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Imagine looking up at the night sky 1,000 years ago; you would likely see an additional point of light compared to today. Back then, Chinese astronomers referred to these phenomena as “guest stars,” believing they foretold significant changes.
Today, we understand these were likely supernovae—spectacular explosions from dying stars—one of many serendipitous discoveries made by astronomers observing at opportune moments.
In the modern era, the quest for these “transient” events has evolved into a strategic approach, revolutionizing the field of astronomy. We have since identified numerous fleeting events that span from mere nanoseconds to durations longer than a human lifetime.
“Astronomy considers both spatial and temporal scales, yet the latter remains largely unexplored,” states Jason Hessels from the University of Amsterdam.
To capture these ephemeral occurrences effectively, astronomers are innovating by synchronizing telescopes into a cohesive unit, akin to a well-oiled machine, as evidenced by the Palomar Temporary Factory project from 2009 to 2012. One significant flash observed by a telescope in San Diego prompted immediate follow-up investigations by others. “It was orchestrated like a conveyor belt,” Hessels remarked.
More specialized telescopes are emerging, focusing on time, rather than just space. Notably, the Zwicky Temporary Facility has taken over from Palomar, and the Pan-STARRS survey amassed 1.6 petabytes of astronomical data—recording the largest dataset ever captured from Hawaii.
These advanced telescopes have generated extensive data that unveil the twinkling and fluctuating events of the cosmos, including gamma-ray bursts, fast radio bursts, gravitational waves, and stars that either explode spontaneously or are ripped apart by black holes.
Transient astronomy is reshaping our perception of the universe. “We’ve progressed from painting to photography, and now to some form of stop-motion film,” Hessels describes. He continues, “We’re approaching a complete narrative. Each adjustment in my perspective of the sky feels as though the cinematic experience expands further.”
A major clash in the world of mathematics may see resolution thanks to computers, potentially bringing an end to a decade-long dispute surrounding a complex proof.
It all began in 2012 when Shinichi Mochizuki, a mathematician from Kyoto University in Japan, shocked the mathematical community with his extensive 500-page proof of the ABC conjecture. This conjecture stands as a significant unsolved issue at the very essence of number theory. Mochizuki’s proof relied on an intricate and obscure framework that he developed, known as Interuniversal Teichmuller (IUT) theory, which proved challenging for even seasoned mathematicians to grasp.
The ABC conjecture, which has been around for over 40 years, presents a seemingly straightforward equation involving three integers: a + b = c, investigating the relationships among the prime numbers that constitute these values. The conjecture offers profound insights into the fundamental interactions of addition and multiplication, with ramifications for other renowned mathematical conjectures, including Fermat’s Last Theorem.
Given these potential consequences, mathematicians initially expressed excitement over verifying the proof. However, Mochizuki noted that early attempts faced challenges and more focus was needed on understanding his findings. In 2018, two distinguished German mathematicians, Peter Scholze from the University of Bonn and Jakob Stix from Goethe University in Frankfurt, announced that they had found possible flaws in the proof.
Mochizuki, however, dismissed these critiques. Lacking a central authority to arbitrate the debate, the credibility of the IUT theory has split the mathematical community into opposing factions, with one side comprising a small collective of researchers aligned with Mochizuki and the Kyoto Institute for Mathematical Sciences, where he teaches.
Now, Mochizuki has suggested a path forward to resolve the deadlock. He proposes transferring proofs from their existing mathematical notation, intended for human comprehension, to a programming language known as Lean, which can be validated and checked by computers.
This approach, known as formalization, represents a promising area of research that could revolutionize the practice of mathematics. Although there have been earlier suggestions for Mochizuki to formalize his proof, this marks the first time he has publicly indicated plans to advance this initiative.
Mochizuki was unavailable for comment on this article. However, in recent reports, he asserted that Lean would be an excellent tool for clarifying certain disputes among mathematicians that have hindered acceptance of his proof. He stated, “This represents the best, and perhaps only, way to achieve significant progress in liberating mathematical truth from social and political constraints.”
Mochizuki became convinced of the advantages of formalization after attending a conference on Lean in Tokyo last July, particularly impressed by its capacity to manage the mathematical structures essential to his IUT theory.
This could be a vital step in overcoming the current stalemate, noted Kevin Buzzard from Imperial College London. “If it’s articulated using Lean, that’s not strange at all. Much of what’s found in papers is written in unusual terms, so being able to express it in Lean means that this unusual language has become universally defined,” he explains.
“We seek to understand why [of IUT], and we’ve been awaiting clarity for over a decade,” remarked Johann Kommelin from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “Lean will aid in uncovering those answers.”
However, both Buzzard and Kommelin acknowledge that formalizing IUT theory is an immense challenge, necessitating the conversion of a series of mathematical equations that currently exist only in a human-readable format. This effort is anticipated to be the largest formalization endeavor ever attempted, often requiring teams of specialists and taking months or even years.
This daunting reality may dissuade the limited number of mathematicians capable of undertaking this project. “Individuals will need to decide whether they are willing to invest significant time in a project that may ultimately lead to failure,” Buzzard remarked.
Even if the mathematicians succeed in completing the project and the Lean code indicates that Mochizuki’s theorem is consistent, disputes about its interpretation could still arise among mathematicians, including Mochizuki himself, according to Kommelin.
“Lean has the potential to make a significant impact and resolve the controversy, but this hinges on Mochizuki’s genuine commitment to formalizing his work,” he adds. “If he abandons it after four months, claiming ‘I’ve tried this, but Lean is too limited to grasp my proof,’ it would just add another chapter to the long saga of social issues persisting.”
Despite Mochizuki’s enthusiasm about Lean, he concedes with his critics that interpreting the meaning of the code might lead to ongoing disputes, expressing that Lean “does not appear to be a ‘magic cure’ for completely resolving social and political issues at this stage.”
Nevertheless, Buzzard remains optimistic that the formalization project, especially if successful, could propel the decade-old saga forward. “You can’t contest software,” he concludes.
For the first time since its cloud computing unit experienced a significant failure that impacted various services from smart beds to banks, Amazon has made its financial data public.
Despite this global outage, Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to thrive, reporting a 20% year-over-year revenue growth for the quarter. Analysts on Wall Street predict that AWS will generate a net revenue of $32.42 billion in the third quarter, while Amazon’s actual reported revenue stands at $33 billion.
“AWS is growing at a rate not seen since 2022,” CEO Andy Jassy mentioned in a statement during the earnings call.
Following the third-quarter earnings report that exceeded analysts’ forecasts, the company’s stock surged by approximately 9% in after-hours trading.
The earnings announcement underscored Amazon’s ambition to compete more effectively with corporations that have successfully capitalized on the AI boom. Amazon’s stock performance has trailed behind some major tech competitors, and its e-commerce operations are particularly vulnerable to the far-reaching and unpredictable tariff policies of the Trump administration compared to companies driven by software.
