Last quarter moon is October 2

The moon was almost exactly at last quarter when Deirdre Horan in Dublin, Ireland, captured this photo. The terminator line, or line between light and dark on the moon, appears straight.

A last quarter moon appears half-lit by sunshine and half-immersed in its own shadow. It rises in the middle of the night, appears at its highest in the sky around dawn, and sets around midday. The moon reaches its exact half-illuminated phase, as viewed from Earth, on October 2, 2018 at 9:45 Universal Time. At time zones in the mainland United States, that places the precise time of the last quarter moon on October 2 at 5:45 a.m. EDT, 4:45 a.m. CDT, 3:45 a.m. MDT and 2:45 a.m. PDT.

The October 2 last quarter moon is one of two for this month. The first one shines in front of the constellation Gemini, and the second last quarter moon on October 31 will appear in front of the constellation Cancer, one degree south of the Beehive star cluster.

On a last quarter moon, the lunar terminator – the shadow line dividing day and night – shows you where it’s sunset on the moon.

A last quarter moon provides a great opportunity to think of yourself on a three-dimensional world in space. For example, it’s fun to see this moon just after moonrise, shortly after midnight. Then the lighted portion points downward, to the sun below your feet. Think of the last quarter moon as a mirror to the world you’re standing on. Think of yourself standing in the middle of Earth’s nightside, on the midnight portion of Earth.

Also, a last quarter moon can be used as a guidepost to Earth’s direction of motion in orbit around the sun.

In other words, when you look toward a last quarter moon high in the predawn sky, for example, you’re gazing out approximately along the path of Earth’s orbit, in a forward direction. The moon is moving in orbit around the sun with the Earth and never holds still. But, if we could somehow anchor the moon in space … tie it down, keep it still … Earth’s orbital speed of 18 miles per second would carry us across the space between us and the moon in only a few hours.

Want to read more about the last quarter moon as a guidepost for Earth’s motion? Astronomer Guy Ottewell talks about it this month, too.

A great thing about using the moon as a guidepost to Earth’s motion is that you can do it anywhere … as, for example, in the photo below, from large cities.

Ben Orlove wrote from New York City: “I was sitting in the roof garden of my building, and there was the moon, right in front of me. You were right, this is a perfect time to visualize … the Earth’s motion.”

As the moon orbits Earth, it changes phase in an orderly way. Follow the links below to understand the phases of the moon.

New moon
Waxing crescent moon
First quarter moon
Waxing gibbous moon
Full moon
Waning gibbous moon
Last quarter moon
Waning crescent moon

Read more: 4 keys to understanding moon phases

Bottom line: The next last quarter moon is October 2, 2018, at 9:45 UTC; translate UTC to your time.

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The moon was almost exactly at last quarter when Deirdre Horan in Dublin, Ireland, captured this photo. The terminator line, or line between light and dark on the moon, appears straight.

A last quarter moon appears half-lit by sunshine and half-immersed in its own shadow. It rises in the middle of the night, appears at its highest in the sky around dawn, and sets around midday. The moon reaches its exact half-illuminated phase, as viewed from Earth, on October 2, 2018 at 9:45 Universal Time. At time zones in the mainland United States, that places the precise time of the last quarter moon on October 2 at 5:45 a.m. EDT, 4:45 a.m. CDT, 3:45 a.m. MDT and 2:45 a.m. PDT.

The October 2 last quarter moon is one of two for this month. The first one shines in front of the constellation Gemini, and the second last quarter moon on October 31 will appear in front of the constellation Cancer, one degree south of the Beehive star cluster.

On a last quarter moon, the lunar terminator – the shadow line dividing day and night – shows you where it’s sunset on the moon.

A last quarter moon provides a great opportunity to think of yourself on a three-dimensional world in space. For example, it’s fun to see this moon just after moonrise, shortly after midnight. Then the lighted portion points downward, to the sun below your feet. Think of the last quarter moon as a mirror to the world you’re standing on. Think of yourself standing in the middle of Earth’s nightside, on the midnight portion of Earth.

Also, a last quarter moon can be used as a guidepost to Earth’s direction of motion in orbit around the sun.

In other words, when you look toward a last quarter moon high in the predawn sky, for example, you’re gazing out approximately along the path of Earth’s orbit, in a forward direction. The moon is moving in orbit around the sun with the Earth and never holds still. But, if we could somehow anchor the moon in space … tie it down, keep it still … Earth’s orbital speed of 18 miles per second would carry us across the space between us and the moon in only a few hours.

Want to read more about the last quarter moon as a guidepost for Earth’s motion? Astronomer Guy Ottewell talks about it this month, too.

A great thing about using the moon as a guidepost to Earth’s motion is that you can do it anywhere … as, for example, in the photo below, from large cities.

Ben Orlove wrote from New York City: “I was sitting in the roof garden of my building, and there was the moon, right in front of me. You were right, this is a perfect time to visualize … the Earth’s motion.”

As the moon orbits Earth, it changes phase in an orderly way. Follow the links below to understand the phases of the moon.

New moon
Waxing crescent moon
First quarter moon
Waxing gibbous moon
Full moon
Waning gibbous moon
Last quarter moon
Waning crescent moon

Read more: 4 keys to understanding moon phases

Bottom line: The next last quarter moon is October 2, 2018, at 9:45 UTC; translate UTC to your time.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/1m8DkdY

October guide to the bright planets

In October 2018, at dusk and/or nightfall, watch for Mars to appear in the southern sky, Jupiter in the southwest, and Saturn roughly midway between.

Three evening planets are in good view as darkness falls in the first half of October 2018: Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. From mid-northern latitudes, you may have to struggle to catch Venus, the sky’s brightest planet, as it sits low in the sky, and below Jupiter, at evening dusk. Southerly latitudes may spot Mercury as an evening “star” as the month draws to a close. Click the name of a planet to learn more about its visibility in October 2018: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Mercury

It’ll be much easier to spot Venus, the sky’s brightest planet, from the Southern Hemisphere.

Venus, the brightest planet, ranks as the 3rd-brightest celestial object after the sun and moon. Nonetheless, this world will be difficult to spot from mid-northern latitudes, yet rather easy to see from the Southern Hemisphere. This world will sink closer to the setting sun day by day, and will move into the morning sky by the month’s end.

We give you fair warning. It’ll be much easier to spot the young waxing crescent moon in the vicinity of Venus after sunset October 10 and 11 from the northern tropics and Southern Hemisphere than at mid-northern latitudes. That’s why the above sky chart represents a Southern Hemisphere perspective. Click here for a sky chart showcasing a mid-northern view (United States, mainland Europe, Japan).

At mid-northern latitudes, Venus sets roughly one hour after sunset in early September. By mid-month, Venus will set with the sun.

At temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, Venus sets about 2 1/2 hours after the sun in early October and then sets with the sun in late October. Because Venus passes over 6 degrees south of the sun at its inferior conjunction on October 26, 2018, it might be possible for middle and far southern latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere to see Venus as both an evening and morning “star” for a day or two around inferior conjunction.

Why the stark difference in Venus’ visibility from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres? It’s because of the angle of the ecliptic, which marks the annual path of the sun, and the approximate path of the moon and planets across our sky. From our northerly latitudes, the ecliptic falls close to the horizon and makes a shallow angle with the horizon as the sun sets in early autumn. That keeps Venus low, and buried deep in evening twilight, at mid-northern latitudes.

Venus, the moon – and see the moon’s reflection in Lisbon, Portugal on August 13, 2018. Photo by Henrique Feliciano Silva,

The Southern Hemisphere has the big advantage in seeing Venus because October is an early spring month in that part of the world. Therefore, the ecliptic crosses their sky way up high and intersects the horizon nearly straight up and down. That places Venus above the setting sun (rather than to the side of it as for us northerners). At temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, southern Australia, New Zealand), Venus sets about 2 1/2 hours after the sun in early October (as opposed to about one hour after sunset a mid-northern latitudes).

In short, when it comes to the height of the ecliptic in the evening sky, remember the saying “spring up and fall down.” At sunset on the spring equinox, the ecliptic soars highest up for the year. At sunset on the autumn equinox, the ecliptic falls lowest down. That applies to both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

From the Southern Hemisphere, look for Venus to adorn the evening sky from now till nearly the end of October 2018.

Look for the moon to be in the neighborhood of Jupiter for several evenings, centered on or near October 11, 2018. Read more.

Jupiter remains in the evening sky all through October 2018. Around the world, you’ll find Jupiter highest up around dusk or nightfall. Jupiter appears rather low in the southwest sky at northerly latitudes; in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll see Jupiter fairly high in the western sky. Day by day, Jupiter falls closer to the setting sun, and sets sooner after sundown. By November 2018, Jupiter will exit he evening to sky and pass over into the morning sky.

Once again, as with Venus, Jupiter stays out longer after sunset in the Southern Hemisphere. That’s because the ecliptic (pathway of the sun, moon and planets) hits the evening horizon almost straight up and down in the Southern Hemisphere, yet at a shallow angle in the Northern Hemisphere.

For instance, at mid-northern latitudes (United States, mainland Europe, Japan), Jupiter sets about two hours after the sun in early October and one hour after at the month’s end.

In contrast, at temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere (Cape Town, South Africa, and southern Australia), Jupiter sets about 3 1/2 hours after the sun in early October and about 1 1/2 hours after by the month’s end.

Jupiter is brighter than any star, but it’s not brighter than Venus, which lurks below Jupiter at dusk. Last month, in September 2018, Jupiter reclaimed its spot as the 4th-brightest celestial object, after the sun, moon and Venus. For some two months, Mars supplanted Jupiter as the brighter of these two heavenly bodies from about July 7 to September 7.

Let the moon guide your eye to Jupiter for several evenings, centered on or around October 11. (See the above sky chart.)

Watch for the moon to pair up with Saturn on October 14, 2018, and then to meet up with Mars on October 17. Read more.

Use Mars to find Saturn in October 2018. Although Mars fades this month, the red planet remains bright and beautiful, shining more brilliantly than a 1st-magnitude star throughout October 2018. Around the world in October, Mars transits – reaches its highest point in the sky – around dusk or nightfall. Once you see Mars, look for Saturn in between Mars and Jupiter, as shown on the sky chart below.

Click here for a recommended sky almanac providing you with the transit times for Mars.

In October 2018, at dusk and/or nightfall, watch for Mars to appear in the southern sky, Jupiter in the southwest, and Saturn roughly midway between.

From the Southern Hemisphere, Mars shines quite high up in the sky at dusk/nightfall whereas Saturn and Jupiter line up almost vertically beneath Mars.

From mid-northern latitudes, Saturn stays out until around 9 p.m. (10 p.m. daylight saving time) in early October. By the month’s end, Saturn will set around 8 p.m. (9 p.m. daylight saving time). Mars will follow Saturn beneath the western horizon several hours after Saturn does.

From temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, Saturn sets after midnight in early October and around 11 p.m. in late October. Mars stays out until well after midnight all month long.

You can tell Mars from Saturn because Mars has a reddish color and Saturn looks golden. Binoculars show their colors better than the eye alone.

