Category: 7. Science

The Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica is nearly 80 miles wide, making it the largest glacier in the world by width. If it collapses entirely, the resulting changes could raise global sea levels. Scientists are racing to understand the forces at work before it’s too late.

To better understand how this could unfold, researchers developed a new way to study the cracks – or fractures – that weaken the massive ice shelves connected to glaciers.

These shelves float on the ocean, but they’re anchored to land. When they fracture and collapse, they speed up the melting of the glacier behind them.

Antarctic glacier nears its breaking point

Using years of NASA satellite data, the team focused on vertical fractures in the Antarctic ice sheet – the largest on the planet, even though it’s losing about 136 billion tons of ice each year.

Their attention was on the Thwaites Ice Shelf, a critical extension of the Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica.

Often called the “Doomsday Glacier” for its potential to raise sea levels by up to 11 feet, Thwaites is especially vulnerable. The ice shelf acts like a stopper, slowing the glacier’s flow into the ocean. If that shelf collapses, it could trigger a chain reaction of rapid ice loss.

Rethinking how fractures form

The new method was developed by a research team at Penn State University. Their findings zero in on how fractures form and evolve in ice shelves – and why existing models aren’t enough.

Shujie Wang is an assistant professor of geography, a faculty associate in the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute at Penn State, and a co-author of the study.

“We know little about fractures, and their behavior is much more complex than conventional models suggest,” she said. “Conventional models depend largely on simplified models and scarce, hard-to-obtain field observations.”

The Thwaites Ice Shelf is particularly unstable. It changes quickly, its surface is heavily fractured, and the ice flows at a fast pace.

Researchers describe it as a final barrier that keeps the rest of the glacier from disintegrating.

Richard Alley, Evan Pugh University Professor of Geosciences at Penn State and co-author of the study, offered this analogy: “We’ve seen ice shelves break off, but we’ve never seen one grow back.”

“This new research indicates we can predict better the point at which these will break off. It’s helping to establish the early-warning signals.”

High-resolution views of ice breaking

To capture the changes in the ice shelf’s structure, the research team used data from NASA’s ICESat-2 satellite. It collected measurements between 2018 and 2024.

This satellite tracks ice elevation, sea level, and other Earth features with remarkable precision.

The team built a new two-step process to analyze the satellite data. It lets them create high-resolution elevation profiles and visual cross-sections of fractures in the ice.

Building on a previous algorithm Wang had designed to detect individual cracks, the new method gives researchers a better view of how different types of fractures form and evolve over time.

Antarctica’s glacier instability feeds on itself

The findings showed that the eastern section of the Thwaites Ice Shelf has more aggressive fracturing, while the western side appears more stable. The cause of that difference isn’t clear yet.

But the researchers pointed to several possible factors. These included warmer winter temperatures, less sea ice, and shifting ocean currents beneath the shelf. Further research is needed to know for sure.

As fractures spread, the ice flows faster. In Antarctica, that creates more cracks, which leads to more instability – a feedback loop that can push parts of the glacier past the point of no return.

“We believe that if the Thwaites Glacier gets very unstable, it will have catastrophic consequences,” Wang said. “It’s an important area to be studied, to say what’s going to change next.”

Lessons from a glacier lost

This latest work builds on a 2023 study led by Wang that looked at the Larsen B Ice Shelf, which collapsed in 2002.

That shelf, about 1,250 square miles in size, broke apart over just five weeks after years of weakening due to warmer air and ocean temperatures.

Back then, models didn’t catch the warning signs. Now, with this new method, researchers have better tools to predict when and where these breaks might happen.

While older approaches relied heavily on theory, the new system offers observations and data that can feed into more accurate models. Over time, the researchers hope this will lead to stronger predictions about how Antarctic ice is changing.

To support ongoing and future research, Zhengrui Huang, a doctoral candidate in geography and co-author of the paper, pulled together satellite data from more than 40 Antarctic ice shelves.

That dataset includes 3D information about fracture locations and depths – a potential goldmine for scientists working to understand ice dynamics.

“We expect this will be a key observational dataset of fractures for researchers who study and model Antarctic ice-shelf dynamics,” Huang said.

By sharing this data as an open resource, the team hopes to accelerate discoveries and sharpen predictions. The researchers also aim to help the world better understand what’s at stake if massive glaciers like Thwaites keep crumbling.

