Research on Earth's systems and resources. Covers green energy, ocean oxygen and metal deposits, lunar exploration, and geothermal power.
New ESO observations have reduced the likelihood of a 2024 YR4 asteroid impact on Earth in 2032 to nearly zero. The asteroid's orbit was closely monitored with multiple telescopes, and precise measurements were made using ESO's VLT, allowing astronomers to constrain its orbit and rule out an impact.
A USC study has found a drastic increase in building collapses in Alexandria, Egypt, due to rising sea levels and seawater intrusion. The researchers used a three-pronged approach to assess the impact of shoreline changes on the city's buildings.
A team of scientists found that Earth's current ice-covered state is not typical for the planet's history and was only achieved through a lucky coincidence. The researchers concluded that no single process could drive these cold climates, and that multiple processes working together were necessary.
The release of a unique Type Ia Supernovae dataset has significant implications for cosmologists measuring the universe's expansion history. The dataset, comprising 3628 supernovae, provides unprecedented precision and accuracy in exploring the properties of these events.
Researchers at Penn State suggest that human-like life is the natural evolutionary outcome for planets like Earth, with conditions becoming hospitable to complex life over time. This new model shifts the focus from improbable events to the interplay between life and environment, opening up exciting new avenues of research.
Astronomers at Brown University have created a new method to pinpoint and filter out unwanted radio frequencies, crucial for preserving high-quality observations in the face of increasing satellite activity. By combining near-field corrections and beamforming techniques, researchers successfully tracked an airplane transmitting a telev...
A new study from USC scientists has found that the near surface of the Earth's inner core may undergo viscous deformation, changing its shape and shifting at the inner core's shallow boundary. This discovery sheds light on the role topographical activity plays in rotational changes in the inner core.
A new study simulates a medium-sized asteroid collision with Earth, revealing dramatic disruptions in climate, atmospheric chemistry, and global photosynthesis. However, ocean plankton growth surprisingly recovers quickly and even increases after the impact, potentially alleviating emerging food insecurity.
A new study reveals that first-generation planetesimals in the inner solar system were rich in moderately volatile elements, which were later lost during violent cosmic collisions. This discovery reshapes our understanding of how planets acquired their ingredients.
Researchers found that radio signals, such as planetary radar emissions, are the most detectable technosignatures, visible from up to 12,000 light-years away. Atmospheric technosignatures like nitrogen dioxide emissions can be detected from 5.7 light-years away with the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory.
Researchers developed a new algorithm that combines fibre optic data with traditional seismometer measurements to improve earthquake detection. The approach works well even in noisy environments and can be applied to any fibre network, enabling more detailed and effective seismic monitoring networks.
A new study by scientists at the University of Rochester suggests that atmospheric wind has a surprising impact on ocean eddies, which are circular currents of water about 100 kilometers wide. The research reveals that wind can both energize and dampen eddies, depending on their spin direction.
A new study reveals that India's successful tiger recovery is driven by factors such as protection, prey availability, peace, and prosperity. The country has managed to double its tiger population since 2010, thanks in part to the establishment of protected areas and conservation efforts.
Researchers gained insight into the early history of the solar system through well-preserved asteroid samples. The analysis revealed a variety of salts, including sodium carbonates, phosphates, sulphates, and chlorides, which formed from evaporation of brines. These findings may provide clues about the presence of life on distant icy b...
Scientists have discovered complex structures and compounds in asteroid Bennu samples that suggest extraterrestrial brines played a crucial role in the development of organic compounds. The findings indicate that similar brines may still exist on other asteroids and dwarf planets, holding secrets to understanding life's origins.
The study analyzed material from asteroid Bennu, finding evidence of building blocks of life, water, and energy. The team also discovered evaporites, which have been found on Earth in dried-out salt lakes, providing insights into the asteroid's formation.
A three-year project aims to proactively ensure circularity of solar panels by providing solutions to barriers throughout the supply chain. The team will develop reverse logistics models and next-generation data-driven supply chains for recycling solar panels and reusing critical materials like silicon and silver.
Dale Gary, a distinguished professor of physics at NJIT's Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research, has been named an American Astronomical Society Fellow. He is recognized for his national and international leadership in solar radio engineering and physics, advancing our understanding of solar energetic processes.
Researchers have developed a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizer production by harnessing the Earth's natural heat and forces to cook up ammonia. The new recipe uses iron-rich rocks and nitrogen-laced water, producing about 1.8 kg of ammonia per ton of olivine, with no energy input or CO2 emission.