Watch for the moon to pair up with Saturn on or near October 14 and with Mars on October 17 and 18.

View larger. | Photo by Tom Wildoner at the Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2018. Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mmED Triplet Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ASI 290MC, and Televue 2.5x Powermate (1.25”). Captured with SharpCap software (best 25 percent of 30k frames) and processed in Corel Paintshop Pro. Thank you, Tom!

Both Mars and Saturn are slowly dimming throughout the month. Because Mars is dimming at a faster rate than Saturn is, Mars appears nearly 5 times brighter than Saturn at the beginning of the month, but less than 3 times brighter by the month’s end.

Remember Mars’ historically close opposition of August 28, 2003? That year, it was closer and brighter than it had been in some 60,000 years. The July 2018 opposition was the best since 2003.

Click here for more about close and far Mars oppositions

Diagram by Roy L. Bishop. Copyright Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Used with permission. Visit the RASC estore to purchase the Observer’s Handbook, a necessary tool for all skywatchers. Read more about this image.

Mercury, the innermost planet of the solar system, is an evening planet (at least nominally) all month long in October 2018. However, the Southern Hemisphere has the big advantage over the Northern Hemisphere for spotting Mercury this month. The Southern Hemisphere and the northern tropics have the opportunity to spot the rather loose Mercury-Venus conjunction in mid-October 2018, as shown on the sky chart below. After that, southerly latitudes can also watch for the tighter Mercury-Jupiter conjunction in late October 2018.

In the Southern Hemisphere, and possibly the northern tropics, you have a decent chance of spotting the planets Mercury and Venus at evening dusk. The same can’t be said for Mercury and Venus at northerly latitudes, but Jupiter is still a possibility. Click here to find out when the sun, Mercury and Venus set in your sky.

What do we mean by bright planet? By bright planet, we mean any solar system planet that is easily visible without an optical aid and that has been watched by our ancestors since time immemorial. In their outward order from the sun, the five bright planets are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These planets actually do appear bright in our sky. They are typically as bright as – or brighter than – the brightest stars. Plus, these relatively nearby worlds tend to shine with a steadier light than the distant, twinkling stars. You can spot them, and come to know them as faithful friends, if you try.

Bottom line: In October 2018, four planets arc across the sky at dusk and nightfall. Venus lights up the western sky, with Jupiter shining above Venus. Mars and Saturn light up the southern sky at nightfall from northerly latitudes. From the Southern Hemisphere, Mars and Saturn shine high overhead. Click here for recommended almanacs; they can help you know when the planets rise, transit and set in your sky.

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In October 2018, at dusk and/or nightfall, watch for Mars to appear in the southern sky, Jupiter in the southwest, and Saturn roughly midway between.

Three evening planets are in good view as darkness falls in the first half of October 2018: Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. From mid-northern latitudes, you may have to struggle to catch Venus, the sky’s brightest planet, as it sits low in the sky, and below Jupiter, at evening dusk. Southerly latitudes may spot Mercury as an evening “star” as the month draws to a close. Click the name of a planet to learn more about its visibility in October 2018: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Mercury

It’ll be much easier to spot Venus, the sky’s brightest planet, from the Southern Hemisphere.

Venus, the brightest planet, ranks as the 3rd-brightest celestial object after the sun and moon. Nonetheless, this world will be difficult to spot from mid-northern latitudes, yet rather easy to see from the Southern Hemisphere. This world will sink closer to the setting sun day by day, and will move into the morning sky by the month’s end.

We give you fair warning. It’ll be much easier to spot the young waxing crescent moon in the vicinity of Venus after sunset October 10 and 11 from the northern tropics and Southern Hemisphere than at mid-northern latitudes. That’s why the above sky chart represents a Southern Hemisphere perspective. Click here for a sky chart showcasing a mid-northern view (United States, mainland Europe, Japan).

At mid-northern latitudes, Venus sets roughly one hour after sunset in early September. By mid-month, Venus will set with the sun.

At temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, Venus sets about 2 1/2 hours after the sun in early October and then sets with the sun in late October. Because Venus passes over 6 degrees south of the sun at its inferior conjunction on October 26, 2018, it might be possible for middle and far southern latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere to see Venus as both an evening and morning “star” for a day or two around inferior conjunction.

Why the stark difference in Venus’ visibility from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres? It’s because of the angle of the ecliptic, which marks the annual path of the sun, and the approximate path of the moon and planets across our sky. From our northerly latitudes, the ecliptic falls close to the horizon and makes a shallow angle with the horizon as the sun sets in early autumn. That keeps Venus low, and buried deep in evening twilight, at mid-northern latitudes.

Venus, the moon – and see the moon’s reflection in Lisbon, Portugal on August 13, 2018. Photo by Henrique Feliciano Silva,

The Southern Hemisphere has the big advantage in seeing Venus because October is an early spring month in that part of the world. Therefore, the ecliptic crosses their sky way up high and intersects the horizon nearly straight up and down. That places Venus above the setting sun (rather than to the side of it as for us northerners). At temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere (South Africa, southern Australia, New Zealand), Venus sets about 2 1/2 hours after the sun in early October (as opposed to about one hour after sunset a mid-northern latitudes).

In short, when it comes to the height of the ecliptic in the evening sky, remember the saying “spring up and fall down.” At sunset on the spring equinox, the ecliptic soars highest up for the year. At sunset on the autumn equinox, the ecliptic falls lowest down. That applies to both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

From the Southern Hemisphere, look for Venus to adorn the evening sky from now till nearly the end of October 2018.

Look for the moon to be in the neighborhood of Jupiter for several evenings, centered on or near October 11, 2018. Read more.

Jupiter remains in the evening sky all through October 2018. Around the world, you’ll find Jupiter highest up around dusk or nightfall. Jupiter appears rather low in the southwest sky at northerly latitudes; in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll see Jupiter fairly high in the western sky. Day by day, Jupiter falls closer to the setting sun, and sets sooner after sundown. By November 2018, Jupiter will exit he evening to sky and pass over into the morning sky.

Once again, as with Venus, Jupiter stays out longer after sunset in the Southern Hemisphere. That’s because the ecliptic (pathway of the sun, moon and planets) hits the evening horizon almost straight up and down in the Southern Hemisphere, yet at a shallow angle in the Northern Hemisphere.

For instance, at mid-northern latitudes (United States, mainland Europe, Japan), Jupiter sets about two hours after the sun in early October and one hour after at the month’s end.

In contrast, at temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere (Cape Town, South Africa, and southern Australia), Jupiter sets about 3 1/2 hours after the sun in early October and about 1 1/2 hours after by the month’s end.

Jupiter is brighter than any star, but it’s not brighter than Venus, which lurks below Jupiter at dusk. Last month, in September 2018, Jupiter reclaimed its spot as the 4th-brightest celestial object, after the sun, moon and Venus. For some two months, Mars supplanted Jupiter as the brighter of these two heavenly bodies from about July 7 to September 7.

Let the moon guide your eye to Jupiter for several evenings, centered on or around October 11. (See the above sky chart.)

Watch for the moon to pair up with Saturn on October 14, 2018, and then to meet up with Mars on October 17. Read more.

Use Mars to find Saturn in October 2018. Although Mars fades this month, the red planet remains bright and beautiful, shining more brilliantly than a 1st-magnitude star throughout October 2018. Around the world in October, Mars transits – reaches its highest point in the sky – around dusk or nightfall. Once you see Mars, look for Saturn in between Mars and Jupiter, as shown on the sky chart below.

Click here for a recommended sky almanac providing you with the transit times for Mars.

In October 2018, at dusk and/or nightfall, watch for Mars to appear in the southern sky, Jupiter in the southwest, and Saturn roughly midway between.

From the Southern Hemisphere, Mars shines quite high up in the sky at dusk/nightfall whereas Saturn and Jupiter line up almost vertically beneath Mars.

From mid-northern latitudes, Saturn stays out until around 9 p.m. (10 p.m. daylight saving time) in early October. By the month’s end, Saturn will set around 8 p.m. (9 p.m. daylight saving time). Mars will follow Saturn beneath the western horizon several hours after Saturn does.

From temperate latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere, Saturn sets after midnight in early October and around 11 p.m. in late October. Mars stays out until well after midnight all month long.

You can tell Mars from Saturn because Mars has a reddish color and Saturn looks golden. Binoculars show their colors better than the eye alone.

Watch for the moon to pair up with Saturn on or near October 14 and with Mars on October 17 and 18.

View larger. | Photo by Tom Wildoner at the Dark Side Observatory, Weatherly, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2018. Sky-Watcher Esprit 120mmED Triplet Refractor, Celestron CGEM-DX mount, ASI 290MC, and Televue 2.5x Powermate (1.25”). Captured with SharpCap software (best 25 percent of 30k frames) and processed in Corel Paintshop Pro. Thank you, Tom!

Both Mars and Saturn are slowly dimming throughout the month. Because Mars is dimming at a faster rate than Saturn is, Mars appears nearly 5 times brighter than Saturn at the beginning of the month, but less than 3 times brighter by the month’s end.

Remember Mars’ historically close opposition of August 28, 2003? That year, it was closer and brighter than it had been in some 60,000 years. The July 2018 opposition was the best since 2003.

Click here for more about close and far Mars oppositions

Diagram by Roy L. Bishop. Copyright Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Used with permission. Visit the RASC estore to purchase the Observer’s Handbook, a necessary tool for all skywatchers. Read more about this image.

Mercury, the innermost planet of the solar system, is an evening planet (at least nominally) all month long in October 2018. However, the Southern Hemisphere has the big advantage over the Northern Hemisphere for spotting Mercury this month. The Southern Hemisphere and the northern tropics have the opportunity to spot the rather loose Mercury-Venus conjunction in mid-October 2018, as shown on the sky chart below. After that, southerly latitudes can also watch for the tighter Mercury-Jupiter conjunction in late October 2018.

In the Southern Hemisphere, and possibly the northern tropics, you have a decent chance of spotting the planets Mercury and Venus at evening dusk. The same can’t be said for Mercury and Venus at northerly latitudes, but Jupiter is still a possibility. Click here to find out when the sun, Mercury and Venus set in your sky.

What do we mean by bright planet? By bright planet, we mean any solar system planet that is easily visible without an optical aid and that has been watched by our ancestors since time immemorial. In their outward order from the sun, the five bright planets are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These planets actually do appear bright in our sky. They are typically as bright as – or brighter than – the brightest stars. Plus, these relatively nearby worlds tend to shine with a steadier light than the distant, twinkling stars. You can spot them, and come to know them as faithful friends, if you try.

Bottom line: In October 2018, four planets arc across the sky at dusk and nightfall. Venus lights up the western sky, with Jupiter shining above Venus. Mars and Saturn light up the southern sky at nightfall from northerly latitudes. From the Southern Hemisphere, Mars and Saturn shine high overhead. Click here for recommended almanacs; they can help you know when the planets rise, transit and set in your sky.

Don’t miss anything. Subscribe to EarthSky News by email

Visit EarthSky’s Best Places to Stargaze, and recommend a place we can all enjoy.