Value at roughly $2.4 trillion, Amazon reported that it significantly outperformed Wall Street’s expectations, largely due to the expansion of its cloud computing services. Analysts had anticipated earnings of $1.58 per share with net sales of $177.82 billion, whereas Amazon announced sales of $180.17 billion and earnings per share of $1.95.
AWS is facing mounting rivalry from alternative providers like Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure, the latter of which has established a partnership with OpenAI and reported robust growth in its cloud segment, boosting its stock prices.
Nevertheless, AWS remains a crucial component of the modern Internet, and the extent of its influence was inadvertently highlighted earlier this month when a glitch in its cloud services rendered websites, apps, cutting-edge products, and critical communication systems, including electronic health records, inoperable. The outage affected millions and lasted several hours, revealing how integral Amazon’s services are to everyday life.
During the earnings call, Amazon executives promoted the integration of AI tools like shopping assistant Rufus into its services. They also discussed Zoox’s plans to expand its robotaxi business, with self-driving service trials scheduled to commence in Washington, D.C., later this year.
Earlier this week, Amazon announced plans to cut 14,000 jobs at its headquarters, with more layoffs anticipated across the organization. This decision was publicly communicated through a blog post titled “Staying Agile and Continuing to Strengthen Our Organization,” which cited advancements in AI as a key reason, stating that the company aims to “function like the world’s largest startup.”
“We must remember that the world is rapidly evolving,” the Amazon post noted. “This generation of AI represents the most transformative technology since the Internet, allowing businesses to innovate unprecedentedly faster.”
Jassy indicated in a blog post earlier this year that the company’s investments in AI would lead to a “reduction in personnel for some roles currently held.”
However, during a conference call with investors, Jassy clarified that the significant layoffs were not driven by AI, asserting that they stemmed from “culture” and that the company is focusing on a more flexible, startup-like approach.
“The announcement we made a few days ago wasn’t purely financial and hasn’t been so far—it’s not primarily AI-driven either. It’s fundamentally about our culture,” Jassy stated.
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These stunning and eerie visuals showcase creatures born in Europe’s largest jellyfish breeding facility.
Photographer Heidi and Hans Jurgen Koch utilized a macro lens and studio lighting to create these images, though I was particularly intrigued by the jellyfish’s location, which cannot be photographed as it sinks to the bottom of a typical aquarium. The animals require “jellyfish” Kraisel or gyroscopes to generate necessary water movements; without them, swimming and feeding is impossible.
Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita)
Heidi and Hans Jurgen Koch
As jellyfish populations grow, they are increasingly seen as both an environmental challenge and a source of sustainable solutions, Koch asserts. With ocean temperatures rising, and issues like pollution and overfishing becoming more pressing, jellyfish numbers are surging, posing serious risks to ecosystems and economies.
Mangrove Jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana)
Heidi and Hans Jurgen Koch
Nevertheless, jellyfish also offer significant potential, including uses as animal feed, fertilizers, and even superfoods for humans, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and immunologically beneficial compounds. Their mucus can also serve as biofilters to keep plastics out of the oceans.
Pacific Compass Jellyfish (Chrysaora fuscescens) is featured in the main image. These jellyfish will be sent to zoos, aquariums, and research facilities. Below, the gyroscope simulates ocean currents for the Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia aurita). The pipette in the photograph shows Mangrove Jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana).
Heidi and Hans Jurgen Koch
As they mature, jellyfish reside on the seafloor, orienting their tentacles toward sunlight, where they have a symbiotic relationship with single-celled algae that assist with photosynthesis. The image above depicts jellyfish specimens being evaluated prior to shipment.
For residents of the West Coast, the weather event known as the atmospheric river, stretching from San Diego to Vancouver, can deliver winter-like conditions similar to those in Boston, with heavy rain and snowfall.
Much like the storms that affect the East Coast, the term “Atmospheric River” can often feel trendy. While it may resonate more with those walking the streets of San Francisco than just plain “heavy rain,” it precisely describes moisture-laden storms in the Pacific Ocean that release precipitation upon hitting the mountain ranges in Washington, Oregon, and California.
Yet, these plumes of highly humid air driven by strong winds are not exclusive to the West Coast. They can occur globally, and recently, meteorologists and scientists are starting to apply this term to storms occurring east of the Rocky Mountains. This spring, a series of heavy rains in the central and southern United States resulted in fatal floods, with Accuweather identifying the unusual weather phenomenon as an Atmospheric River. CNN did as well.
Some researchers are hopeful that the term will gain wider acceptance, although not all meteorologists, including those at the National Weather Service, are on board. The crux of the debate revolves around how forecasts will describe the conditions for the day.
The Atmospheric River can stretch up to 2,000 miles.
These weather systems typically form over oceans in tropical and subtropical regions, where water vapor evaporates and coalesces into extensive streams of steam that travel through the lower atmosphere towards the poles. Averaging around 500 miles wide and extending up to 1,000 miles, while many weak atmospheric rivers bring beneficial precipitation, stronger ones can lead to severe rainfall, causing flooding, landslides, and significant destruction.
Rain is not the only aspect; just as squeezing a wet sponge releases water, atmospheric rivers require a mechanism to shed rain and snow. As they ascend, the water vapor cools, condenses, and ultimately falls as precipitation.
On the West Coast, this process repeats from late fall to early spring, facilitated by mountain ranges such as the Cascade and Sierra Nevada, which provide the necessary lift. Atmospheric rivers from the Pacific Ocean collide with these mountains, forcing the water vapor upward where it turns into liquid.
The situation is more complex in other regions, where upward lift usually arises from less defined and unpredictable atmospheric instability rather than geographical features. In early April, for example, cold air descending from the north pushed under the Atmospheric River originating from the bay, elevating the moist air.
“When warm air is forced up to a higher elevation than its surroundings, it can rapidly ascend, leading to severe thunderstorms,” explained Travis O’Brien, an assistant professor at Indiana University and co-author of a noteworthy paper. This study garnered attention regarding Atmospheric Rivers impacting the Midwest and East Coast.
Regions like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas experienced extreme flooding, with rainfall exceeding 15 inches in some areas.
So, why is it called that?
Atmospheric rivers have existed for ages; however, scientists began recognizing and naming them in the mid-1970s to 1980s with advancements in satellite technology, specifically the global operating environment satellite known as GOES, developed by NASA and administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Clifford Masa, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Washington, noted, “Prior to that, we didn’t discuss it much.”
Advancements in satellite technology allowed researchers and meteorologists to visualize atmospheric rivers, leading to more discussions and the formal naming of the phenomenon.
