New research reveals that Arctic greening is offset by declining tropical productivity due to water limitations. Global carbon absorption has been canceled out as warming temperatures and droughts reduce plant growth near the equator.
Scientists found that 86% of land ecosystems globally are becoming progressively less efficient at absorbing CO2 as atmospheric levels increase. This decline, known as the CO2 fertilization effect, is caused by limitations in water and nutrient availability, potentially weakening plants' ability to mitigate climate change.
The five-layer sunshield of the James Webb Space Telescope has completed a final series of large-scale deployment and tensioning tests, putting the observatory one step closer to its launch. The sunshield protects the telescope from heat and light, maintaining an extremely cold temperature for groundbreaking science in infrared light.
Scientists analyzed 141 outlet glaciers on the Greenland Ice Sheet to predict how far thinning may spread along their flow lines. Glaciers flowing over gentle slopes could have a greater impact on sea-level rise due to their ability to let thinning expand hundreds of kilometers inland.
Astronomers observing a dark vortex on Neptune noticed it change direction by August 2020, doubling back to the north. A smaller dark spot, possibly a fragment of the giant vortex, was also spotted near its larger cousin in January this year.
Researchers predicted the corona's appearance using NASA data, but the actual appearance was hazier and calmer than expected due to changes in the Sun's magnetic field. The team made adjustments for the Sun's increasing activity, which affects space weather.
Astronomers have measured the motion of a massive Jupiter-like planet in an unlikely orbit around a double star, sparking questions about its formation and evolution. The discovery offers evidence that such oddball orbits are possible and may hold clues to the mysterious Planet Nine in our solar system.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant environmental changes globally, with reduced deforestation rates in some areas and improved air and water quality. Researchers found that the timing of these changes suggests a possible link between the pandemic and environmental impacts.
The Stingray nebula has faded precipitously over the past two decades due to a temperature drop in its central star, SAO 244567. Researchers have observed unprecedented changes in the nebula's structure and brightness, with the oxygen emission dropping by nearly 1,000 times between 1996 and 2016.
A cohort of NASA interns developed network protocols for Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), enabling flexible communication in space and remote areas. DTN will revolutionize space communications, empowering NASA to establish a sustained presence on the Moon.
Astronomers detected near-infrared emission 10 times brighter than predicted, challenging conventional theories of short gamma-ray bursts. The observations suggest the possibility of a massive magnetar being formed after the merger of two neutron stars.
Researchers used computer models to analyze COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in human activity and its impact on air pollution. The study found that global nitrogen dioxide concentrations decreased by nearly 20%, with significant reductions observed in 50 of the analyzed cities, including Wuhan, China, Milan, and New York.
Researchers investigate the purple and green emissions of STEVE, discovering tiny streaks that could be moving points of light. The findings suggest the green features are caused by turbulence in plasma at high altitudes.
Researchers found that Martian water vapor is transported to high altitudes during warmer seasons, where it's easily destroyed by electrically charged gas particles. The phenomenon contributes to Mars' loss of a global ocean of water over billions of years.
A study using NASA satellite imagery reveals a landslide-generated tsunami threat in Barry Arm, Alaska, which could affect the surrounding area within the next 20 years. The glacier's rapid retreat has caused the terrain to become unstable, leading to a potential 3,000-foot landslide into the fjord below.
The ULLYSES program aims to create a comprehensive dataset for understanding star formation and its impact on planet habitability. The Hubble Space Telescope will observe over 300 stars across eight regions, capturing their spectral templates to inform research on stellar evolution and planetary chemistry.
A supermagnetized stellar remnant, magnetar SGR 1935+2154 produced a mix of X-ray and radio signals, including the first fast radio burst (FRB) observed from within our Milky Way galaxy. The event suggests that magnetars in other galaxies may produce similar signals.
The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from the surface of asteroid Bennu, with the sampling head touching down within three feet of the targeted location. The majority of sample collection occurred within the first 3 seconds, and the spacecraft spent approximately 5 of the 6 seconds of contact collecting surface material.
Scientists mapped the location and size of over 1.8 billion trees using powerful supercomputers and machine learning algorithms, discovering billions of trees in arid regions. The study provides vital information for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists, including accurate counts of trees and their carbon storage potential.
NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strong winds and wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Nangka as it pushed inland, leading to weakening of the storm's circulation. The storm was forecast to move further inland and dissipate over mountainous terrain in northwest Vietnam and northern Laos.
Norbert regained tropical storm strength on Oct. 13, with estimated rainfall rates of up to 30mm/hour near its center. NASA's IMERG satellite product estimated rainfalls ranging from 5-15mm/hour throughout the storm.
Tropical Storm Nangka generated up to 30 mm of rain per hour around its center, while fragmented bands experienced rates between 5-15 mm/hour. The storm is forecast to strengthen in the Gulf of Tonkin before weakening as it moves towards Vietnam.
Tropical Storm Delta made landfall in Louisiana, weakening to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 25 mph. The NASA Terra satellite captured visible imagery of the storm's organization, which was compiled into an animation showing its landfall and movement.
Hurricane Delta is expected to produce significant flash, urban, and small stream flooding in Louisiana, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches. NASA's satellite rainfall product estimated rainfall rates around the center of circulation as high as 50 mm per hour.