The full study was published in the journal Journal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface.

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A fossil dug up during the Civil War has spent more than a century mislabeled. Once thought to be a seaworm, it turns out the creature is something entirely different – and far more important.

It’s called Palaeocampa anthrax. And according to scientists at the University of Michigan, it may be the first known member of its group to make the jump from sea to land.

Fossil sitting in a museum drawer

The fossil was sitting in a drawer at Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology. Richard J. Knecht, a postdoctoral researcher from the University of Michigan, decided to take a closer look.

What Knecht saw didn’t match the label. The creature wasn’t a millipede, or a caterpillar, or even a worm. It was a lobopod.

Lobopods are soft-bodied invertebrates that look like worms with legs. They’re considered ancestors of all arthropods – insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Until now, they were believed to be purely marine animals that lived over 500 million years ago.

But this fossil tells a different story. “This is the first evidence that we have that this group actually did leave the ocean,” Knecht said. “Transitioning from a saltwater environment, even to a freshwater environment, is a major evolutionary step.”

“Any time you find a group that made this transition, it’s not just insightful, it’s really important evolutionarily to try to understand how this happened.”

Misidentified for over a century

Since it was first discovered, this lobopod fossil has been misclassified multiple times. Photos of it have appeared in scientific studies, but no one realized what it truly was.

“When the specimen was first discovered, lobopods didn’t even exist as a group,” said Knecht. “This is an example of why revisiting older specimens can be of real value.”

“Even specimens that are iconic and super well known provide an opportunity to make big discoveries just by viewing them with new techniques and fresh perspectives.”

It all came down to the spines

This particular lobopod doesn’t look like much at first glance. It resembles a fuzzy caterpillar, with tiny spines and bristles running down its body.

But when examined more closely, it stands apart from other lobopods. Most lobopodian spines grow in a pattern like stacked cones. Palaeocampa anthrax’s spines don’t. They’re segmented like bamboo, each one ending in a flat, turret-like tip.

Then came the real surprise: orange halos around the tips of the spines. That unusual feature led the team to ask a new question – was this lobopod fossil leaving behind a chemical clue?

To answer that, Knecht teamed up with Nanfang Yu, a physicist at Columbia University. Using infrared spectroscopy, they found fossilized molecules at the tips of the spines.

Defense strategy suits dry ground

These molecules weren’t found anywhere else on the lobopod fossil or the surrounding rock. This pointed to a startling possibility: the creature might have secreted chemicals from the tips of its spines – possibly for defense.

“If I were to place a chip on the table, I’d say this organism was probably more terrestrial or amphibious, specifically because of that tip. It makes more sense in an aerial rather than a subaqueous environment,” Knecht said.

Most sea creatures with spines use them to inject toxins. But if a defense mechanism simply leaks from the tip, it wouldn’t work well underwater. It would just wash away. That kind of system makes a lot more sense on land or near land.

A long shot fossil find

Finding a soft-bodied fossil like this is rare. Invertebrates don’t have bones, and their bodies decompose fast. To preserve one, it must die in just the right conditions – usually in oxygen-poor water with fine sediment that covers the body almost immediately.

That’s what makes sites like Mazon Creek in Illinois and Montceau-les-Mines in France so valuable. These sites, known as Lagerstätten, preserve fossils in exceptional detail. And that’s where Palaeocampa anthrax was found.

The fossil is one of only two lobopods from the Carboniferous period. It’s also the youngest known example of its kind – and potentially the first to show evidence of life outside the sea.

“It’s like winning the lottery not once, but three times. First, that the site existed at all; second, to have this level of preservation; and third, to then find it over 300 million years later,” Knecht said. “It’s a series of statistical miracles.”

Why this fossil matters

This fossil does more than correct a case of mistaken identity. It shows that lobopods – some of the earliest ancestors of insects and spiders – may have begun exploring land far earlier than anyone thought.

It also proves the value of looking at old things in new ways. A mislabeled fossil, sitting in a drawer for 150 years, just rewrote a chapter of life’s story on Earth.

The full study was published in the journal Communications Biology.