The term “Atmospheric River” was introduced in the 1990s by two scholars at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology: meteorologist Reginald E. Newell and research scientist Yong Zhu. They originally referred to it as Tropospheric River, named after the lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere where most weather phenomena occur. It later evolved into “Atmospheric River,” as it was noted that these rivers “carry about the same amount of water as the Amazon.”
Is the terminology overused? Sometimes.
Though the term became more prominent in the 2010s to 2020s, it primarily gained traction on the West Coast, as scientists focused on and studied atmospheric rivers. Numerous research papers identified them as a key source of rain and snow across California, Oregon, and Washington, as well as major contributors to flooding events. One notable occurrence was a series of nine atmospheric rivers that inundated California in December 2022 and January 2023, resulting in widespread flooding and alleviating drought conditions.
Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, highlighted that interest in atmospheric rivers tends to peak during California’s exceptionally wet storm seasons. While he appreciates the label, he also points out its potential misuse, stating that excessive use can mislead the public if distinctions between different atmospheric river intensities are not made.
“The primary misconception is that every atmospheric river is an extreme and destructive event, which is not accurate,” Swain explained.
A classification system for atmospheric rivers was introduced in 2019 to clarify this confusion. Dr. Marty Ralph, director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego and the Center for Extreme Weather and Water in the West, spearheaded the development of this classification system, which has been applied in various global regions including the Arctic and Antarctic. He has been a prominent advocate for researching and popularizing the term atmospheric river, particularly in California, authoring numerous papers on the topic.
“It was Marty Ralph who convened the scientific community around the concept of Atmospheric Rivers as a topic deserving of attention, and his efforts have implicitly tied this concept to the West Coast, despite the original studies being global in scope,” Dr. O’Brien remarked.
This association may mislead the public as daily forecasts from West Coast offices frequently discuss atmospheric rivers, whereas offices in other regions may not.
“In the Midwest and Southeast, we typically don’t use that terminology,” stated Jimmy Barham, lead meteorologist with the Arkansas Meteorological Service. “We simply refer to it as higher-level moisture.”
The focus on the West Coast also means that atmospheric rivers are studied less frequently in other regions, where hurricanes and summer thunderstorms also contribute significantly to rainfall and draw considerable attention.
Dr. Ralph aspires for expanded research to reach the East Coast, asserting, “Even the East Coast often experiences strong, potentially impactful atmospheric rivers.”
A significant breakthrough has been made in the field of cultured meat, with scientists successfully growing nugget-sized chicken using a new method that enables the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to artificial tissues.
In the past, lab-produced tissues were limited to cell spheres less than a millimeter thick, making it challenging to replicate the texture of real muscle. However, a team of Japanese researchers has now managed to grow a chicken measuring 2.7 inches wide and 0.7 inches thick using a new lab tool, marking a major step forward in this technology. Biotechnology trends.
The development of bioreactors that mimic the circulation system has played a crucial role in this breakthrough, with 50 hollow fibers distributing nutrients and oxygen into the meat to allow cells to grow in a specific direction.
This lab-grown chicken, although not made from food-grade ingredients and not yet tasted by scientists, showcases the potential of this technology for various applications beyond food production.
As the technology advances, challenges such as replicating the texture and flavor of traditional meat and improving oxygen delivery for larger pieces still need to be addressed. Automation of the process and the use of food-grade ingredients are crucial steps towards making lab-grown meat commercially viable.
Consumer attitudes towards cultured meat vary, with some expressing concerns about its safety and perceived unnaturalness. Despite these challenges, cultured meat is already available in some markets and holds promise for a more sustainable future.
The future of cultured meat holds potential for significant advancements in food production, regenerative medicine, drug testing, and biohybrid robotics, paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.
The Mediterranean diet has been linked to longevity, especially when following the lifestyle of individuals living near medical care facilities in the 1950s.
This diet focuses on a high intake of plant-based foods with limited consumption of fish, meat, and dairy products, often enjoyed in the company of others during meals. Physical activity and a vibrant social life are also key components.
American physiologist Ancel Keys first identified the Mediterranean diet in the 1950s after observing lower rates of heart disease in South Europeans compared to Americans. His research, starting with the Seven Countries Study from 1958 to 1964, explored the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and coronary heart disease across different populations.
The study revealed that men in countries like Italy and Greece had lower rates of coronary heart disease compared to Finland and the United States, with the Cretans from Greece showing the healthiest outcomes. The emphasis was on the protective effects of high unsaturated fats in these diets.
Asparagus plate – Credit: 10,000 hours
In a Spanish study known as PREDIMED (PrevenConconconDIATATERRánea) conducted in 2011, the benefits of a Mediterranean diet in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease were highlighted.
Further research suggests that this diet can aid in preventing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer due to its rich nutrient content, including antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and vitamins C and E. While there is debate over the inclusion of red wine in the diet, its polyphenol content may offer protective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Recent trends in the Mediterranean population show a deviation from traditional diets high in saturated fats and animal proteins towards plant-based proteins, fats, whole grains, and dietary fiber. This shift, along with increased alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity rates, underscores the importance of returning to ancestral dietary patterns.
This article addresses the question (posed by Len Bird, “Why is the Mediterranean diet beneficial for health?”).
To submit your question, please email questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages (don’t forget to include your name and location).
For fascinating scientific insights, explore our collection of fun facts.
Tropical rainforests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the Earth’s atmosphere and releasing oxygen, making them vital to the planet’s health. These rainforests are characterized by dense tree canopies and high annual rainfall, hence their name.
There are various types of rainforests, including tropical, dry, and temperate rainforests. Tropical rainforests, located near the equator, have a warm and humid climate. Temperate rainforests experience seasonal changes and are distributed between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Dry rainforests have less precipitation and more distinct seasons compared to tropical rainforests.
Tropical rainforests are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, with over half of the world’s species found in rainforests worldwide.
To understand rainforests better and the challenges they face, look at some of the largest forests by land area. Here are the top 10 largest rainforests in the world:
10. Westland Temperate Forest – 11,880km2
Weststand temperate forest in Westland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island. Photo credit: Alamy
Westland Temperate Forest is situated on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, receiving significant annual rainfall due to its proximity to the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea.
This forest is home to diverse bird species and endangered animals. While about half of the land is protected, climate change poses threats due to increased wildfire risk.
9. Bosawas Biosphere Reserve – 20,000km2
A landscape of the cloud forest canopy with mountains peeking out from behind the clouds in northern Nicaragua. Photo credit: Getty Images
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers a significant portion of Nicaragua’s land area and is the second largest tropical rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.
The reserve boasts rich biodiversity and is home to various plant and animal species. Conservation efforts by indigenous communities contribute to maintaining the rainforest’s health.
8. Sumatra Rainforest Heritage – 25,000km2
Aerial view over the endless jungle of Gunung Leuser National Park, part of Sumatra’s rainforest heritage, in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Photo credit: Getty Images
Sumatra Rainforest Heritage Site comprises three national parks on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, boasting a wide range of biodiversity and unique species.