Help EarthSky keep going! Donate now.

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NASA back in the search for alien technosignatures

A Dyson sphere megastructure is one type of hypothesized alien technosignature. Image via SentientDevelopments.com.

Here’s a buzzword you might or might not have heard before: techosignatures. SETI pioneer Jill Tarter has proposed that the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) be renamed the search for technosignatures. Although the question of whether we’re alone in the universe is one of humanity’s oldest (are there “others” who share the universe with us or are we all alone?), most searches for advanced alien life have sought radio waves of artificial origin. More recently, astronomers have suggested looking for visible laser pulses; this is called optical SETI. And there’ve been some exotic ideas, like the possibility that an advanced civilization might use neutron star mergers to signal across the cosmos.

But do we really know what to look for, from an alien civilization that might be millions of years ahead of us?

NASA focused on that question last week (September 26-28, 2018), by hosting a NASA Technosignatures Workshop in Houston, Texas.

Technosignatures are any signs of advanced technology in any one of various plausible forms. They’re analogous to biosignatures, which could be any element, isotope, molecule, or phenomenon that provides unmistakeable scientific evidence of past or present life on another world, whether intelligent or not. Technosignatures encompass a much larger conception of alien technology than just intelligent radio or light signals. They could also include such things as massive artificial structures or a planet’s atmosphere full of pollutants. In this way, the search for technosignatures extends beyond the more familiar SETI-type scenarios of looking for radio or light signals.

The workshop was formed after Congress expressed a renewed interest in looking for intelligent alien life last April, urging NASA to expand on its search for technosignatures. The three main facets of the workshop included assessing the current state of the field of research, the most promising avenues of research in technosignatures and where investments could be made to advance the science. Another goal was to determine how NASA could best support the endeavor through partnerships with both private and philanthropic organizations. The workshop had three main specific objectives:

Define the current state of the technosignature field. What experiments have occurred? What is the state-of-the-art for technosignature detection? What limits do we currently have on technosignatures?

Understand the advances coming near-term in the technosignature field. What assets are in place that can be applied to the search for technosignatures? What planned and funded projects will advance the state-of-the-art in future years, and what is the nature of that advancement?

Understand the future potential of the technosignature field. What new surveys, new instruments, technology development, new data-mining algorithms, new theory and modeling, etc., would be important for future advances in the field?

What role can NASA partnerships with the private sector and philanthropic organizations play in advancing our understanding of the technosignatures field?

On September 27, several speakers from the workshop also addressed questions in a Reddit AMA.

The NASA Technosignatures Workshop was recommended by Congress back in April 2018 as means for NASA to expand its search for evidence of alien civilizations. Image via NASA/Lunar and Planetary Science Institute.

There may be many ways that an alien civilization, especially one more advanced than us, could affect or alter its environment. Searches for alternative evidence such as this have been done to some extent, but primarily only in the private and philanthropic sectors, not NASA. SETI itself used to be a NASA program until budget cuts ended it in 1993. SETI is now a privately-funded venture. NASA shifted its focus to understanding the origin of life itself, and the potential habitability of other bodies in our solar system and galaxy. This is especially true with its Mars rover missions in recent years, looking for evidence of past habitability, but not life itself. There was even some talk at the conference of the possibility of a technological civilization existing on Earth itself before humans.

Expanding the search to include other possible signs of alien intelligence is a good thing. According to NASA’s 2015 Astrobiology Strategy:

Complex life may evolve into cognitive systems that can employ technology in ways that may be observable. Nobody knows the probability, but we know that it is not zero.

SETI is still valuable but limited in scope, currently looking for intentional signals that are strong enough to be detected from many light-years away. Many signals, including ones simply “leaking” out into space however may simply be too weak to be easily detected with current technology. One promising development was noted by Gavin Schmidt on Twitter however – it should soon be possible to detect Earth-level leakage of radio waves (not just intentional signals) from nearby stars:

This is exciting – the next phase Square kilometer Array (SKA2) will be able to detect Earth-level radio leakage from nearby stars. #technosignatures pic.twitter.com/d9LzDFQx6o

— Gavin Schmidt (@ClimateOfGavin) September 26, 2018

SETI has typically been based on a lot of assumptions about ETI, as Andrew Stewart, a student at Emory University and lead researcher of the Trillion Planet Survey explained in The Current:

First and foremost, we are assuming there is a civilization out there of similar or higher class than ours trying to broadcast their presence using an optical beam, perhaps of the “directed energy” arrayed-type [such as weapons] currently being developed here on Earth. Second, we assume the transmission wavelength of this beam to be one that we can detect. Lastly, we assume that this beacon has been left on long enough for the light to be detected by us. If these requirements are met and the extraterrestrial intelligence’s beam power and diameter are consistent with an Earth-type civilization class, our system will detect this signal.

Traditional SETI effort have used radio telescopes such as the Allen Telescope Array in California. Image via SETI Institute.

We really don’t know what the first evidence for an alien civilization may look like. It could indeed be radio or light waves, or something even more profound, like a Dyson sphere – a hypothesized massive artificial structure built around a star to harness all of its energy. Or maybe ruins of some now long-dead civilization on some distant planet or moon. Or perhaps intelligent, autonomous probes such as Bracewell probes sent into our solar system.

As one example, Tabby’s Star (aka Boyajian’s Star) has generated a lot of excitement in recent years due to its bizarre episodes of sudden, rapid dimming – up to 22% – leading to speculation it may be home to a Dyson sphere or something similar. The sharp dimmings, as well as a much longer overall dimming pattern on the order of decades or centuries, are now thought to be caused by very fine dust, but the origin of the dust and how it’s replenished is still unknown.

The enigmatic Fast Radio Bursts coming from deep space have also sparked much interest, in particular the ones that have now been seen to repeat many times from one single source. They are still unexplained, and probably have a natural explanation as per Occam’s razor, but the jury is still out.

Tabby’s Star was an example of what a potential technosignature might look like, although the star’s weird dimmings are now thought to be caused by dust. This artist’s illustration of exocomets orbiting a distant star is suggestive of what might be occurring there. Image via NASA/JPL-Caltech.

The renewed search for technosignatures is fueled in part by the discovery of thousands of exoplanets in recent years, including ones that are Earth-sized and orbit in the habitable zones of their stars. There are also the ocean worlds – moons such as Europa, Enceladus, Titan and others – which have vast subsurface oceans beneath their icy surfaces. What kind of life might be found in such exotic environments? Such findings increase the likelihood that life – at least of some kind – will be found elsewhere.

Bottom line: When it comes to searching for alien technosignatures – evidence of advanced technology – it has mostly been through the efforts of private organizations. But NASA getting involved again would be a huge boost, increasing the possibility that some kind of signal or other artifact of intelligent alien life will be found in the not-too-distant future.

Via NASA Technosignatures Workshop

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2NSSgBT

A Dyson sphere megastructure is one type of hypothesized alien technosignature. Image via SentientDevelopments.com.

Here’s a buzzword you might or might not have heard before: techosignatures. SETI pioneer Jill Tarter has proposed that the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) be renamed the search for technosignatures. Although the question of whether we’re alone in the universe is one of humanity’s oldest (are there “others” who share the universe with us or are we all alone?), most searches for advanced alien life have sought radio waves of artificial origin. More recently, astronomers have suggested looking for visible laser pulses; this is called optical SETI. And there’ve been some exotic ideas, like the possibility that an advanced civilization might use neutron star mergers to signal across the cosmos.

But do we really know what to look for, from an alien civilization that might be millions of years ahead of us?

NASA focused on that question last week (September 26-28, 2018), by hosting a NASA Technosignatures Workshop in Houston, Texas.

Technosignatures are any signs of advanced technology in any one of various plausible forms. They’re analogous to biosignatures, which could be any element, isotope, molecule, or phenomenon that provides unmistakeable scientific evidence of past or present life on another world, whether intelligent or not. Technosignatures encompass a much larger conception of alien technology than just intelligent radio or light signals. They could also include such things as massive artificial structures or a planet’s atmosphere full of pollutants. In this way, the search for technosignatures extends beyond the more familiar SETI-type scenarios of looking for radio or light signals.

The workshop was formed after Congress expressed a renewed interest in looking for intelligent alien life last April, urging NASA to expand on its search for technosignatures. The three main facets of the workshop included assessing the current state of the field of research, the most promising avenues of research in technosignatures and where investments could be made to advance the science. Another goal was to determine how NASA could best support the endeavor through partnerships with both private and philanthropic organizations. The workshop had three main specific objectives:

Define the current state of the technosignature field. What experiments have occurred? What is the state-of-the-art for technosignature detection? What limits do we currently have on technosignatures?

Understand the advances coming near-term in the technosignature field. What assets are in place that can be applied to the search for technosignatures? What planned and funded projects will advance the state-of-the-art in future years, and what is the nature of that advancement?

Understand the future potential of the technosignature field. What new surveys, new instruments, technology development, new data-mining algorithms, new theory and modeling, etc., would be important for future advances in the field?

What role can NASA partnerships with the private sector and philanthropic organizations play in advancing our understanding of the technosignatures field?

On September 27, several speakers from the workshop also addressed questions in a Reddit AMA.

The NASA Technosignatures Workshop was recommended by Congress back in April 2018 as means for NASA to expand its search for evidence of alien civilizations. Image via NASA/Lunar and Planetary Science Institute.

There may be many ways that an alien civilization, especially one more advanced than us, could affect or alter its environment. Searches for alternative evidence such as this have been done to some extent, but primarily only in the private and philanthropic sectors, not NASA. SETI itself used to be a NASA program until budget cuts ended it in 1993. SETI is now a privately-funded venture. NASA shifted its focus to understanding the origin of life itself, and the potential habitability of other bodies in our solar system and galaxy. This is especially true with its Mars rover missions in recent years, looking for evidence of past habitability, but not life itself. There was even some talk at the conference of the possibility of a technological civilization existing on Earth itself before humans.

Expanding the search to include other possible signs of alien intelligence is a good thing. According to NASA’s 2015 Astrobiology Strategy:

Complex life may evolve into cognitive systems that can employ technology in ways that may be observable. Nobody knows the probability, but we know that it is not zero.

SETI is still valuable but limited in scope, currently looking for intentional signals that are strong enough to be detected from many light-years away. Many signals, including ones simply “leaking” out into space however may simply be too weak to be easily detected with current technology. One promising development was noted by Gavin Schmidt on Twitter however – it should soon be possible to detect Earth-level leakage of radio waves (not just intentional signals) from nearby stars:

This is exciting – the next phase Square kilometer Array (SKA2) will be able to detect Earth-level radio leakage from nearby stars. #technosignatures pic.twitter.com/d9LzDFQx6o

— Gavin Schmidt (@ClimateOfGavin) September 26, 2018

SETI has typically been based on a lot of assumptions about ETI, as Andrew Stewart, a student at Emory University and lead researcher of the Trillion Planet Survey explained in The Current:

First and foremost, we are assuming there is a civilization out there of similar or higher class than ours trying to broadcast their presence using an optical beam, perhaps of the “directed energy” arrayed-type [such as weapons] currently being developed here on Earth. Second, we assume the transmission wavelength of this beam to be one that we can detect. Lastly, we assume that this beacon has been left on long enough for the light to be detected by us. If these requirements are met and the extraterrestrial intelligence’s beam power and diameter are consistent with an Earth-type civilization class, our system will detect this signal.

