonews key="qARzJPSabQ-2270617-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.</p>



<p>Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.</p>



<p>In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.</p>



<p>Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. </p>



<p>According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.</p>



<p>"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.</p>



<p>"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."</p>



<p>Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.</p>



<p>The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.</p>



<p>"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.</p>



<p>"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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