Researchers found that heart muscle cells can grow and survive in microgravity, suggesting a new approach to regenerating damaged hearts. The study uses cardiac spheroids to mimic the human heart structure and function, leading to increased survival rates and potential for improved cell therapy.
Researchers from Göttingen University and Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research discovered the Moon formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle. The findings support the idea that water reached Earth early in its development, contrary to the prevailing assumption of late impacts.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire developed an AI-powered algorithm to categorize over 706 million aurora images from NASA's THEMIS data set. This labeled database can help scientists better understand and forecast geomagnetic storms that disrupt vital communications and security infrastructure.
Experts propose an 18th SDG to protect Earth's orbit from accumulating debris, citing the need for global consensus and mechanisms for enforcement. The proposal builds on earlier calls for a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the planet's orbital environment.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute propose a new model for the formation of Pluto and Charon, suggesting they may have originated from a giant collision similar to the Earth-Moon system. The scenario supports Pluto's active geology and possible subsurface ocean, with implications for the Kuiper Belt.
A Yale-led study suggests that elevated marine iodine concentrations prevented a protective ozone shield from forming in the Earth's atmosphere, delaying the emergence of complex life on land. This delay led to unstable and low ozone levels persisting for hundreds of millions of years, exposing the planet to high fluxes of solar UVR.
Researchers propose using Exo-AUVs to detect life on Icy Worlds like Europa by identifying micro-zones with high biological potential. The strategy guides the Exo-AUV to collect diverse robust biosignatures and potentially detect extant life in various dimensions.
Researchers discovered a diversity of novel hydrothermal vent styles on the Arctic Ocean floor, including metal-poor hydrogen- and methane-enriched fluids. This expansion has significant implications for understanding the origin of these vents and assessing their global-scale impact on the ocean and Earth system.
Researchers have created the first-ever meridional profile of Mars' radiant energy budget, showing a polar energy surplus and a tropical energy deficit. This discovery provides critical insights into Martian weather patterns and climate evolution.
Researchers have refined the timing and duration of Ocean Anoxic Event 1a, an extreme environmental disruption that caused significant extinction among plankton. The study determined OAE 1a lasted for just over 1.1 million years, providing valuable insights into Earth's climate and ocean system.
The development of magnetometers by Southwest Research Institute will measure the interplanetary magnetic field carried by the solar wind and provide critical data for NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. The instruments will help mitigate space weather impacts on electrical power grids, satellite communication, and navigation systems.
A new simulation method has been introduced to investigate the Earth's core, revealing significant effects of magnetism on material properties. The approach combines molecular dynamics and spin dynamics, using machine learning to determine force fields with high precision.
A new study warns that human civilization is poised for a significant transformation as industrial civilization declines, giving rise to a postmaterialist, clean energy-based system. Rising authoritarianism poses a threat to this transition.
A new detection method has been used to identify over 100 small asteroids in the main asteroid belt, ranging from bus-sized to stadium-wide. This breakthrough could aid in tracking potential asteroid impactors and provide insights into meteorite origins.
The Antarctic Canyon Experiment (ACE) aims to assess the causes and effects of turbidity currents, also known as underwater avalanches, in the Southern Ocean. Researchers hope to develop a better understanding of Antarctica's role in regulating Earth's climate and mitigating carbon emissions.
Researchers propose that small black holes born in the early universe could have left behind hollow planetoids and microscopic tunnels, potentially detectable with telescopes or by monitoring old materials. The study suggests a low probability of primordial black hole passage but emphasizes the potential for discovery.
Researchers criticize the Digital Twin of Earth concept, highlighting the discrepancy between scientific models and reality. New computer models require new methods for appropriate data analysis and interpretation to ensure accurate knowledge and results.
The report charts a course correction for how the world grows food and uses land, highlighting the central role of land in maintaining Earth's stability. Land degradation is undermining the planet's capacity to support humanity, with seven out of nine planetary boundaries negatively impacted by unsustainable land use.
Researchers at Curtin University found that the Ninetyeast Ridge, the Earth's longest straight underwater mountain chain, formed as a massive volcanic chain between 83 and 43 million years ago. High-precision dating revealed that the hotspot responsible for the ridge moved by several hundred kilometres within the mantle over time.
A new AI tool generates realistic satellite images of future flooding, which can help communities visualize and prepare for approaching storms. The method combines a generative artificial intelligence model with a physics-based flood model, producing more accurate and realistic images than an AI-only approach.