Traditional SETI effort have used radio telescopes such as the Allen Telescope Array in California. Image via SETI Institute.

We really don’t know what the first evidence for an alien civilization may look like. It could indeed be radio or light waves, or something even more profound, like a Dyson sphere – a hypothesized massive artificial structure built around a star to harness all of its energy. Or maybe ruins of some now long-dead civilization on some distant planet or moon. Or perhaps intelligent, autonomous probes such as Bracewell probes sent into our solar system.

As one example, Tabby’s Star (aka Boyajian’s Star) has generated a lot of excitement in recent years due to its bizarre episodes of sudden, rapid dimming – up to 22% – leading to speculation it may be home to a Dyson sphere or something similar. The sharp dimmings, as well as a much longer overall dimming pattern on the order of decades or centuries, are now thought to be caused by very fine dust, but the origin of the dust and how it’s replenished is still unknown.

The enigmatic Fast Radio Bursts coming from deep space have also sparked much interest, in particular the ones that have now been seen to repeat many times from one single source. They are still unexplained, and probably have a natural explanation as per Occam’s razor, but the jury is still out.

Tabby’s Star was an example of what a potential technosignature might look like, although the star’s weird dimmings are now thought to be caused by dust. This artist’s illustration of exocomets orbiting a distant star is suggestive of what might be occurring there. Image via NASA/JPL-Caltech.

The renewed search for technosignatures is fueled in part by the discovery of thousands of exoplanets in recent years, including ones that are Earth-sized and orbit in the habitable zones of their stars. There are also the ocean worlds – moons such as Europa, Enceladus, Titan and others – which have vast subsurface oceans beneath their icy surfaces. What kind of life might be found in such exotic environments? Such findings increase the likelihood that life – at least of some kind – will be found elsewhere.

Bottom line: When it comes to searching for alien technosignatures – evidence of advanced technology – it has mostly been through the efforts of private organizations. But NASA getting involved again would be a huge boost, increasing the possibility that some kind of signal or other artifact of intelligent alien life will be found in the not-too-distant future.

Via NASA Technosignatures Workshop

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2NSSgBT

Death toll surges over 800 in Indonesia earthquake

According to the BBC, the Red Cross estimates that more than 1.6 million people have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami, which it described as a tragedy that “could get much worse”.

The BBC and other media are sharing photos and video this morning following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia Friday evening, which triggered a large tsunami. The tsunami struck Palu, Donggala and the surrounding settlements. As of the morning of September 20, 2018, many people are still reported trapped in the rubble of buildings, waiting to be rescued. Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President of Indonesia since 2014, said the final death toll could be thousands. Officials on Sunday also shared chilling videos and photos on social media of land liquefaction in the wake of the disaster, where the soil turns into something akin to quicksand and drags buildings along with it. Here are some links to stories and images:

Indonesia earthquake: Huge surge in death toll

Death toll soars past 800 in Indonesia earthquake, tsunami from the Washington Post

The earthquake caused the tsunami to sweep into the Palu, a city of 335,000. Some are still thought to be trapped in the debris of collapsed buildings.

The Republic of Indonesia is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Bottom line: Links to stories and images of the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Indonesia on Friday, September 28, 2018. By Sunday, the death toll had gone over 800.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2NgBd7G

According to the BBC, the Red Cross estimates that more than 1.6 million people have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami, which it described as a tragedy that “could get much worse”.

The BBC and other media are sharing photos and video this morning following a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia Friday evening, which triggered a large tsunami. The tsunami struck Palu, Donggala and the surrounding settlements. As of the morning of September 20, 2018, many people are still reported trapped in the rubble of buildings, waiting to be rescued. Jusuf Kalla, Vice-President of Indonesia since 2014, said the final death toll could be thousands. Officials on Sunday also shared chilling videos and photos on social media of land liquefaction in the wake of the disaster, where the soil turns into something akin to quicksand and drags buildings along with it. Here are some links to stories and images:

Indonesia earthquake: Huge surge in death toll

Death toll soars past 800 in Indonesia earthquake, tsunami from the Washington Post

The earthquake caused the tsunami to sweep into the Palu, a city of 335,000. Some are still thought to be trapped in the debris of collapsed buildings.

The Republic of Indonesia is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Bottom line: Links to stories and images of the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Indonesia on Friday, September 28, 2018. By Sunday, the death toll had gone over 800.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2NgBd7G

Study untangles role of pollution, smoke on thunderclouds

Heavy human-caused pollution can suppress the growth of rain-producing clouds. Image via Jack French.

Both smoke and pollution put particles in the air, and clouds need these tiny airborne particles to form. But according to a new study, human-made pollution and smoke from fires don’t have the same effect on cloud formation.

The study, published September 24, 2018 in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications, looked specifically at deep convective clouds – tall clouds like thunderclouds. Thunderclouds form when warm air containing water vapor rises until it cools and starts to condense onto tiny particles in the air called aerosols. More about how clouds form here. The study found that that while smoky air makes it harder for these clouds to grow, pollution energizes their growth, but only if the pollution isn’t heavy. Extreme pollution is likely to shut down cloud growth.

The researchers analyzed five years of data from two NASA satellites – CALIPSO and CloudSat – that measure aerosols, such as air smoke, dust, pollution, volcanic ash, pollen and other microscopic particles. Clouds typically can’t form without some aerosols, because water vapor in the air doesn’t easily condense into liquid water or ice unless it comes in contact with an aerosol particle. But aerosols come in a wide range of sizes, colors, locations and other characteristics. All of these characteristics affect the way aerosols interact with clouds. Even the same type of aerosol may have different effects at different altitudes in the atmosphere or at different concentrations of particles.

This huge thunderstorm supercell was photographed from NASA’s DC-8 airborne science laboratory southwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Image via NASA/Frank Cutler.

The study researchers wanted to know whether the aerosols found in pollution and those found in smoke had different effects on how thunderclouds grow. According to their analysis:

Smoke particles absorb heat radiation emitted by the ground. This increases the temperature of the smoke particles, which can then warm the air. At the same time they block incoming sunlight, which keeps the ground cooler. That reduces the temperature difference between the ground and the air. For clouds to form, the ground needs to be warmer and the air cooler so that moisture on the ground can evaporate, rise and condense higher in the atmosphere. By narrowing the temperature gap between the ground and the air, smoke suppresses cloud formation and growth.

Human-pollutant aerosols like sulfates and nitrates, on the other hand, do not absorb much heat radiation. In moderate concentrations, they add more particles to the atmosphere for water to condense onto, enabling clouds to grow taller. If pollution is very heavy, however, the sheer number of particles in the sky blocks incoming sunlight – an effect often visible in the world’s most polluted cities. That cools the ground just as smoke aerosols do, inhibiting the formation of clouds.

Bottom line: According to a new study, human-made pollution and smoke from fires don’t have the same effect on thundercloud formation.

Read more from NASA

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2QjUwP3

Heavy human-caused pollution can suppress the growth of rain-producing clouds. Image via Jack French.

Both smoke and pollution put particles in the air, and clouds need these tiny airborne particles to form. But according to a new study, human-made pollution and smoke from fires don’t have the same effect on cloud formation.

The study, published September 24, 2018 in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications, looked specifically at deep convective clouds – tall clouds like thunderclouds. Thunderclouds form when warm air containing water vapor rises until it cools and starts to condense onto tiny particles in the air called aerosols. More about how clouds form here. The study found that that while smoky air makes it harder for these clouds to grow, pollution energizes their growth, but only if the pollution isn’t heavy. Extreme pollution is likely to shut down cloud growth.

The researchers analyzed five years of data from two NASA satellites – CALIPSO and CloudSat – that measure aerosols, such as air smoke, dust, pollution, volcanic ash, pollen and other microscopic particles. Clouds typically can’t form without some aerosols, because water vapor in the air doesn’t easily condense into liquid water or ice unless it comes in contact with an aerosol particle. But aerosols come in a wide range of sizes, colors, locations and other characteristics. All of these characteristics affect the way aerosols interact with clouds. Even the same type of aerosol may have different effects at different altitudes in the atmosphere or at different concentrations of particles.

This huge thunderstorm supercell was photographed from NASA’s DC-8 airborne science laboratory southwest of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Image via NASA/Frank Cutler.

The study researchers wanted to know whether the aerosols found in pollution and those found in smoke had different effects on how thunderclouds grow. According to their analysis:

Smoke particles absorb heat radiation emitted by the ground. This increases the temperature of the smoke particles, which can then warm the air. At the same time they block incoming sunlight, which keeps the ground cooler. That reduces the temperature difference between the ground and the air. For clouds to form, the ground needs to be warmer and the air cooler so that moisture on the ground can evaporate, rise and condense higher in the atmosphere. By narrowing the temperature gap between the ground and the air, smoke suppresses cloud formation and growth.

Human-pollutant aerosols like sulfates and nitrates, on the other hand, do not absorb much heat radiation. In moderate concentrations, they add more particles to the atmosphere for water to condense onto, enabling clouds to grow taller. If pollution is very heavy, however, the sheer number of particles in the sky blocks incoming sunlight – an effect often visible in the world’s most polluted cities. That cools the ground just as smoke aerosols do, inhibiting the formation of clouds.

Bottom line: According to a new study, human-made pollution and smoke from fires don’t have the same effect on thundercloud formation.

Read more from NASA

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2QjUwP3

Matter falling into a black hole at 30% light speed

We’ve known for decades that black holes exist, and that matter sometimes falls into them, and now we have the first published evidence – from a team of UK astronomers – of matter falling into a black hole at 30 percent of the speed of light. This is much faster than what’s been observed in the past, but it isn’t unexpected. Recent computer simulations suggest a mechanism – via misaligned disks around the hole – by which gas can fall directly in at high speed. The team used data from the European Space Agency’s X-ray observatory XMM-Newton to make the discovery. The black hole is a supermassive one, located at the heart of a galaxy known as PG1211+143, about a billion light-years away. Ken Pounds of the University of Leicester, who led the team that made the discovery, said:

We were able to follow an Earth-sized clump of matter for about a day, as it was pulled towards the black hole, accelerating to a third of the velocity of light before being swallowed up by the hole.

The velocity of light is 186,000 miles (300,000 km) per second.

Cool, yes? These results appeared in a paper published September 3, 2018 in the peer-reviewed journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The XMM-Newton spacecraft, via ESA/ University of Leicester/RAS.