This forest faces threats from activities like illegal logging, road construction, and encroachment on agricultural land.
7. Pacific Temperate Rainforest – 60,346km2
Temperate rainforest forest near Rainbow Falls in Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. Photo credit: Adam Jones/Wiki Commons
Pacific Temperate Rainforest, stretching along the Pacific coastline of the United States and Canada, is home to tall trees like coastal sequoias and animals like raccoons and coyotes.
This rainforest faces threats from logging and lacks legal protection, leading to significant forest loss.
6. Temperate forests of eastern Australia – 222,100km2
View from Point Lookout, New England National Park, New South Wales, Australia. Photo credit: Cgoodwin/Wikipedia
The temperate forests of eastern Australia cover a vast area, with humid coastal regions supporting diverse wildlife like koalas and kingfishers.
This region faces threats from deforestation and climate change, impacting its unique ecosystems.
5. Valdivia Temperate Forest – 248,100km2
The dense trees of Valdivia Forest. Photo credit: Kike Calvo/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Valdivia Temperate Forest in South America is home to unique wildlife like the pudu deer, facing threats from logging activities.
Conservation efforts are essential to protect this forest and its endemic species.
4. Borneo Lowland Rainforest – 428,438km2
Early morning fog hangs over the rainforest of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. Photo by Peter Adams/Getty Images
Borneo Lowland Rainforest spans three countries and is home to diverse plant and animal species, facing threats from deforestation for agricultural purposes.
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this valuable rainforest.
3. New Guinea Rainforest – 786,000km2
A canopy of various tropical rainforest trees on the Indonesian half of the island of New Guinea. Photo courtesy of Mangiwaw/Getty Images.
New Guinea Rainforest boasts rich biodiversity, home to diverse flora and fauna, including unique species like the Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterfly.
This rainforest faces threats from deforestation and habitat destruction, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
2. Congo Basin – 1.6 million km2
An aerial view of the Congo Basin, where rivers meander through the rainforest. Photo credit: Guenterguni/Getty Images
The Congo Basin, known as the “lungs of Africa,” spans nine countries and contains vast forest areas critical for carbon storage and biodiversity conservation.
This rainforest faces threats from deforestation and habitat loss, requiring sustainable conservation measures.
1. Amazon Rainforest – 6.7 million km2
Aerial view of the Amazon rainforest and river in northeastern Pará state, Sao Caetano de Odivelas, Brazil. Photo credit: Getty Images
The Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest forest, is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, playing a crucial role in the Earth’s climate balance.
Deforestation poses a significant threat to the Amazon Rainforest and its biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect this valuable ecosystem.
In London, where I live, you forget about white Christmas. The best I can hope for is a storm of pathetic flakes. So this year I’m on a mission to make my own snow. It’s not just snow. To maximize the effect of the festival, we want to create the world’s largest snowflake.
It’s going to be a challenge. Guinness World Records Diameter 38cm, thickness 20cm. This incredible phenomenon was recorded in Montana in January 1887, when rancher Matt Coleman reported seeing snowflakes “larger than milk bread” during a violent storm. To be sure, some experts are skeptical. “If this was falling from the sky, they would probably need to wear crash helmets,” said Douglas Mair, a glaciologist at the University of Liverpool in the UK. Nevertheless, Guinness World Records claims that modern sources corroborate the record.
But wait a minute! There is a postscript. The largest snowflake was 10 millimeters. “A snowflake is a single ice crystal,” says Ken Libbrecht, who took the record-breaking photo in Ontario, Canada, in December 2003. The textbook image of a Christmas snowflake is actually a complete snowflake, but a snowflake is made up of several crystals joined together. So you might be able to break the record by creating the world’s largest snowflake instead. How difficult would it be? “You could grow ice crystals from water vapor,” says Libbrecht, whose lab at the California Institute of Technology makes “designer” snowflakes. “But if you want to look like a snowflake, and you want to actually make a symmetrical snowflake, that’s a tall order.” Obviously, I need help.
Flooding is a common occurrence in the cities of Navotas and Malabon, located in densely populated areas north of Metro Manila in the Philippines.
These cities have adapted to the constant threat of floods. For example, the iconic jeepney vehicles are now made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion from seawater. Additionally, roads have been continuously elevated, reaching heights higher than people’s doors in some areas.
“They keep raising the roads higher and higher, and it’s a challenge to sustain this,” says Dr. Mahal Ragmay, Executive Director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute.
The struggle to combat floods in these cities is not just due to rising sea levels, but also to the lowering of the ground level. A study led by Lagmay and his team revealed that parts of Metro Manila sank by 10.6 centimeters (4.2 inches) per year between 2014 and 2020, significantly higher than the global average sea level rise.
This rapid decline has been a growing concern, especially in certain coastal areas around Manila Bay where floods have left half of the houses submerged, forcing rice farmers to turn to fishing for their livelihood.
Similar subsidence issues are observed in various highly urbanized regions worldwide, as highlighted by land subsidence expert Dr. Matt Way, who studies urban subsidence on a global scale.
The Impact of Land Subsidence
Subsidence measurements are now conducted using advanced technologies like satellite data, allowing researchers to make more accurate estimates of ground movement. With tools like GNSS and InSAR, scientists can track ground movement in 3D at specific points, providing detailed insights into subsidence patterns.
By analyzing subsidence data from various cities globally, researchers have found that many urban areas are experiencing significant sinking rates, posing a threat to millions of people.
Causes of Subsidence
Tighter regulations on groundwater extraction have slowed Jakarta’s sinking rate, but flooding still occurs – Credit: BAY ISMOYO
Subsidence in cities like New York and Manila has various causes, including post-glacial rebound and human activities like excessive groundwater pumping. While natural phenomena like seismic faults contribute to ground movements, human interventions play a significant role in accelerating subsidence rates.
Addressing subsidence requires a multi-faceted approach, from regulating groundwater extraction to monitoring and mitigating the impact of sinking urban areas.
Mitigating Urban Subsidence
Cities like Jakarta, Tokyo, and Houston have made strides in slowing subsidence rates by implementing stricter water regulations and alternative water supply solutions. In Manila, efforts to ban deep well drilling and reduce reliance on groundwater are underway to address subsidence issues.
While some areas may face relocation due to flooding and sinking, careful management of groundwater resources and proactive monitoring can help cities bounce back from subsidence challenges.
About our experts
Dr. Matt Way is an expert in oceanography and studies natural disasters and crustal geodesy at the University of Rhode Island.
Dr. Mahal Lagmay is the Executive Director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, focusing on projects related to flooding and groundwater management in the Philippines.
Coral polyps, tiny organisms, cluster together to form colonies that create vast coral reefs.