Image Credit: Richard J. Knecht

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In 1976, NASA’s Viking 1 and 2 missions landed on Mars and began conducting the first astrobiology studies on another planet. This involved the analysis of soil samples for possible indications of organic molecules and biological processes (aka. “biosignatures”). The results of these studies were inconclusive and led to a general sense of pessimism towards the idea that Mars ever hosted life. However, the presence of features that could only have formed in the presence of flowing water – flow channels, delta fans, hydrated minerals, etc. – led to renewed astrobiology efforts by the 1990s.

Since then, no less than 25 missions (a combination of orbiters, landers, and rovers) have been sent to Mars to learn more about its past and resume the search for biosignatures. These efforts have been bolstered by the discovery of Recurring Slope Lineae (RSL), which refers to dark linear features on steep slopes on Mars. These features appear to be seasonal in nature, appearing in summer and fading away during winter, which suggests the presence of liquid water. In a recent paper, Vincent Chevrier of the University of Arkansas (UArk) presents the most compelling evidence to date that seasonal brines occur on Mars.

Between the extreme variations in temperature and Mars’ very low atmospheric pressure (less than 1% that of Earth), water cannot exist in a stable form on the surface. As such, the existence of RSLs remains a controversial issue for scientists. These “brines” are believed to result from seasonal melts mixing with the natural perchlorates in Martian soil. Assuming they can exist, these patches could host life in the form of single-celled microbes. According to the latest research by
Vincent Chevrier, an associate research professor at UArk’s Center for Space and Planetary Sciences,

Vincent Chevrier, an associate research professor at the University of Arkansas’ Center for Space and Planetary Sciences. Credit: UArk

Seasonal frosts are common on Mars and present the best chance for finding liquid brines. However, because of Mars’ thin atmosphere, water tends to transition directly from ice and vapor without becoming a liquid (aka. sublimates). To investigate the possibility of liquid existing periodically in the form of brines, Chevrier consulted meteorological data collected by the Viking 2 mission, which landed in the Utopia Planitia region on September 3rd, 1976. Located in Mars’ Northern Lowlands, this region is known to have permafrost and is believed to have once been covered by a planetwide ocean.

This was combined with data from the Mars Climate Database and computer modeling to determine if brines could form from melting frost for brief periods. Chevrier selected the Viking 2 data because it is the only mission to have clearly observed, identified, and characterized frost on Mars. Chevrier has spent the last 20 years studying Mars for signs of liquid water and has long suspected that perchlorates are the most promising salts for brine formation because of their extremely low salt-water melting point.

This includes brines composed of water and calcium perchlorate, which solidifies at -75 °C (-103 °F), whereas average surface temperatures on Mars range from 20 °C (68 °F) during the day to -153°C (-243°F) at night. Based on the climate modeling data, Chevrier determined there is a brief window lasting for one Martian month (roughly two months on Earth) between late winter and early spring when temperatures are right for the formation of brines. He further concluded that ideal temperatures are present between early morning and late afternoon, and are either too hot or too cold at other times.

These brines would be scarce, since calcium perchlorate accounts for about 1% of Martian regolith, and frosts that form in the Northern Lowlands are extremely thin.
While these findings are not conclusive proof that brines exist on Mars, they do indicate that Mars could conceivably support life adapted to much colder, drier conditions. What’s more, they offer a tantalizing prediction of what future missions to Mars could find and suggest that similar processes may occur in other frost-bearing regions, such as the mid-to-high latitudes.

The paper that describes his findings was recently published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment.

Further Reading: University of Arkansas, Nature Communications Earth and Environment

Saturday, July 26, 2025

The Southern Hemisphere is home to some of the best stargazing on earth, and AAT Kings, the guided holiday expert in Australia and New Zealand, is proud to announce its top stargazing experiences for 2025. In a Noctourism trend that is spreading around the planet, many of these destinations have earned designation and protection from the IDA to ensure that their night skies are the clearest and darkest so that visitors can partake in an experience of the cosmos they’ll never forget.

According to Hall “Noctourism is one of those travel trends we would see coming up in 2025, and destinations such as Aoraki Mackenzie (a stargazing reserve) the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and the Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory will pull people” keen to witness the beauty of some of the world’s most dazzling night skies, in the Southern Hemisphere. Nature is safe and also provides unforgettable travel experiences, aiming for the best passenger service, dedicated to all strata of life (students, employees, housewives, and retired persons). We aim to provide a new opportunity to visit the nature land with pleasure and joy.