The researchers used XMM-Newton data to examine at X-ray spectra (where X-rays are dispersed by wavelength) of the galaxy PG211+143. This object was already known as one likely to have a supermassive black hole at its core (as most galaxies now are thought to do). The team’s statement explained:

The researchers found the spectra to be strongly red-shifted, showing the observed matter to be falling into the black hole at the enormous speed of 30 per cent of the speed of light, or around 100,000 kilometers per second [60,000 mps]. The gas has almost no rotation around the hole, and is detected extremely close to it in astronomical terms, at a distance of only 20 times the hole’s size (its event horizon, the boundary of the region where escape is no longer possible).

Most infall to black holes doesn’t move so fast, because, before it enters the hole, the material forms an accretion disk. The astronomers explained:

… black holes are so compact that gas is almost always rotating too much to fall in directly. Instead it orbits the hole, approaching gradually through an accretion disk – a sequence of circular orbits of decreasing size.

Why, then, did the material observed in galaxy PG211+143 fall directly into a black hole? The astronomers said the high velocity could have been the result of misaligned disks of material rotating around the black hole:

The orbit of the gas around the black hole is often assumed to be aligned with the rotation of the black hole, but there is no compelling reason for this to be the case …

Until now it has been unclear how misaligned rotation might affect the in-fall of gas. This is particularly relevant to the feeding of supermassive black holes since matter (interstellar gas clouds or even isolated stars) can fall in from any direction.

As it turns out, theorists at University of Leicester recently used the UK’s Dirac supercomputer facility to simulate the ‘tearing’ of misaligned accretion disks around compact objects. The astronomers explained:

This work has shown that rings of gas can break off and collide with each other, cancelling out their rotation and leaving gas to fall directly towards the black hole.

And now, as often happens, the theoretical work has been followed by an observation. Pounds commented:

The galaxy we were observing with XMM-Newton has a 40 million solar mass black hole which is very bright and evidently well fed. Indeed some 15 years ago we detected a powerful wind indicating the hole was being over-fed. While such winds are now found in many active galaxies, PG1211+143 has now yielded another ‘first’, with the detection of matter plunging directly into the hole itself.

Characteristic disk structure from the simulation of a misaligned disk around a spinning black hole. Image via K. Pounds et al./ University of Leicester/RAS.

Bottom line: Astronomers used data from ESA’s X-ray space observatory XMM-Newton to discover a supermassive black hole, in a galaxy about a billion light-years away, into which matter is falling at some one-third of light speed.

Source: An ultrafast inflow in the luminous Seyfert PG1211+143

Via RAS

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2xMoMeQ

We’ve known for decades that black holes exist, and that matter sometimes falls into them, and now we have the first published evidence – from a team of UK astronomers – of matter falling into a black hole at 30 percent of the speed of light. This is much faster than what’s been observed in the past, but it isn’t unexpected. Recent computer simulations suggest a mechanism – via misaligned disks around the hole – by which gas can fall directly in at high speed. The team used data from the European Space Agency’s X-ray observatory XMM-Newton to make the discovery. The black hole is a supermassive one, located at the heart of a galaxy known as PG1211+143, about a billion light-years away. Ken Pounds of the University of Leicester, who led the team that made the discovery, said:

We were able to follow an Earth-sized clump of matter for about a day, as it was pulled towards the black hole, accelerating to a third of the velocity of light before being swallowed up by the hole.

The velocity of light is 186,000 miles (300,000 km) per second.

Cool, yes? These results appeared in a paper published September 3, 2018 in the peer-reviewed journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

The XMM-Newton spacecraft, via ESA/ University of Leicester/RAS.

The researchers used XMM-Newton data to examine at X-ray spectra (where X-rays are dispersed by wavelength) of the galaxy PG211+143. This object was already known as one likely to have a supermassive black hole at its core (as most galaxies now are thought to do). The team’s statement explained:

The researchers found the spectra to be strongly red-shifted, showing the observed matter to be falling into the black hole at the enormous speed of 30 per cent of the speed of light, or around 100,000 kilometers per second [60,000 mps]. The gas has almost no rotation around the hole, and is detected extremely close to it in astronomical terms, at a distance of only 20 times the hole’s size (its event horizon, the boundary of the region where escape is no longer possible).

Most infall to black holes doesn’t move so fast, because, before it enters the hole, the material forms an accretion disk. The astronomers explained:

… black holes are so compact that gas is almost always rotating too much to fall in directly. Instead it orbits the hole, approaching gradually through an accretion disk – a sequence of circular orbits of decreasing size.

Why, then, did the material observed in galaxy PG211+143 fall directly into a black hole? The astronomers said the high velocity could have been the result of misaligned disks of material rotating around the black hole:

The orbit of the gas around the black hole is often assumed to be aligned with the rotation of the black hole, but there is no compelling reason for this to be the case …

Until now it has been unclear how misaligned rotation might affect the in-fall of gas. This is particularly relevant to the feeding of supermassive black holes since matter (interstellar gas clouds or even isolated stars) can fall in from any direction.

As it turns out, theorists at University of Leicester recently used the UK’s Dirac supercomputer facility to simulate the ‘tearing’ of misaligned accretion disks around compact objects. The astronomers explained:

This work has shown that rings of gas can break off and collide with each other, cancelling out their rotation and leaving gas to fall directly towards the black hole.

And now, as often happens, the theoretical work has been followed by an observation. Pounds commented:

The galaxy we were observing with XMM-Newton has a 40 million solar mass black hole which is very bright and evidently well fed. Indeed some 15 years ago we detected a powerful wind indicating the hole was being over-fed. While such winds are now found in many active galaxies, PG1211+143 has now yielded another ‘first’, with the detection of matter plunging directly into the hole itself.

Characteristic disk structure from the simulation of a misaligned disk around a spinning black hole. Image via K. Pounds et al./ University of Leicester/RAS.

Bottom line: Astronomers used data from ESA’s X-ray space observatory XMM-Newton to discover a supermassive black hole, in a galaxy about a billion light-years away, into which matter is falling at some one-third of light speed.

Source: An ultrafast inflow in the luminous Seyfert PG1211+143

Via RAS

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2xMoMeQ

NASA balloon tracks electric blue clouds

On the cusp of our atmosphere live a thin group of seasonal electric-blue clouds. Forming 50 miles (80 km) above the poles in summer, these clouds are known as noctilucent clouds or polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs). This summer, a NASA balloon mission observed these clouds over the course of five days at their home high in Earth’s atmosphere. The resulting photos, which scientists have just begun to analyze, will help to better understand turbulence in the atmosphere, as well as in oceans and lakes and the atmospheres of other planets, and may even improve weather forecasting.

Atmospheric turbulence – small-scale, irregular air motions characterized by winds that vary in speed and direction – is important because it mixes and churns the atmosphere and causes water vapor, smoke, and other substances, as well as energy, to become distributed both vertically and horizontally.

Noctilucent clouds or polar mesospheric clouds observed by NASA balloons as they flew over the Arctic in July 2018. Image via NASA/PMC Turbo/Joy Ng.

On July 8, 2018, NASA’s PMC Turbo mission launched a giant balloon to study noctilucent clouds 50 miles (80 km) above the surface. For five days, the balloon floated through the stratosphere from its launch at Esrange, Sweden, across the Arctic to western Nunavut, Canada. During its flight, cameras aboard the balloon captured 6 million high-resolution images filling up 120 terabytes of data storage. The images include a variety of noctilucent cloud displays, revealing the processes leading to turbulence. Scientists are now beginning to go through the images and the first look has been promising.

Noctilucent (also called night-shining) clouds coalesce as ice crystals on tiny meteor remnants in the upper atmosphere. The results make brilliant blue rippling clouds that are visible just after the sun sets in polar regions during the summer. These clouds are affected by what’s known as atmospheric gravity waves — caused by the convecting and uplifting of air masses, such as when air is pushed up by mountain ranges. The waves play major roles in transferring energy from the lower atmosphere to the mesosphere.

Ruslan Merzlyakov in Denmark captured these noctilucent clouds on June 3, 2018. Learn more about noctilucent, or night shining, clouds, and see more photos here.

Dave Fritts is principal investigator of the PMC Turbo mission at Global Atmospheric Technologies and Sciences in Boulder, Colorado. He said in a statement:

This is the first time we’ve been able to visualize the flow of energy from larger gravity waves to smaller flow instabilities and turbulence in the upper atmosphere. At these altitudes you can literally see the gravity waves breaking – like ocean waves on the beach – and cascading to turbulence.

The balloons were equipped with seven specially-designed imaging systems to observe the clouds. Each included a high-resolution camera, a computer control and communications system, and 32 terabytes of data storage. The seven imaging systems were arranged to create a mosaic of wide views extending 100 miles (160 km) across, with each narrow view able to image turbulence features as small as 20 yards (918 meters) wide. A lidar — or laser radar — measured the precise altitudes of the clouds as well as the temperature fluctuations of the gravity waves above and below the clouds.

Learning about the causes and effects of turbulence will help scientists understand not only the structure and variability of the upper atmosphere, but other areas as well. Turbulence happens in fluids across the universe and the results will help scientists better model it in all systems. Ultimately, the results will even help improve weather forecast models.

Bottom line: In July 2018, a NASA balloon mission floated over the Arctic to study noctilucent clouds 50 miles (80 km) above the surface.

Read more from NASA

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2RcV9Lz

On the cusp of our atmosphere live a thin group of seasonal electric-blue clouds. Forming 50 miles (80 km) above the poles in summer, these clouds are known as noctilucent clouds or polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs). This summer, a NASA balloon mission observed these clouds over the course of five days at their home high in Earth’s atmosphere. The resulting photos, which scientists have just begun to analyze, will help to better understand turbulence in the atmosphere, as well as in oceans and lakes and the atmospheres of other planets, and may even improve weather forecasting.

Atmospheric turbulence – small-scale, irregular air motions characterized by winds that vary in speed and direction – is important because it mixes and churns the atmosphere and causes water vapor, smoke, and other substances, as well as energy, to become distributed both vertically and horizontally.

Noctilucent clouds or polar mesospheric clouds observed by NASA balloons as they flew over the Arctic in July 2018. Image via NASA/PMC Turbo/Joy Ng.

On July 8, 2018, NASA’s PMC Turbo mission launched a giant balloon to study noctilucent clouds 50 miles (80 km) above the surface. For five days, the balloon floated through the stratosphere from its launch at Esrange, Sweden, across the Arctic to western Nunavut, Canada. During its flight, cameras aboard the balloon captured 6 million high-resolution images filling up 120 terabytes of data storage. The images include a variety of noctilucent cloud displays, revealing the processes leading to turbulence. Scientists are now beginning to go through the images and the first look has been promising.

Noctilucent (also called night-shining) clouds coalesce as ice crystals on tiny meteor remnants in the upper atmosphere. The results make brilliant blue rippling clouds that are visible just after the sun sets in polar regions during the summer. These clouds are affected by what’s known as atmospheric gravity waves — caused by the convecting and uplifting of air masses, such as when air is pushed up by mountain ranges. The waves play major roles in transferring energy from the lower atmosphere to the mesosphere.

Ruslan Merzlyakov in Denmark captured these noctilucent clouds on June 3, 2018. Learn more about noctilucent, or night shining, clouds, and see more photos here.