The researchers describe the giant coral as primarily brown with pops of yellow, blue, and red on its undulating surface resembling ocean waves.
This massive coral structure is essential as it serves as a habitat, sanctuary, and breeding ground for various species, from shrimp and crabs to different kinds of fish, Timmers highlighted.
Despite its significance, this coral is facing challenges both locally and globally.
Timmers emphasized the detrimental impact of overfishing on the ecosystem’s health by removing organisms crucial for balance. She suggested ways to protect coral reefs like using sea cucumbers for sediment cleaning and giant clams for water filtration, underscoring the importance of every living organism.
The rise in ocean temperatures due to climate change poses another threat, potentially causing the coral to bleach and perish, Timmers warned.
National Geographic diver Iñigo San Felix uses survey lines around giant corals. Manu Saint Felix/National Geographic
David M. Baker, a coral reef expert at the University of Hong Kong, lauded the discovery, calling it “remarkable.”
Baker, who was not part of the expedition, mentioned that corals are essentially immortal, surviving environmental changes due to favorable conditions and adaptability.
However, Baker cautioned that even remote reefs are vulnerable to climate change impacts.
He expressed hope in the presence of large, old corals, indicating opportunities to safeguard, preserve, and restore oceans while combatting climate change.
Divers swim over spectacular coral reefs. Manu Saint Felix/National Geographic
The Solomon Islands boast the world’s second highest coral diversity, housing over 490 species of hard and soft corals.
Currently, the world is experiencing the Fourth global coral bleaching event. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has confirmed large-scale bleaching in at least 62 countries and territories from 2023 to early 2024.
Introducing itself among the peculiar dinosaurs to ever roam the Earth, the latest addition dons stunning (albeit slightly risky) headgear that could compete with high-end fashion creations. Lociceratops rangiformis, a new dinosaur hailed as one of the largest and most ornate ceratopsians ever unearthed.
Standing out with never-before-seen features, this ceratopsian boasts gigantic, curved, blade-like horns on the underside of its frill, setting a record for the largest horns seen on a ceratopsian species.
With an asymmetrical spike in the middle of its frill and the absence of a nose horn, this dinosaur challenges the norms observed in other horned dinosaurs.
The name of the dinosaur, Lociceratops, pays homage to the Norse god Loki for the blade references and categorizes the creature as a ceratopsian. Unlike the well-known Triceratops, Lociceratops rangiformis roamed the Earth at least 12 million years before the Triceratops.
Named after the caribou ( Rangiformis), this new dinosaur bears significance due to its unique, asymmetrical spines reminiscent of a caribou or reindeer’s antlers.
Unearthed in 2019 in the badlands of northern Montana, USA, near the Canadian border, this ceratopsid survived more than 78 million years ago in the swamps and floodplains of modern-day mountains. Despite its imposing appearance with blade-like horns, it sustained as a herbivore, potentially falling prey to predators like the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Portraits of all four centrosaurine dinosaur species that coexisted in the Kennedy Coulee assemblage of northern Montana and southern Alberta. Lociceratops, at the top left, is identified by its large, curved horns and unique features. – Image courtesy of Fabrizio Lavezzi
Ceratopsians, evolving during the Late Cretaceous period around 92 million years ago, exhibited remarkable ornamental features and horn patterns. Lociceratops rangiformis belonged to a lineage of dinosaurs present on the island continent of Laramidia (present-day North America), evolving rapidly before the mass extinction of dinosaurs.
Describing the new discovery as an epitome of eccentricity in ceratopsian head ornaments, paleontologists, led by Joseph Sertich, emphasized how flashy displays contributed to the diverse ecosystem during the Cretaceous period. The recent fossil findings challenge the existing notions of dinosaur diversity, suggesting that five species of ceratopsian, including Lociceratops rangiformis, coexisted during this era.
Satellite Galaxy Crater II The Milky Way's Crater 2 (or Crater 2) is located in the constellation Crater, about 380,000 light-years from Earth. This galaxy is very cold, very diffuse, and has a low surface brightness. According to a new study, Crater 2 exists thanks to self-interacting dark matter.
Location of Crater II and other Milky Way moons at distances between 100,000 and 400,000 parsecs from the Sun. Image courtesy of Torrealba others., doi: 10.1093/mnras/stw733.
” discovery “Since 2016, there have been numerous attempts to recreate the anomalous properties of Crater II, but these have proven extremely difficult,” said Haibo Yu, a professor at the University of California, Riverside.
Dark matter makes up 85% of the matter in the universe, and under the influence of gravity it can form spherical structures called dark matter halos.
Invisible halos permeate and surround galaxies like Crater II, and the fact that Crater II is so cold indicates that its halo is low density.
“Crater II developed within the Milky Way's tidal field and experienced tidal interactions with its host galaxy, similar to how Earth's oceans experience tidal forces due to the Moon's gravity,” Professor Yu said.
“In theory, tidal interactions can reduce the density of dark matter haloes.”
However, recent measurements of Crater II's orbit around the Milky Way suggest that if dark matter is made of cold, collisionless particles, as predicted by the prevailing cold dark matter theory (CDM), the strength of the tidal interactions is too weak to reduce the dark matter density in the satellite galaxy enough to match the measurements.
“Another mystery is why Crater II is so large when, as the satellite galaxy evolves in the Milky Way's tidal field, tidal interactions should reduce its size,” said Professor Yu.
Professor Yu and his colleagues put forward a different theory to explain the properties and origin of Crater II.
This is called self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) and can plausibly explain the diverse distribution of dark matter.
The theory proposes that dark matter particles self-interact through the dark force and collide with each other forcefully near the center of the galaxy.
“Our study shows that SIDM can explain the anomalous properties of Crater II,” said Professor Yu.
“The key mechanism is that dark matter self-interaction thermalizes Crater II's halo and creates a shallow dense core, i.e. the dark matter density flattens out at a small radius.”
“In contrast, in a CDM halo, the density would increase rapidly towards the center of the galaxy.”
“In SIDM, the strength of the relatively weak tidal interaction, consistent with what is expected from measurements of Crater II's orbit, is sufficient to reduce the dark matter density in Crater II, consistent with observations.”
“Importantly, the size of galaxies is also increasing within the SIDM halo, which could explain the large size of Crater II.”
“Dark matter particles are only more loosely bound in the cored SIDM halo than in the pointed CDM halo.”
“Our study shows that SIDM is a better option than CDM for explaining the origin of Crater II.”
of study Published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.
_____
Zhang Xingyu others2024. Interpreting self-interacting dark matter in Crater II. Apu JL 968, L13; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ad50cd
Illustration of a carcass of Ichthyotitan severnensis washed up on the beach
Sergey Krasovsky
The fossilized remains of an ancient 200 million-year-old ichthyosaur unearthed on the coast of southwest England may be some of the largest marine reptiles ever discovered.