Aoraki Mackenzie: A New Zealand Haven Where the Stars Shine Bright

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the most ideal places to go stargazing in the world, and the South Island, New Zealand, is where you can find it. On AAT Kings’ 7-day Contrasts of New Zealand guided vacation, passengers cover the otherworldly Mackenzie Region, where its breathtaking mountains and clear turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo provide the backdrop for the stargazing experience of a lifetime.

The Aoraki Mackenzie Reserve is the southern hemisphere’s biggest dark sky reserve and is one of the best places to go for astrotourism. The reserve is dedicated to protecting the night sky, allowing the night sky to remain very clear for visitors, with little light pollution. Visitors will also be taken to the state-of-the-art Crater Experience in Lake Tekapo, where professional astronomy guides will use high-powered telescopes to show the group distant galaxies, star clusters, and the Milky Way. The experience is complemented by tales from Māori and Western cultures about the stars, helping to deepen visitors’ perception of the night sky in the Southern Hemisphere.

You can also journey through the skies with AAT Kings’ extended tours, such as the 18-day Contrasts of Australia & New Zealand and 22-day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand.

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary – A Stargazing Paradise

Australia is also home to some impressive stargazing options, including South Australia’s Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, so named because it’s an International Dark Sky Sanctuary! As part of AAT Kings’ 8-day South Australian Outback Adventure, guests will explore the Ningana Imaging Observatory to experience state-of-the-art Digital Astro Experiences.

The heart of the Flinders Ranges is the perfect place to appreciate the night sky by stargazing at the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, which is grossly free of light and pollution in the air. Under clear skies, visitors can… enjoy breathtaking views of distant stars, planets, and nebulae right from our Solar System. The sanctuary has received recognition from around the world for its contribution to protecting the dark skies and is an ideal location for stargazing and eco-tourism. The observatory tours are also accredited with Advanced Ecotourism Certification, reinforcing the brand’s focus on eco-friendly travel.

Alice Springs: Stargazing in the Outback

Another of Australia’s gems, Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory in Alice Springs, provides one of the most unusual stargazing experiences in the country. On AAT Kings’ 15-day Outback Adventure tour, they’ll have the chance to experience this amazing observatory where the night sky can be seen without the interference of lights.

It’s famed for its awesome red deserts and out-of-the-way charm – and Alice Springs has some of the most exquisite night skies and is one of Australia’s only places where you can see stars without the pampering of artificial lights and moonlight. It is one of just three places in the country with views that pristine, an Earth Sanctuary Space Observatory. During the viewing session, the observatory’s resident astronomer explains some of the phenomena that can be seen in the sky, such as constellations and zodiac signs, as well as why the Australian outback is one of the best places to see them.

Australia and New Zealand Stargazing: A Must-Do Experience

For those looking for something a little different in their travel adventure, stargazing in Australia and New Zealand is a chance to encounter the night sky like never before. The International Dark Sky Places program provides that these venues are home to the world’s best stargazing experiences and that they’re also committed to protecting the natural world from light pollution.

From staring at the Milky Way in Aoraki Mackenzie, and peering at galaxies far, far away in the Arkaroola wilderness, to discovering the southern constellations from Alice Springs, these tours are more than just a date with the stars – they’re your opportunity to fall in love with the natural world in an educational and awe-inspiring way.

Conclusion: A Celestial Adventure Awaits

Everything you wanted to know about an unforgettable experience. Every experience Parks offers the most breathtaking. Buy through Klook and Yahoo Lifestyle’s exclusive BuzzFeed may collect a share. There’s a bush experience red for a once in a Learn more about stargazing. Stargazing Anthony Joshua says it is in most Buy through Klook and Yahoo Lifestyle’s exclusive technology. These tours provide a unique chance to experience the night skies of the Southern Hemisphere in some of the finest and most pristine dark sky reserves on the planet. Whether you find yourself in the remote Kimberley wilderness, the calm shores of Lake Tekapo, or under the vast Outback skies of Alice Springs, there’s no better location to offer up some truly unbeatable star views.

If you’re a nature lover, astrotourism fan, or just someone after a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience, these guided stargazing holidays are the perfect solution for you to see Australia and New Zealand in 2025! Experience a sense of awe as you experience the wonders of the skies of the Southern Hemisphere and take home memories that will be sure to stay with you forever.

(Source: AAT Kings, International Dark Sky Places, New Zealand Ministry of Tourism, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)