Dave Fritts is principal investigator of the PMC Turbo mission at Global Atmospheric Technologies and Sciences in Boulder, Colorado. He said in a statement:

This is the first time we’ve been able to visualize the flow of energy from larger gravity waves to smaller flow instabilities and turbulence in the upper atmosphere. At these altitudes you can literally see the gravity waves breaking – like ocean waves on the beach – and cascading to turbulence.

The balloons were equipped with seven specially-designed imaging systems to observe the clouds. Each included a high-resolution camera, a computer control and communications system, and 32 terabytes of data storage. The seven imaging systems were arranged to create a mosaic of wide views extending 100 miles (160 km) across, with each narrow view able to image turbulence features as small as 20 yards (918 meters) wide. A lidar — or laser radar — measured the precise altitudes of the clouds as well as the temperature fluctuations of the gravity waves above and below the clouds.

Learning about the causes and effects of turbulence will help scientists understand not only the structure and variability of the upper atmosphere, but other areas as well. Turbulence happens in fluids across the universe and the results will help scientists better model it in all systems. Ultimately, the results will even help improve weather forecast models.

Bottom line: In July 2018, a NASA balloon mission floated over the Arctic to study noctilucent clouds 50 miles (80 km) above the surface.

Read more from NASA

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2RcV9Lz

Sunset over England

Image via SK Imagery.

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Image via SK Imagery.

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2IpG7y4

Every visible star is within Milky Way

The image at top, showing a campfire under the Milky Way, is by Ben Coffman Photography in Oregon. He wrote:

These good folks – co-workers from one of the resorts on Mt Hood, if I remember correctly – let me take their photo on the beach near Cape Kiwanda [a state natural area near in Pacific City, Oregon]. They looked like they were having fun.

And so they do. What could be better than a beautiful night under the Milky Way? But did you know that every night of your life is a night under the Milky Way? By that we mean … every individual star you can see with the unaided eye, in all parts of the sky, lies within the confines of our Milky Way galaxy.

Our galaxy – seen in Ben’s photo above as a bright and hazy band of stars – is estimated to be some 100,000 light-years wide and only about 1,000 light-years thick. That’s why the starlit band of the Milky Way, which is visible in the evening this month, appears so well defined in our sky.

Gazing into it, we’re really looking edgewise into the thin plane of our own galaxy:

This image is mosaic of multiple shots on large-format film. It comprises all 360 degrees of the galaxy from our earthly vantage point. Photography was done in Ft. Davis, Texas for the northern hemisphere shots and from Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, for the southern portions. Note the dust lanes, which obscure our view of some features beyond them. Image via Digital Sky LLC

In the image directly above – comprising all 360 degrees of the galaxy as seen from our earthly vantage point – note that the galaxy is brightest at its center, where most of the stars and a 4-million-solar-mass black hole reside. This image shows stars down to 11th magnitude – fainter than the eye alone can see.

If you’re standing under a clear, dark night sky, you’ll see the Milky Way clearly as a band of stars stretched across the sky on late summer evenings.

The band of the Milky Way is tough to see unless you’re far from the artificial lights of the city and you’re looking on a night when the moon is down.

If you do look in a dark country sky, you’ll easily spot the Milky Way. And, assuming you’re looking from the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll notice that it gets broader and richer in the southern part of the sky, in the direction of the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius. This is the direction toward the galaxy’s center.

If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, the galactic center is still in the direction of Sagittarius. But from the southern part of Earth’s globe, this constellation is closer to overhead.

The image below gives you an idea of the awesome beauty of our Milky Way galaxy in the night sky.

Bottom line: If you look in a dark country sky, you’ll easily spot the starlit band of our huge, flat Milky Way galaxy. Every star in our night sky that’s visible to the unaided eye lies inside this galaxy.

A planisphere is virtually indispensable for beginning stargazers. Order your EarthSky planisphere from our store.

Enjoying EarthSky so far? Sign up for our free daily newsletter today!

Donate: Your support means the world to us

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/1maRmYp

The image at top, showing a campfire under the Milky Way, is by Ben Coffman Photography in Oregon. He wrote:

These good folks – co-workers from one of the resorts on Mt Hood, if I remember correctly – let me take their photo on the beach near Cape Kiwanda [a state natural area near in Pacific City, Oregon]. They looked like they were having fun.

And so they do. What could be better than a beautiful night under the Milky Way? But did you know that every night of your life is a night under the Milky Way? By that we mean … every individual star you can see with the unaided eye, in all parts of the sky, lies within the confines of our Milky Way galaxy.

Our galaxy – seen in Ben’s photo above as a bright and hazy band of stars – is estimated to be some 100,000 light-years wide and only about 1,000 light-years thick. That’s why the starlit band of the Milky Way, which is visible in the evening this month, appears so well defined in our sky.

Gazing into it, we’re really looking edgewise into the thin plane of our own galaxy:

This image is mosaic of multiple shots on large-format film. It comprises all 360 degrees of the galaxy from our earthly vantage point. Photography was done in Ft. Davis, Texas for the northern hemisphere shots and from Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia, for the southern portions. Note the dust lanes, which obscure our view of some features beyond them. Image via Digital Sky LLC

In the image directly above – comprising all 360 degrees of the galaxy as seen from our earthly vantage point – note that the galaxy is brightest at its center, where most of the stars and a 4-million-solar-mass black hole reside. This image shows stars down to 11th magnitude – fainter than the eye alone can see.

If you’re standing under a clear, dark night sky, you’ll see the Milky Way clearly as a band of stars stretched across the sky on late summer evenings.

The band of the Milky Way is tough to see unless you’re far from the artificial lights of the city and you’re looking on a night when the moon is down.

If you do look in a dark country sky, you’ll easily spot the Milky Way. And, assuming you’re looking from the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll notice that it gets broader and richer in the southern part of the sky, in the direction of the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius. This is the direction toward the galaxy’s center.

If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, the galactic center is still in the direction of Sagittarius. But from the southern part of Earth’s globe, this constellation is closer to overhead.

The image below gives you an idea of the awesome beauty of our Milky Way galaxy in the night sky.

Bottom line: If you look in a dark country sky, you’ll easily spot the starlit band of our huge, flat Milky Way galaxy. Every star in our night sky that’s visible to the unaided eye lies inside this galaxy.

A planisphere is virtually indispensable for beginning stargazers. Order your EarthSky planisphere from our store.

Enjoying EarthSky so far? Sign up for our free daily newsletter today!

Donate: Your support means the world to us

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/1maRmYp

2018 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #39

A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week.

Editor's Pick

Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100

 

Firefighters from Brea, Calif., inspect and cut fireline on Aug. 1, 2018, as the Ranch Fire burns near Upper Lake, Calif. A day earlier, it and the River Fire totaled more than 74,000 acres. (Stuart W. Palley/For The Washington Post) 

Last month, deep in a 500-page environmental impact statement, the Trump administration made a startling assumption: On its current course, the planet will warm a disastrous 7 degrees by the end of this century.

A rise of 7 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 4 degrees Celsius, compared with preindustrial levels would be catastrophic, according to scientists. Many coral reefs would dissolve in increasingly acidic oceans. Parts of Manhattan and Miami would be underwater without costly coastal defenses. Extreme heat waves would routinely smother large parts of the globe.

But the administration did not offer this dire forecast as part of an argument to combat climate change. Just the opposite: The analysis assumes the planet’s fate is already sealed.

Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100 by Juliet Eilperin, Brady Dennis & Chri Mooney, Health & Science, Washington Post, Sep 28, 2018 

---

Links posted on Facebook

Sun Sep 23, 2018

• As sand mining grows, Asia’s deltas are sinking, water experts warn by Manipadma Jena, Thompson Reuters Foundation, Sep 21, 2018
• Research Shows Wind Farms Could Divert Hurricane Rains by Richard Kemeny, Hakai Magazine, Sep 21, 2018
• New Evidence That Climate Change Poses a Much Greater Threat to Humanity Than Recently Understood Because the IPCC has been Systematically Underestimating Climate Change Risks: An Ethical Analysis by Donald Brown, Ethics & Climate, Widener University, Sep 21, 2018
• Climate Mobilization plea: Cities must declare emergency by Sarah Wesseler, Yale Climate Connections, Sep 20, 2018
• The Energy 202: Trump's EPA is targeting rules for yet another greenhouse gas by Dino Grandoni, PowerPost, Washington Post, Sep 21, 2018
• The Unequal Burden of Climate Change by Emily Atkin, The New Republic, Sep 18, 2018
• Putting a dollar value on one of oil’s biggest subsidies: military protection by David Roberts, Energy & Environment, Vox, Sep 21, 2018
• Climate change swells ranks of refugees as Trump administration retreats to the sidelines by Tracy Wilkinson, Nation, Los Angeles Times, Sep 23, 2018

Mon Sep 24, 2018

• Climate change must be dealt with before it unleashes millions of global-warming refugees, Opinion by Mike Rowse, Comment, South China Morning Post, Sep 23, 2018
• Watching Kirk, Leslie, and 98L in the Atlantic, Trami in the Pacific by Jeff Masters, Category 6, Weather Underground, Sep 23, 2018
• Climate study ‘pulls punches’ to keep polluters on board by Robin McKie, Observer/Guardian, Sep 23, 2018
• Prepare for 10 Feet of Sea Level Rise, California Commission Tells Coastal Cities by Anne C. Mulkern, E&E News/Scientific American, Sep 21, 2018
• Tackling climate change to be key talking point at UN summit, AP/ABC News, Sep 23, 2018
• Climate change will be high on next year’s G20 summit agenda, Abe says, JIJI/Japan Times, Sep 24, 2018
• New study reconciles a dispute about how fast global warming will happen by Dana Nuccitelli, Climate Consensus - the 97%, Environment, Guardian, Sep 24, 2018
• Super Typhoon Trami now a monster CAT 5 with 160 mph/260 km/h sustained winds!, Severe Weather Europe, Sep 24, 2018

Tue Sep 25, 2018 

• Philippine farmers struggle to rebuild lives after typhoon decimates crops by Beh Lih Yi, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Sep 24, 2018
• Climate scientists reject ‘offensive’ claim of US, Saudi meddling in landmark report by Megan Darby, Climate Home News, Sep 24, 2018
• Climate Change Will Cost U.S. More in Economic Damage Than Any Other Country But One by Stacy Morford, InsideClimate News, Sep 24, 2018
• Where should you move to save yourself from climate change? by Oliver Milman, Environment, Guardian, Sep 24, 2018
• What’s Causing Antarctica’s Ocean to Heat Up? New Study Points to 2 Human Sources by Sabrina Shankman, InsideClimate News, Sep 24, 2018
• PM Jacinda Ardern's challenges other world leaders on climate change by Claire Trevett, New Zealand Herald Express, Sep 25, 2918
• Ryan Zinke to the oil and gas industry: “Our government should work for you” by Umair Irfan, Energy & Environment, Vox, Sep 22, 2018
• California urges Trump to drop plan for weaker fuel standard by Sudhin Thanawala, AP/CNBC, Sep 24, 2018