In 2020, amateur fossil hunters stumbled upon a huge chunk of bone at Blue Anchor Beach in Somerset. Upon further inspection, dean lomax He and his colleagues at the University of Manchester in England quickly realized that it was a fragment of the jawbone of a giant ichthyosaur, a type of reptile that roamed the oceans between 250 million and 90 million years ago. Noticed.
Subsequent excavations on the beach uncovered 11 more fragments, and the team was able to partially piece together the bone at the back of the jaw, called the mandible.
“It was clear that this was another giant jawbone,” Lomax said. “So I was very, very excited.”
After comparing the partial exohorn bone with the complete exoskeleton of other ichthyosaurs, the researchers estimated that the entire bone was at least 2 meters long, meaning the animal was about 20 to 25 meters long.
“We're working on something really huge,” Lomax says. “It would definitely be the largest officially described marine reptile.”
The properties of the exoceratops, which match those reported in 2018, mean both fossils must belong to previously undescribed ichthyosaur species, Lomax said.named by the team Ichthyotitan severnensismeaning giant fish lizard of the River Severn.
The site is about 202 million years old, just before the great global extinction event that wiped out many species, including many giant ichthyosaurs.
“They are quite literally the last giants,” Lomax says. “No ichthyosaur will ever come close to this size again.”
Artistic restoration of Pebanista Yacuruna in the murky waters of the Peruvian Amazon
Jaime Blanc
The Amazon basin was once home to freshwater dolphins that grew up to 3.5 meters long, making them the largest river dolphin known to science.
Researchers say they made this surprising discovery during a 2018 expedition to Peru Aldo Benitez Palomino at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. When the research team saw the animal's fossilized skull sticking out of the river bank, they immediately knew it was a dolphin. Closer analysis confirms that this giant skull is unlike anything previously discovered.
Researchers named this new species Pebanista Yacluna. The name pays homage to the mythical aquatic people, Yacuruna, who are believed to live in underwater cities in the Amazon basin.
The 16 million-year-old fossils were unearthed in an area that was once covered by a “very large lake, almost like a small ocean in the middle of a jungle,” Benitez Palomino said. He says, based on the small eye sockets and large teeth of ancient dolphins. P. Yacluna It was probably a predator with poor eyesight. They relied heavily on echolocation to find fish. “We realized that it was really living in muddy water because its eyes started to get smaller,” Benitez-Palomino said.
Because the fossil was found in the Amazon basin, researchers expected the fossil's closest living relative to be the modern Amazon river dolphin.Instead, they found P. Yacluna It was more closely related to the river dolphin of South Asia. Like them, this ancient species also has a raised crest on its skull that enhances its echolocation abilities.
P. Yacluna Benitez-Palomino said it may have been driven to extinction amid broader ecological changes. “About 11 to 12 million years ago, this huge wetland system began to drain, making way for what is now the Amazon. At that moment, many species became extinct, which is why this giant dolphin Maybe it was fate.”
Earth can be visualized as a chaotic mass of rocky tectonic plates floating on a sea of molten metal. These plates are constantly moving and rubbing against each other, releasing massive amounts of energy that result in earthquakes. So, what is the largest earthquake ever recorded?
It is estimated that around 20,000 earthquakes occur worldwide each year, averaging about 55 earthquakes per day. Of these, approximately 16 are categorized as major (magnitude 7 or higher) annually.
Most earthquakes take place under the sea, posing a significant threat due to the potential of triggering massive tsunamis upon hitting the land after an undersea earthquake.
The Richter scale was introduced in the 1930s to standardize earthquake magnitude measurements, making it easier to compare sizes. However, the scale had its limitations. Since then, the moment magnitude (Mw) scale has been used to rank the top 10 earthquakes.
Similar to the Richter scale, the moment magnitude scale is logarithmic, meaning that with each integer increase on the scale, the earthquake becomes 10 times more powerful. For instance, a 9 Mw earthquake is 6 magnitude levels stronger than a 1,000Mw earthquake.
Here are the top 10 largest earthquakes ever recorded:
10 – Indian Ocean, 2012
A security guard walks through damaged buildings the day after a major earthquake struck the west coast of Banda Aceh, Indonesia, on April 11, 2012. A tsunami watch for the Indian Ocean was lifted hours after two major earthquakes struck off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island. People run away from the coast in fear. Image credit: Adek Berry/AFP/Getty Images
The Aceh province of Indonesia, known for seismic activity, experienced a massive 8.6 Mw earthquake on April 11, 2012. The earthquake, which occurred 610km off the coast of Banda Aceh, was followed quickly by an 8.2 Mw earthquake. While the earthquakes caused mass panic and coastal evacuations, physical damage was minimal, and the feared tsunami did not materialize.
This seismic event was the largest instance of a sideslip earthquake in recorded history, characterized by horizontal movement of the crust along two plates rather than vertical motion. Such earthquakes are less likely to trigger significant tsunamis compared to vertical strike-slip faults.
9 – Aleutian Islands, USA, 1946
Main Street in Hilo, Hawaii, USA, is damaged beyond recognition after a tidal surge on April 1, 1946. Image courtesy of Getty
In the North Pacific Ocean, the Aleutian Islands experienced an 8.6 Mw earthquake in April 1946, triggering a widespread tsunami that caused extensive damage. This tsunami, traveling at 800km/h, reached the Hawaiian Islands in just five hours, resulting in 159 deaths and significant destruction.
Due to the earthquake’s magnitude and location, the wave height on Unimak Island, near the epicenter, reached 42 meters. The earthquake also generated a tsunami in Antarctica, over 15,500 km away.
8 – Assam, India, 1950
A damaged bridge can be seen in this image. Photographed on August 25, 1950 in Assam, India, shortly after the earthquake. Image credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images
The most powerful earthquake ever recorded on land struck between India’s Assam state and Tibet in 1950. This earthquake, measuring 8.6 Mw, resulted from the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
The earthquake triggered massive landslides in Tibet, causing entire villages to slide into the river and be swept away. In India, 70 villages were destroyed due to landslides and natural dam collapses, resulting in an estimated 4,800 fatalities.
The tragedy claimed around 1,500 lives in India and 3,300 in Tibet.
7 – Mouse Island, USA, 1965
Black volcanic sand on Kiska Island, part of the Rat Islands, Alaska, USA. Image credit: Alamy
The Rat Islands, part of the volcanic Aleutian Islands chain, experienced an earthquake in 1965 that triggered a tsunami over 10 meters high on Siemia Island, 304 kilometers away. Remarkably, the resulting tsunami still reached Hawaii, 4,200 km away, generating 1-meter waves despite its remote epicenter.