Typhoon Chan-hom's heaviest rainfall was pushed northeast of its center due to wind shear. Rainfall rates reached 30 mm/hour just north of the center.
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 1365, showcasing hundreds of baby stars and dusty sites of future stellar nurseries. The PHANGS survey, conducted jointly with ALMA in Chile, aims to understand how galaxy environments influence star formation.
Hurricane Delta showed enhanced convection near its center, but was obscured by a central dense overcast. The storm strengthened with maximum sustained winds reaching near 105 mph, and NASA provides data to tropical cyclone meteorologists for forecast purposes.
NASA's Aqua satellite gathered water vapor data on Hurricane Delta, revealing highest concentrations of water vapor and coldest cloud top temperatures around the center of circulation. The storm is expected to produce heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the northern Yucatan Peninsula.
Dry air is eroding Tropical Storm Norbert's strength by suppressing the development of thunderstorms that need warm, moist air to form. The storm has weakened due to entrainment of dry air, disrupting its compact system and limiting its ability to strengthen.
Typhoon Chan-hom is generating heavy rainfall with rates of up to 30 mm/h in its ragged eyewall. The storm is expected to bring significant rain to Japan, with warnings issued for the southernmost big island.
Tropical Depression 19E formed into Tropical Storm Norbert, while Marie weakened and declined. Norbert is moving northwestward with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph, while Marie will become a remnant low-pressure area within 48 hours.
Tropical Storm Chan-hom is consolidating, indicating a strengthening trend, according to NASA's infrared data. The AIRS instrument captured cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms with heavy rain potential.
Hurricane Delta's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The storm is expected to produce significant flash flooding and mudslides across the northern Yucatan Peninsula and western Cuba.
The August Complex of fires has grown to over 1,000,000 acres burned, making it the largest fire in California's history. The complex is 58% contained and poses a significant threat to structures in several areas, including Hidden Valley and Wildwood.
Tropical Storm Chan-hom's visible image revealed an exposed low-level circulation center, while bands of thunderstorms wrapped into the partially exposed center. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next three days, potentially developing a more circular shape.
Infrared light analysis from NASA's Aqua satellite shows wind shear pushing Marie's strongest storms east of the center, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to weaken and degenerate into a remnant low by Tuesday night.
Tropical Storm Gamma brought heavy rainfall to Yucatan Peninsula, making landfall near Tulum on Oct. 3. The storm was closely monitored due to its close proximity to hurricane strength at landfall.
Tropical cyclones exhibit non-uniform strength, with stronger sides extending higher into the troposphere. NASA's AIRS instrument captured cloud top temperatures of -63°F, indicating a strong storm capable of heavy rain. The storm's structure has improved since Sunday, with deep convection and a more circular shape.
Heavy rainfall was found to be occurring around the compact eye of Major Hurricane Marie, with NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimating rainfall rates ranging from 3-20mm/hour. The satellite data provides valuable insights into the storm's intensity and helps improve hurricane forecasting.
Hurricane Marie is rapidly growing stronger and more powerful, with cloud top temperatures reaching as low as -80°F. The National Hurricane Center expects Marie to become a major hurricane late on Oct. 1, with rapid strengthening forecasted.
Hubble observed SN 2018gv in February 2018 to precisely measure the universe's expansion rate. The supernova serves as a 'milepost marker' to calculate galaxy distances and fundamental values needed for measuring space expansion.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible images of Typhoon Kujira transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, highlighting the effects of strong wind shear. The storm's center of circulation was surrounded by wispy clouds, while powerful southwesterly vertical wind shear pushed clouds and showers northeast of the center.
Tropical Storm Marie is generating heavy rainfall, with estimated rates of 30-40 mm/h near its center. The storm's structure has been improving, and NASA satellite data suggests rapid intensification is likely.
Infrared data from NASA's Terra satellite revealed Typhoon Kujira's strongest storms and coldest cloud top temperatures, indicating potential heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 65 knots on Sept. 29.
Tropical Storm Kujira's strongest storms were located near its center and in a band of thunderstorms on the western side, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. NASA analyzed infrared imagery to determine the storm's strength and predict its potential for heavy rain.
NASA's Aqua satellite detected infrared data showing westerly vertical wind shear pushing strongest storms east of Tropical Storm Lowell's center, indicating wind shear. The storm's convection and distance from the center were on the margins of organized deep convection.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Beta is covered in clouds stretching from Mississippi to the Carolinas, according to NASA imagery. The storm was moving slowly northeast and had decreased in pressure and wind fields by September 25.
Post-tropical cyclone Teddy was located near latitude 51.0 degrees north and longitude 57.3 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a central pressure of 975 millibars. The storm moved closer to the northwestern Newfoundland coast overnight before merging with an extratropical low-pressure area.
Tropical Storm Lowell was impacted by moderate northwesterly wind shear, weakening its circulation and causing it to spin more slowly. The storm maintained strength with deep convection bands located east of the exposed center.
NASA estimated Post-tropical Cyclone Beta's rainfall rates as it moved over Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, with heavy rainfall across the region expected. The storm is generating rain at a rate of 10-15 mm per hour over Alabama, while lighter rainfall rates occurred over Mississippi and Tennessee.