Wed Sep 26, 2018 

• Germany's coastal lowlands under the shadow of climate change by Tamsin Walker, Deutsche Welle, Sep 24, 2018
• Adani plans to take 12.5b litres of water as farmer denied access in 'double standard' by Michael Slezak, ABC News (Australia), Sep 24, 2018
• You Are Not Alone With Your Concerns About Climate Change by Jesper Berggreen, CleanTechnica, Sep 25, 2018
• Google’s New Tool to Fight Climate Change by Robinson Meyer, Technology, The Atlantic, Sep 25, 2018
• Super Typhoon Trami: Images show storm from space as it heads for Japan by Euan McKirdy, CNN, Sep 26, 2018
• New research shows the world’s ice is doing something not seen before by John Abraham, Climate Consensus - the 97%, Environment, The Guardian, Sep 26, 2018
• Harbingers: Florence, Forest Fires, and the Future by John Atcheson, Climate Change, Common Dreams, Sep 26, 2018
• Climate gentrification: the rich can afford to move – what about the poor? by Oliver Milman, Environment, Guardian, Sep 25, 2018

Thu Sep 27, 2018 

• Suing the United States for Climate Change Impacts by Stephen L. Kass, New York Law Journal, Sep 25, 2018
• The EU needs a stability and wellbeing pact, not more growth, Letter signed by 238 European academics, Business, Guardian, Sep 26, 2018
• The Climate-Change Debate Has Shifted, Not Ended by Eric Roston, Quicktake, Bloomberg News, Sep 26, 2018
• Climate change is a global injustice. A new study shows why. by Umair Irfan, Energy & Environment, Vox, Sep 26, 2018
• Morning update on the intense Medicane developing tonight: may hit Crete Island this weekend, Severe Weather Europe, Sep 27, 2018
• The Paris Accord Won’t Stop Global Warming on Its Own by Richard Samans, Foreign Policy, Sep 26, 2018
• World 'nowhere near on track' to avoid warming beyond 1.5C target by Oliver Milman, Guardian, Sep 27, 2018
• Kavanaugh Confirmation Fight Has Consequences for Climate Law by Mark K. Matthews, E&E News/Scientific American, Sep 27, 2018

Fri Sep 28, 2018

• Humans Contribute to Earth’s Wobble, Scientists Say by Stephanie Pappas, LiveScience/Scientific American, Sep 25, 2018
• Credible tracking of land-use emissions under the Paris, Guest by Giacomo Grassi, Jo House, Werner Kurz & Glen Peters, Carbon Brief, Sep 24, 2018
• Climate-related financial disclosure becoming more mainstream - G20 task force by Nina Chestney, Reuters, Sep 26, 2018
• Powerful Typhoon Trami to slam Japan with life-threatening impacts by Eric Leister, AccuWeather, Sep 28, 2018
• Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100 by Juliet Eilperin, Brady Dennis & Chri Mooney, Health & Science, Washington Post, Sep 28, 2018
• E.P.A. to Eliminate Office That Advises Agency Chief on Science by Coral Davenport, Climate, New York Times, Sep 27, 2018
• Harvey, Florence, and the climate change connection by Amanda Paulson, Environment, Christian Science Monitor, Sep 27, 2018
• Trial Will Test New Weapon Against Climate Change: Necessity Defense by Seamus McGraw, Climate Liability News, Sep 25, 2018

Sat Sep 29, 2018

• Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions climb again amid climate policy vacuum by Lisa Cox, Environment, Guardian, Sep 28, 2018
• Northern Swedish cities see the effects of climate change more than anywhere else in Europe by Nele Schröder, The Local-Sweden, Sep 26. 2018
• Wetlands disappearing three times faster than forests, AFP/Channel News Asia, Sep 27, 2018
• Indonesia tsunami and earthquake kill 384, leave hundreds injured by Nicole Chavez & Mochammad Andri, CNN, Sep 29, 2018
• Witnessing the environmental horrors of Hurricane Florence by Sue Sturgis, Facing South, Sep 28, 2018
• Looking anew at plastics and climate change by Bruce Liberman, Yale Climate Communications, Sep 26, 2018
• Marine microbes: Small but mighty at capturing carbon by Devi Lockwood, Yale Climate Communications, Sep 27, 2018
• Courts Will Play Key Role in Addressing Climate Crisis, Experts Say by Dana Drugmand, Climate Liability News, Sep 27, 2018
• New research, September 17-23, 2018 by Ari Jokimäki, Skeptical Science, Sep 28, 2018

from Skeptical Science https://ift.tt/2OYcYMU

A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week.

Editor's Pick

Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100

 

Firefighters from Brea, Calif., inspect and cut fireline on Aug. 1, 2018, as the Ranch Fire burns near Upper Lake, Calif. A day earlier, it and the River Fire totaled more than 74,000 acres. (Stuart W. Palley/For The Washington Post) 

Last month, deep in a 500-page environmental impact statement, the Trump administration made a startling assumption: On its current course, the planet will warm a disastrous 7 degrees by the end of this century.

A rise of 7 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 4 degrees Celsius, compared with preindustrial levels would be catastrophic, according to scientists. Many coral reefs would dissolve in increasingly acidic oceans. Parts of Manhattan and Miami would be underwater without costly coastal defenses. Extreme heat waves would routinely smother large parts of the globe.

But the administration did not offer this dire forecast as part of an argument to combat climate change. Just the opposite: The analysis assumes the planet’s fate is already sealed.

Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100 by Juliet Eilperin, Brady Dennis & Chri Mooney, Health & Science, Washington Post, Sep 28, 2018 

---

Links posted on Facebook

Sun Sep 23, 2018

• As sand mining grows, Asia’s deltas are sinking, water experts warn by Manipadma Jena, Thompson Reuters Foundation, Sep 21, 2018
• Research Shows Wind Farms Could Divert Hurricane Rains by Richard Kemeny, Hakai Magazine, Sep 21, 2018
• New Evidence That Climate Change Poses a Much Greater Threat to Humanity Than Recently Understood Because the IPCC has been Systematically Underestimating Climate Change Risks: An Ethical Analysis by Donald Brown, Ethics & Climate, Widener University, Sep 21, 2018
• Climate Mobilization plea: Cities must declare emergency by Sarah Wesseler, Yale Climate Connections, Sep 20, 2018
• The Energy 202: Trump's EPA is targeting rules for yet another greenhouse gas by Dino Grandoni, PowerPost, Washington Post, Sep 21, 2018
• The Unequal Burden of Climate Change by Emily Atkin, The New Republic, Sep 18, 2018
• Putting a dollar value on one of oil’s biggest subsidies: military protection by David Roberts, Energy & Environment, Vox, Sep 21, 2018
• Climate change swells ranks of refugees as Trump administration retreats to the sidelines by Tracy Wilkinson, Nation, Los Angeles Times, Sep 23, 2018

Mon Sep 24, 2018

• Climate change must be dealt with before it unleashes millions of global-warming refugees, Opinion by Mike Rowse, Comment, South China Morning Post, Sep 23, 2018
• Watching Kirk, Leslie, and 98L in the Atlantic, Trami in the Pacific by Jeff Masters, Category 6, Weather Underground, Sep 23, 2018
• Climate study ‘pulls punches’ to keep polluters on board by Robin McKie, Observer/Guardian, Sep 23, 2018
• Prepare for 10 Feet of Sea Level Rise, California Commission Tells Coastal Cities by Anne C. Mulkern, E&E News/Scientific American, Sep 21, 2018
• Tackling climate change to be key talking point at UN summit, AP/ABC News, Sep 23, 2018
• Climate change will be high on next year’s G20 summit agenda, Abe says, JIJI/Japan Times, Sep 24, 2018
• New study reconciles a dispute about how fast global warming will happen by Dana Nuccitelli, Climate Consensus - the 97%, Environment, Guardian, Sep 24, 2018
• Super Typhoon Trami now a monster CAT 5 with 160 mph/260 km/h sustained winds!, Severe Weather Europe, Sep 24, 2018

Tue Sep 25, 2018 

• Philippine farmers struggle to rebuild lives after typhoon decimates crops by Beh Lih Yi, Thomson Reuters Foundation, Sep 24, 2018
• Climate scientists reject ‘offensive’ claim of US, Saudi meddling in landmark report by Megan Darby, Climate Home News, Sep 24, 2018
• Climate Change Will Cost U.S. More in Economic Damage Than Any Other Country But One by Stacy Morford, InsideClimate News, Sep 24, 2018
• Where should you move to save yourself from climate change? by Oliver Milman, Environment, Guardian, Sep 24, 2018
• What’s Causing Antarctica’s Ocean to Heat Up? New Study Points to 2 Human Sources by Sabrina Shankman, InsideClimate News, Sep 24, 2018
• PM Jacinda Ardern's challenges other world leaders on climate change by Claire Trevett, New Zealand Herald Express, Sep 25, 2918
• Ryan Zinke to the oil and gas industry: “Our government should work for you” by Umair Irfan, Energy & Environment, Vox, Sep 22, 2018
• California urges Trump to drop plan for weaker fuel standard by Sudhin Thanawala, AP/CNBC, Sep 24, 2018

Wed Sep 26, 2018 

• Germany's coastal lowlands under the shadow of climate change by Tamsin Walker, Deutsche Welle, Sep 24, 2018
• Adani plans to take 12.5b litres of water as farmer denied access in 'double standard' by Michael Slezak, ABC News (Australia), Sep 24, 2018
• You Are Not Alone With Your Concerns About Climate Change by Jesper Berggreen, CleanTechnica, Sep 25, 2018
• Google’s New Tool to Fight Climate Change by Robinson Meyer, Technology, The Atlantic, Sep 25, 2018
• Super Typhoon Trami: Images show storm from space as it heads for Japan by Euan McKirdy, CNN, Sep 26, 2018
• New research shows the world’s ice is doing something not seen before by John Abraham, Climate Consensus - the 97%, Environment, The Guardian, Sep 26, 2018
• Harbingers: Florence, Forest Fires, and the Future by John Atcheson, Climate Change, Common Dreams, Sep 26, 2018
• Climate gentrification: the rich can afford to move – what about the poor? by Oliver Milman, Environment, Guardian, Sep 25, 2018

Thu Sep 27, 2018 

• Suing the United States for Climate Change Impacts by Stephen L. Kass, New York Law Journal, Sep 25, 2018
• The EU needs a stability and wellbeing pact, not more growth, Letter signed by 238 European academics, Business, Guardian, Sep 26, 2018
• The Climate-Change Debate Has Shifted, Not Ended by Eric Roston, Quicktake, Bloomberg News, Sep 26, 2018
• Climate change is a global injustice. A new study shows why. by Umair Irfan, Energy & Environment, Vox, Sep 26, 2018
• Morning update on the intense Medicane developing tonight: may hit Crete Island this weekend, Severe Weather Europe, Sep 27, 2018
• The Paris Accord Won’t Stop Global Warming on Its Own by Richard Samans, Foreign Policy, Sep 26, 2018
• World 'nowhere near on track' to avoid warming beyond 1.5C target by Oliver Milman, Guardian, Sep 27, 2018
• Kavanaugh Confirmation Fight Has Consequences for Climate Law by Mark K. Matthews, E&E News/Scientific American, Sep 27, 2018