Fortunately, the damages and casualties were limited due to the sparse population in the affected areas.
read more:
6 – Chile, 2010
Soldiers stand guard as firefighters put out a fire at a supermarket in Concepción, Chile, on March 1, 2010, three days after the devastating earthquake that rocked the country. Image credit: Claudio Santana/AFP/Getty Images
On February 27, 2010, a powerful 8.8 Mw earthquake struck the coast of central Chile, near Concepción. Lasting around three minutes, the quake’s impact was felt as far as Sao Paulo, Brazil, 4,620 kilometers away.
The city of Concepción, known for its earthquake history, endured severe damage. In 1939, 1953, and 1960, previous earthquakes caused significant destruction and loss of lives. The 2010 earthquake resulted in tsunami warnings being issued to 53 countries due to its large magnitude and ocean floor rupture.
5 – Severoklisk, Russia, 1952
The site of the town of Severo Kurilsk before it was destroyed by the tsunami in 1952. The site of the modern town, rebuilt at a higher level, is not visible in this 2006 image. Image credit: Victor Morozov/Wikipedia
In 1952, Severokilsk, a volcanic archipelago in Russia’s Kuril Islands located 1,300 km northeast of Japan, experienced a massive earthquake. This earthquake triggered an 18-meter high tsunami that devastated the region, claiming nearly half of the small town’s population.
Residents, forewarned by the earthquake, sought safety on higher ground but returned after the initial wave passed. Tragically, a second wave struck as people returned home, resulting in numerous casualties.
The town was subsequently rebuilt on higher ground following the catastrophe. To date, this remains the largest earthquake documented in Russia.
4 – Tohoku, Japan, 2011
This photo taken on March 11, 2011 shows a tsunami hitting the coast of Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture. Image credit: Teiji Tomizawa/Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images
On March 11, 2011, Japan witnessed the largest earthquake ever recorded in the country near Tohoku. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.0, had its epicenter about 72 kilometers off the northeast coast of Honshu, resulting in significant movement of the Earth’s axis and land shift.
The ensuing tsunami, a devastating consequence of the earthquake, swept away entire communities and breached previously established defenses. Tsunami waves exceeding 40 meters hit certain coastal areas, overwhelming earlier sea wall predictions.
Additionally, the earthquake triggered a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant due to infrastructure damages caused by the tsunami. The resulting meltdown led to the release of nuclear material into the atmosphere.
The earthquake claimed over 22,000 lives, underscoring its catastrophic impact.
3 – Sumatra, Indonesia, 2004
The overview shows how Meurabo, Indonesia was submerged under water on December 28, 2004, after an earthquake and tidal wave hit Aceh province on December 26, 2004. Image credit: HO/AFP/Getty Images
An enormous 9.1 Mw earthquake, affecting a 1,300km stretch of the Sumatra trench, rocked the region on December 26, 2004. This subduction earthquake occurred over centuries as the Burmese microplate slid under the Indian plate, unleashing massive destruction and spawning a devastating tsunami.
Rising more than 20 meters, the ocean floor shift generated a tsunami exceeding 30 meters in height. The deadly waves swept through coastal areas in 14 nations, resulting in an estimated 228,000 fatalities, with Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand bearing the brunt of the disaster.
This is the most potent earthquake ever documented in Asia and a defining natural calamity of the 21st century.
2 – Alaska, USA, 1964
Earthquake damage on 4th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, USA on March 27, 1964. Image courtesy: UPI/Getty Images
Alaska, USA, experienced a powerful earthquake in 1964, rupturing 1,000 km of the Pacific and North American plates at once. Lasting nearly five minutes, the earthquake impacted vast areas of North America, with Anchorage suffering severe damage due to inadequate earthquake-proof structures and infrastructure.
The earthquake, the second-strongest recorded in history, significantly influenced North American geology.
1 – Valdivia, Chile, 1960
The remains of Valdivia after a devastating earthquake struck the city on May 22, 1960. The earthquake caused high waves and a volcanic eruption. Image credit: Alamy
In 1960, the most massive earthquake on record struck near Valdivia, Chile, with a magnitude of 9.5. This event, one of the deadliest earthquakes in history, resulted in around 5,700 deaths.
Occurring around 3:00 PM local time, the earthquake lasted approximately 10 minutes, causing considerable land subsidence along Chile’s coast, landslides, and road blockages.
Moreover, the tsunami triggered by the earthquake caused extensive coastal devastation.
Chileans had been forewarned by a series of powerful foreshocks, enabling them to prepare for the impending disaster, likely contributing to the relatively fewer casualties.
Tropical rainforests are crucial to the planet’s health as they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen. These forests are characterized by a dense tree canopy and high annual rainfall.
There are different types of rainforests, including tropical, dry, and temperate rainforests. Tropical rainforests are near the equator and have warm, humid climates. On the other hand, temperate rainforests experience more seasonal changes in weather and are distributed between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Dry rainforests receive less precipitation and have more distinct seasons compared to tropical rainforests.
Tropical rainforests host a wide variety of unique plant and animal species, with over half of the world’s species found in these areas around the world.
Here are the top 10 biggest forests on the planet by land area, along with some information about each:
10. Westland Temperate Forest – 11,880km2
Weststand temperate forest in Westland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island.Photo credit: Alamy
Westland Temperate Forest is located on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island and receives significant annual rainfall, supporting a variety of bird species and endangered species.
9. Bosawas Biosphere Reserve – 20,000km2
A landscape of the cloud forest canopy with mountains peeking out from behind the clouds in northern Nicaragua.Photo credit: Getty Images
Bosawas Biosphere Reserve covers 15 percent of Nicaragua’s land area and is home to vast biodiversity, including many endangered species.
1. Amazon rainforest – 6.7 million km2
Aerial view of the Amazon rainforest and river in northeastern Pará state, Sao Caetano de Odivelas, Brazil.Photo credit: Getty Images
The Amazon rainforest is the world’s largest, covering an area of 6.7 million km2 across 8 countries. It is home to an astonishing diversity of plant and animal species, with significant deforestation posing a major threat to its existence.
The stars that exist in our universe are definitely huge. In fact, our closest star, the Sun, has a diameter of an astonishing 1.4 million km (865,000 miles), which is large enough to fit 1.3 million Earths within it.
However, within the grand scale of the universe, this is a fairly average size. Although many stars are small, scientists have discovered many cosmic giants that are hundreds of times larger. But what is the largest star in the universe?
Introducing the 10 biggest stars ever known to humanity.
10.HV888
HV 888 is circled in the center of the image. Photo courtesy of ESO/Digitalized Sky Survey 2
HV 888 looks a lot like Clifford the dog, except it is located 163,000 light-years away, and is red and very large.
With a solar radius of 1,374 (our Sun has a solar radius of 1), this scarlet supergiant’s color actually indicates that it is nearing the end of its life. Scientists don’t know exactly when the star will go supernova. It could be today, or the star could continue to burn for millions of more years.