Researchers found that confined environments influence sense of smell, while VR simulations evoke stronger emotions and aroma perceptions. The study aims to improve diets for isolated individuals by personalizing aromas.
Researchers found charcoal and pollen in ancient mud from the Bass Strait islands, indicating that early Aboriginal Tasmanians used fire to clear forests and create open spaces for subsistence and cultural activities. This discovery provides insight into how humans have shaped their environment for tens of thousands of years.
A team of researchers has discovered diverse microbial communities in the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth. They developed a new method to separate extracellular and intracellular genetic material, allowing for better insights into microbial life in low-biomass environments.
A new study from the University of Colorado at Boulder has uncovered strong evidence for a global 'Snowball Earth' event, where massive glaciers covered the entire planet down to the equator hundreds of millions of years ago. The findings provide critical insights into the planet's geologic history and the emergence of life on Earth.
Scientists analyzed particles from asteroid Ryugu, revealing a weak magnetic field that likely pulled matter inward to form the outer planetary bodies. The team estimates that such a low-grade field intensity would have been enough to play a role in giant planet formation, from Jupiter to Neptune.
A groundbreaking study led by Virginia Tech provides the first direct geochemical evidence of a massive, rapid melting period on Earth after the last global ice age. The researchers analyzed lithium isotopes in carbonate rocks formed during this time and found strong evidence for freshwater meltwater interacting with the ocean.
Dr. James Walker has received the Distinguished Scientist Award for his significant contributions to hypervelocity impact science and penetration modeling. His research applications include body armor, ground vehicle armor, and shielding against orbital debris.
Researchers have derived a new formula to estimate the maximum occurrence rate of Earth-like habitats (EHs) in the galaxy, concluding that these habitats are relatively rare. The investigation suggests that the probability of extraterrestrial intelligence is significantly rarer still.
A computer modeling study found that glacial isostatic adjustment caused downward movements in the eastern US, while upward movements occurred in eastern Canada, contributing to relative sea-level rise. The research will help generate maps for aquifer management and inform decisions on sea-level rise impacts.
Researchers have deployed a buoy off the coast of Perth to measure algae levels and improve satellite data accuracy for NASA's PACE mission. The project aims to study the impact of phytoplankton on ocean health and climate regulation, with potential benefits in combating climate change.
A new model suggests that the ancient Earth's atmosphere was rich in metallic iron and hydrogen, with methane shielding ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This shielded UV radiation, reducing water vapor oxidation and enhancing organic layer formation. Organics could have formed a 'soup' of building blocks for life to emerge.
Researchers from DTU have discovered a neutron star that rotates at an astonishing 716 times per second, making it one of the fastest-spinning objects ever observed. The neutron star is part of an X-ray binary star system and is located in the Sagittarius constellation.
The Dingus family donation supports the launch of the Earth and Planetary Opportunities in Research (EXPLORE) program, which provides hands-on experience for undergraduates in research projects related to Earth and space. The fund also enables fellowships for graduate students working in environmental science and sustainability.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
A new study reveals that a giant meteorite impact, equivalent to four Mount Everests, triggered a tsunami that mixed ocean debris and heated the atmosphere. This led to a rapid recovery of bacterial life, with iron-metabolizing bacteria flourishing in its wake.
Researchers confirm Rottnest Island and Swan River geological histories through ancient mineral grains. The study offers insights into the coast's transformation over thousands of years and its future adaptations to rising sea levels.
A WVU researcher says ancient tree rings can record rare and extreme space weather events, including geomagnetic storms. The study aims to better understand how to prepare for such events and mitigate their impact on communication satellites and astronauts.
A study published in Science Advances suggests that unmelted asteroids, or 'primitive' materials, were a crucial source of volatiles on Earth. This finding implies that the materials necessary for life to emerge may not have been readily available without these unmelted asteroids.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a link between lightning storms on Earth and high-energy electrons in space. The team found that lightning strikes can knock these 'killer electrons' out of the inner radiation belt, which could pose a threat to satellites and astronauts.
Astronomers have reduced concerns about a potentially hazardous asteroid swarm near Earth after discovering fewer large space rocks than previously thought. The study found only a handful of asteroids, likely less than 14, that fit the large size class, suggesting a smaller parent object and reducing the risk of extinction-level events.
Researchers have discovered living microbes in a 2-billion-year-old rock sample from the Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa. The team used advanced imaging techniques to confirm the presence of indigenous microorganisms, shedding light on the early evolution of life on Earth and the potential for similar organisms to exist on Mars.