Fri Sep 28, 2018

• Humans Contribute to Earth’s Wobble, Scientists Say by Stephanie Pappas, LiveScience/Scientific American, Sep 25, 2018
• Credible tracking of land-use emissions under the Paris, Guest by Giacomo Grassi, Jo House, Werner Kurz & Glen Peters, Carbon Brief, Sep 24, 2018
• Climate-related financial disclosure becoming more mainstream - G20 task force by Nina Chestney, Reuters, Sep 26, 2018
• Powerful Typhoon Trami to slam Japan with life-threatening impacts by Eric Leister, AccuWeather, Sep 28, 2018
• Trump administration sees a 7-degree rise in global temperatures by 2100 by Juliet Eilperin, Brady Dennis & Chri Mooney, Health & Science, Washington Post, Sep 28, 2018
• E.P.A. to Eliminate Office That Advises Agency Chief on Science by Coral Davenport, Climate, New York Times, Sep 27, 2018
• Harvey, Florence, and the climate change connection by Amanda Paulson, Environment, Christian Science Monitor, Sep 27, 2018
• Trial Will Test New Weapon Against Climate Change: Necessity Defense by Seamus McGraw, Climate Liability News, Sep 25, 2018

Sat Sep 29, 2018

• Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions climb again amid climate policy vacuum by Lisa Cox, Environment, Guardian, Sep 28, 2018
• Northern Swedish cities see the effects of climate change more than anywhere else in Europe by Nele Schröder, The Local-Sweden, Sep 26. 2018
• Wetlands disappearing three times faster than forests, AFP/Channel News Asia, Sep 27, 2018
• Indonesia tsunami and earthquake kill 384, leave hundreds injured by Nicole Chavez & Mochammad Andri, CNN, Sep 29, 2018
• Witnessing the environmental horrors of Hurricane Florence by Sue Sturgis, Facing South, Sep 28, 2018
• Looking anew at plastics and climate change by Bruce Liberman, Yale Climate Communications, Sep 26, 2018
• Marine microbes: Small but mighty at capturing carbon by Devi Lockwood, Yale Climate Communications, Sep 27, 2018
• Courts Will Play Key Role in Addressing Climate Crisis, Experts Say by Dana Drugmand, Climate Liability News, Sep 27, 2018
• New research, September 17-23, 2018 by Ari Jokimäki, Skeptical Science, Sep 28, 2018

from Skeptical Science https://ift.tt/2OYcYMU

The sun in 2 wavelengths

Image via NASA/GSFC/Solar Dynamics Observatory.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory views our sun in 10 different wavelengths. That’s because each wavelength reveals different solar features. This view of the sun, from September 21, 2018, uses two images taken at virtually the same time but in different wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light.

A NASA statement described the image:

The red-tinted image, which captures material not far above the sun’s surface, is especially good for revealing details along the edge of the sun, like the small prominence at the ten o’clock position.

The brown-tinted image clearly shows two large coronal holes (darker areas) as well as some faint magnetic field lines and hints of solar activity (lighter areas), neither of which are apparent in the red image. This activity is occurring somewhat higher in the sun’s corona [the aura of plasma that surrounds the sun]. In a way it is like peeling away the layers of an onion, a little at a time.

Read more from NASA

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2zE4xkQ

Image via NASA/GSFC/Solar Dynamics Observatory.

NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory views our sun in 10 different wavelengths. That’s because each wavelength reveals different solar features. This view of the sun, from September 21, 2018, uses two images taken at virtually the same time but in different wavelengths of extreme ultraviolet light.

A NASA statement described the image:

The red-tinted image, which captures material not far above the sun’s surface, is especially good for revealing details along the edge of the sun, like the small prominence at the ten o’clock position.

The brown-tinted image clearly shows two large coronal holes (darker areas) as well as some faint magnetic field lines and hints of solar activity (lighter areas), neither of which are apparent in the red image. This activity is occurring somewhat higher in the sun’s corona [the aura of plasma that surrounds the sun]. In a way it is like peeling away the layers of an onion, a little at a time.

Read more from NASA

from EarthSky https://ift.tt/2zE4xkQ

News digest – obesity, the contraceptive pill, breast cancer rates and cancer in Kenya

Obesity could cause more cancers in women than smoking by 2043

Obesity is set to overtake smoking as the biggest preventable cause of cancer in women, reports the BBC. Our figures show that if current trends continue, by 2035 around 9% of cancers in women will be linked to obesity and around 10% will be linked to smoking. The two causes of cancer could then switch places as soon as 2043, according to our calculations. Read our blog post to find out how we made these projections. Read our blog post to find out how we made these projections.

Drug prevents pancreatic cancer becoming resistant to treatment in mice

The Mail Online covered research in mice that tests a new pancreatic cancer drug. The study was looking at whether the experimental treatment could stop pancreatic cancer becoming resistant to treatment.

Study confirms combined pill reduces ovarian cancer risk

A new study added to the evidence that the combined contraceptive pill can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Earlier studies had looked at older types of the pill that contained higher levels of oestrogen, but this study showed reduced risk in newer types too. The Guardian covered the study that looked at 1.9 million women who were aged 15-49 between 1995 and 2014. The risk of other types of cancer can be affected by taking The Pill, so if you’re thinking about starting or stopping, speak to your doctor.

Brexit’s impact on research

Nature looks at how scientists are preparing for life after the UK leaves the European Union, and how it will affect their research.

Aspirin could boost cancer survival

Cancer patients could have a greater chance of surviving their disease if they take a small daily dose of aspirin, reports The Telegraph. The report reviewed results from lots of other studies and showed that the over-the-counter drug may also slow the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. The results need confirming in a clinical trial, and as our head information nurse said: “Aspirin isn’t suitable for everyone and can have serious side effects, like internal bleeding, so it’s important to speak to your doctor if you are considering taking aspirin as part of your treatment”.

Tobacco display ban leads to fall in kids buying cigarettes

The Guardian says thanks to the ban on displaying tobacco in shops, the number of children buying cigarettes in England has fallen. Before the ban in 2015, 57 out of 100 children who regularly smoked got their cigarettes from shops. By 2016, this fell to 40 in 100 children.

Low calories drinks could help obese people lose weight

Researchers in Oxford are suggesting people who are obese should be given low calories shakes to help them lose weight. The BBC says that the drinks that are used to replace meals, which are currently available privately, are now being considered for use on the NHS.

How people still help us beat cancer even after death

One of our colleagues wrote this moving piece for the Guardian about his fiancée who died of bladder cancer two years ago but is helping us beat cancer through research. Read our press release for the details of the study she donated samples to or watch the video below.

New research by our scientists suggests that urine tests could be a less invasive way to monitor treatment response in people with bladder cancer: https://t.co/Q5dLLDJTbs pic.twitter.com/qtGVDB9q38

— Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) September 28, 2018

Breast cancer deaths could start to rise by 2022

A report by Breast Cancer Now claims that the number of breast cancer deaths, though currently decreasing, will start to increase by 2022. Breast cancer survival continues to improve, and the projected increase is largely due to people living longer. The report, covered in the Independent, also highlights that the care and treatment a patient receives when they’re diagnosed with breast cancer can vary depending on where they live.

And finally

Mosaic covered our Grand Challenge project that’s looking into why the rates of certain cancers vary widely across the world. Finding out more about people’s lifestyles across the globe could reveal less obvious preventable causes of cancer and help us learn more about the disease. Follow our immersive story to find out about the work our patient representatives are doing in Kenya.

Gabi

from Cancer Research UK – Science blog https://ift.tt/2Qk48cV

Obesity could cause more cancers in women than smoking by 2043

Obesity is set to overtake smoking as the biggest preventable cause of cancer in women, reports the BBC. Our figures show that if current trends continue, by 2035 around 9% of cancers in women will be linked to obesity and around 10% will be linked to smoking. The two causes of cancer could then switch places as soon as 2043, according to our calculations. Read our blog post to find out how we made these projections. Read our blog post to find out how we made these projections.

Drug prevents pancreatic cancer becoming resistant to treatment in mice

The Mail Online covered research in mice that tests a new pancreatic cancer drug. The study was looking at whether the experimental treatment could stop pancreatic cancer becoming resistant to treatment.

Study confirms combined pill reduces ovarian cancer risk

A new study added to the evidence that the combined contraceptive pill can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. Earlier studies had looked at older types of the pill that contained higher levels of oestrogen, but this study showed reduced risk in newer types too. The Guardian covered the study that looked at 1.9 million women who were aged 15-49 between 1995 and 2014. The risk of other types of cancer can be affected by taking The Pill, so if you’re thinking about starting or stopping, speak to your doctor.

Brexit’s impact on research

Nature looks at how scientists are preparing for life after the UK leaves the European Union, and how it will affect their research.

Aspirin could boost cancer survival

Cancer patients could have a greater chance of surviving their disease if they take a small daily dose of aspirin, reports The Telegraph. The report reviewed results from lots of other studies and showed that the over-the-counter drug may also slow the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. The results need confirming in a clinical trial, and as our head information nurse said: “Aspirin isn’t suitable for everyone and can have serious side effects, like internal bleeding, so it’s important to speak to your doctor if you are considering taking aspirin as part of your treatment”.

Tobacco display ban leads to fall in kids buying cigarettes

The Guardian says thanks to the ban on displaying tobacco in shops, the number of children buying cigarettes in England has fallen. Before the ban in 2015, 57 out of 100 children who regularly smoked got their cigarettes from shops. By 2016, this fell to 40 in 100 children.

Low calories drinks could help obese people lose weight

Researchers in Oxford are suggesting people who are obese should be given low calories shakes to help them lose weight. The BBC says that the drinks that are used to replace meals, which are currently available privately, are now being considered for use on the NHS.

How people still help us beat cancer even after death

One of our colleagues wrote this moving piece for the Guardian about his fiancée who died of bladder cancer two years ago but is helping us beat cancer through research. Read our press release for the details of the study she donated samples to or watch the video below.

New research by our scientists suggests that urine tests could be a less invasive way to monitor treatment response in people with bladder cancer: https://t.co/Q5dLLDJTbs pic.twitter.com/qtGVDB9q38

— Cancer Research UK (@CR_UK) September 28, 2018

Breast cancer deaths could start to rise by 2022

A report by Breast Cancer Now claims that the number of breast cancer deaths, though currently decreasing, will start to increase by 2022. Breast cancer survival continues to improve, and the projected increase is largely due to people living longer. The report, covered in the Independent, also highlights that the care and treatment a patient receives when they’re diagnosed with breast cancer can vary depending on where they live.

And finally

Mosaic covered our Grand Challenge project that’s looking into why the rates of certain cancers vary widely across the world. Finding out more about people’s lifestyles across the globe could reveal less obvious preventable causes of cancer and help us learn more about the disease. Follow our immersive story to find out about the work our patient representatives are doing in Kenya.

Gabi

from Cancer Research UK – Science blog https://ift.tt/2Qk48cV