Until then, HV 888 will shine incredibly brightly, about 300,000 to more than 500,000 times brighter than the Sun. In other words, anyone living on one of this star’s possible exoplanets would likely need some pretty bright sunglasses.
9. Ah, Scorpio
Star AH Scorpio. Photo courtesy of ESO/Digitalized Sky Survey 2
AH Scorpii is a red supergiant star found in the constellation Scorpius, hence its name. Although she is 1,411 times larger than the Sun, the star is probably much cooler, with a surface temperature between 3,176.85°C (5750.33°F) and 3,408.85°C (6167.93°F). For comparison, our sun is hot at 5,226.85°C (9380.33°F).In other words, AH Scorpio is still very very hot.
8.CM Velorum
Star CM Verorum. Photo courtesy of ESO/Digitalized Sky Survey 2
CM Bellorum, located in the constellation Vela, is a red star 1,416 times larger than the Sun. However, despite its size, this star is invisible to the naked eye without a telescope. This is partly due to its distance from Earth, which is calculated to be approximately 15,000 light-years away.
7.HD12463
Star HD 12463. Photo credit: ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2
Not much is known about the star, known as HD 12463, but it is estimated to be 1,420 times larger than the Sun. It is located about 163,000 light-years from us in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a galaxy derived from the Milky Way.
6. VY Canis Major
Star VY Canis Major. Photo courtesy of ESO/Digitalized Sky Survey 2
VY Canis Majoris is an oxygen-rich supergiant star 1,420 times larger than the Sun. It is so large that even traveling at the speed of light, it would take him 6 hours to circumnavigate its surface (try this with the Sun and it would take only 14.5 seconds).
Even if you have the time, I don’t recommend it. The temperature of this star is 3,730°C (6,740°F). It’s also incredibly bright, about 300,000 to 500,000 times brighter than the Sun.
5.HD 269551
Star HD 269551 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Photo courtesy of ESO/Digitalized Sky Survey 2
HD 269551 may not have the catchiest name in the universe, but it’s still a memorable star for its massive size. Its size has been measured to be 1,439 times that of the Sun.
Like many of the large stars on this list, HD 269551 is highly unstable and nearing the end of its life, and will explode as a supernova within the next few million years (a very short time in the grand scale of the universe) It is expected that
4.RSGC1-F01
Spitzer telescope image of the RSGC1 star cluster, home to RSGC1 F01 and many other massive stars. Photo by NASA/Spitzer Telescope
RSGC1 F01 is located in a star cluster in the Milky Way galaxy in the constellation Scuta. Its size is estimated to be 1,436 to 1,530 times that of the Sun.
Remarkably, if RSGC1-F02 were placed at the center of our solar system, the star’s surface (known as the photosphere) would reach Jupiter’s orbit.
3.WOH 5170
WOH S170 shot with DSS2. Photo courtesy of Eso/Digitalized Sky Survey 2
WOH S170, located in the constellation Leo, is a red star 1,461 times larger than the Sun. Wow, sure.
2.WOH G64
This image shows WOH G64 (circled) in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way. Photo courtesy of NASA
WOH G64 is a very large star, 1,540 times the size of the Sun.That’s also very likely very Dusty: Encased in a thick layer of tiny particles about 1 light-year in diameter.
WHO G64 is also a very cool star (literally), with a temperature of 3,100°C (or 5,600°F). Compare this to the surface temperature of the sun. The sun’s surface temperature is a fairly warm 5,226.85°C (9380.33°F).
1. UY spine
Photo courtesy of Eso/Digitalized Sky Survey 2
UY Scuti is the largest star ever observed in the universe. The red supergiant star is 1,708 times the width of the Sun and has a radius of 1.2 billion km (738 million miles). This star is located approximately 9,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scutum, near the center of the Milky Way.
Despite its massive size, UY Scutum’s temperature is actually 40 percent colder than the Sun’s 3092°C (1700°F). This is because the star has already used up most of its hydrogen fuel, which produces heat and light. This lower temperature means the star emits a reddish glow.
UY Scuti is also a surprisingly young star, probably only 10 to 20 million years old. It may sound like an exaggeration, but the age of our sun is estimated to be 4.6 billion years. But UY Scuti burns through its fuel so quickly that the star is likely at the end of its life and may only have a few million years left.
It is not clear what happens to UY Scuti at the end of its life cycle. It’s possible that the star could explode in a polar nova (triggering a shock wave that triggers the formation of new stars), but one theory suggests UY Scuti would collapse to form a hotter star.
Egyptian B2B e-commerce startup MaxAB and Wasoko, a Kenya-based e-commerce company with operations in Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia, are in talks to merge, TechCrunch exclusively learns from multiple sources. I got it. They said negotiations are still ongoing and the agreement has not yet been finalized.
The merger talks come as African B2B e-commerce companies continue to downsize due to lack of funding. Wasoko is no exception. The company recently carried out its largest ever layoffs, affecting most of its employees in Kenya, including some executives. Earlier this year, the company exited the Senegal and Ivory Coast markets and closed locations, including one in Mombasa, Kenya, as it sought profitability.
Additionally, our sources say Wasoko closed a $125 million round last year, with the funds scheduled to be released upon reaching set milestones. TechCrunch has learned that the company received just $30 million when merger talks, said to be investor-led, began. Wasoko has raised a Series B round from institutional investors including Tiger Global and Avenir at a post-money valuation of $625 million.
Like Wasoko, MaxABa food and grocery B2B e-commerce and distribution platform serving a network of traditional retailers in Egypt and Morocco, has raised over $100 million in funding, including DisruptAD, BII, Sources said the company is in talks with existing investors to raise a bridge round this year, including $55 million in Series A and $40 million in pre-Series B from Silverlake.
MaxAB is the largest player in the B2B retail and e-commerce market in Egypt and North Africa. The company acquired YC-backed Waystocap to expand in Morocco, and the supposed threat Capiter shut down amid a conflict between its founders and investors.
Last year, a merger between MaxAB and Wasoko, both asset-heavy B2B e-commerce startups, seemed unlikely. In discussions last year with MaxAB CEO Belal El Meghaber and Wasoko CEO Daniel Yu, there was no indication that they were considering any form of merger. MaxAB’s post-pre-Series B plans are focused on leveraging its network and relationships with local and multinational suppliers, with the aim of full distribution in Morocco and expansion into Saudi Arabia by the end of the year. Meanwhile, Wasoko was looking to expand in West Africa, aiming to expand its product offering to include point-of-sale systems, bill payments, and social commerce.
MaxAB does not have a presence in Saudi Arabia, at least according to its website, while Wasoko has expanded into two West African markets, Ivory Coast and Senegal, to complement its operations in East Africa’s core markets of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Not doing business. And Rwanda. His eight-year-old B2B e-commerce company has since expanded to Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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