A. Peter Klimley, University of California, Davis

Many sharks and rays are known to breach, leaping fully or partly out of the water. In a recent study, colleagues and I reviewed research on breaching and ranked the most commonly hypothesized functions for it.

We found that removal of external parasites was the most frequently proposed explanation, followed by predators chasing their prey; predators concentrating or stunning their prey; males chasing females during courtship; and animals fleeing predators, such as a ray escaping from a hammerhead shark in shallow water.

We found that the highest percentage of breaches, measured by the number of studies that described it, occurred in manta rays and devil rays, followed by basking sharks and then by eagle rays and cownose rays. However, many other species of sharks, as well as sawfishes and stingrays, also perform this behavior. https://www.youtube.com/embed/wXkMqk8mwjs?wmode=transparent&start=0 A breaching white shark surprises researchers off Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Why it matters

It takes a lot of energy for a shark or ray to leap out of the water – especially a massive creature like a basking shark, which can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) and weigh up to 5 tons (4.5 tonnes). Since the animal could use that energy for feeding or mating, breaching must serve some useful purpose.

Sharks that have been observed breaching include fast-swimming predatory species such as blacktip sharks and blue sharks. White sharks have been seen breaching while capturing seals in waters off South Africa and around the Farallon Islands off central California.

However, basking sharks – enormous, slow-swimming sharks that feed by filtering tiny plankton from seawater – also breach. So do many ray species, such as manta rays, which also are primarily filter feeders. This suggests that breaching likely serves different functions among different types of sharks and rays.

The most commonly proposed explanation for breaching in planktivores, like basking sharks and most rays, is that it helps dislodge parasites attached to their bodies. Basking sharks are known to host parasites, including common remoras and sea lampreys. The presence of fresh wounds on basking sharks that match the shape and size of a lamprey’s mouth suggests that breaching has torn the lampreys off the sharks’ bodies. https://www.youtube.com/embed/zsC61g36EqM?wmode=transparent&start=0 Basking sharks are filter feeders that live on plankton. They may breach to rid their bodies of parasites.

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Other species may breach to communicate. For example, white sharks propelling themselves out of the water near the Farallon Islands may do so to deter other sharks from feeding upon the carcass of a seal.

Researchers have seen large groups of mantas and devil rays jumping together among dense schools of plankton – presumably to concentrate or stun the plankton so the rays can more easily scoop them up. Scientists have also suggested that planktivorous sharks and rays may breach to clear the prey-filtering structures in their gills.

Understanding more clearly when and how different types of sharks and rays breach can provide insights into these animals’ life habits, and into their interactions with their own species and competitors.

How we did our work

I worked with marine scientists Tobey Curtis, Emmett Johnston, Alison Kock and Guy Stevens. Across our various projects, we have seen breaching in bull sharks in Florida, basking sharks in Ireland, white sharks in South Africa and central California, and manta rays in the Maldives. Each of us has proposed different explanations for why the animals did it.

We reviewed scientific studies and video footage to see what species had been observed to breach, under what conditions, and the functions that other researchers had proposed for them doing so. This included information gathered from data logging tags attached to sharks and rays, digital photography, and imagery from underwater and aerial drones.

Our review proposes further studies that could provide more information about breaching in different species. For example, attaching data loggers to individual animals would help scientists measure how quickly a shark or ray accelerates as it propels itself out of the water.

Experiments in aquarium tanks could provide more insight into why the animals breach. For example, scientists could add remoras to a tank containing bull sharks, which can live in an aquarium environment, and observe how the sharks respond when remoras attach themselves to the sharks’ bodies.

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In the field, researchers could play audio recordings of splashes from breaches to elicit withdrawal or attraction responses from sharks tagged with ultrasonic transmitters. There remains much to learn about why these animals spend precious energy jumping out of the water.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

A. Peter Klimley, Adjunct Associate Professor of Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Brightline West Project

As a passionate advocate for modern transportation, I am beyond excited about the latest development in American rail: the Brightline West project, which is officially one step closer to reality with the recent signing of a $3 billion grant agreement by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)! This project isn’t just another rail line; it’s a historic leap forward for high-speed rail in the U.S. and a beacon of progress for public transportation enthusiasts like myself.

On September 26, 2024, this monumental agreement was finalized, marking the beginning of what many of us have dreamed about for decades—true high-speed rail connecting Las Vegas to Southern California! With trains capable of reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour, we’re talking about radically transforming how we travel between these two bustling regions.

To have a project of this magnitude come to life thanks to a strong public-private partnership is inspiring. Just look at the numbers: over 35,000 jobs are expected to be created, including 10,000 union construction jobs. This is a huge win, not only for those in the industry but also for local economies and communities, and it sets a precedent for future infrastructure efforts across the country.

Michael Reininger, the CEO of Brightline, really hit the nail on the head with his assertion that this project will “jumpstart the high-speed rail industry in America.” It’s long overdue, and finally, we are moving forward. The Brightline West project won’t just connect cities; it will embody a bold, eco-friendly approach to our transportation challenges—reducing CO2 emissions by over 400,000 tons annually and removing three million cars off the roads that currently choke the I-15.

Imagine this: a seamless, comfortable two-hour journey from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, complete with onboard amenities like food and Wi-Fi. For someone who routinely endures the endless traffic jams on the freeway, the thought of relaxing in a sleek train while taking in the stunning California desert views excites me beyond measure! No more cramped airplane seats or endless hours stuck in a car; we’ll be able to travel in style and comfort.

And it warms my heart to see the emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The fact that Brightline West will utilize zero-emission, fully electric trains positions it as the premiere green transportation choice in America. It’s initiatives like these that give me hope for our future and showcase how modern rail can lead the way in combating climate change.

Heavy construction is slated to kick off in 2025, and early groundwork is already ongoing. Crews are busy drilling geotechnical borings along the I-15, and I can practically feel the anticipation in the air! Soon enough, we’ll see new stations sprouting up, including one right in the heart of Las Vegas—a city known for its bright lights and bustling energy!

As someone who often travels for both leisure and business, I am particularly looking forward to the role this project will play as we approach the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Brightline West will undoubtedly serve as an essential transport option for visitors and residents alike, highlighting what a modern transportation system can achieve.

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In closing, there’s so much to be excited about! The Brightline West project calls forth a vision of the future that is connected, rapid, and environmentally conscious. It represents the culmination of years of advocacy, dreaming, and hard work. I look forward to seeing how this journey unfolds as we ride the rails toward a new era in American transportation.

Here’s to the future of rail in America! 🚄🌟

Until next time, happy rail journeys, everyone!

This post is inspired by the recent developments surrounding the Brightline West project.

https://www.brightlinewest.com

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

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Hello fellow star gazers! 🌌 As an amateur astronomer and night sky enthusiast, I’m beyond excited to share that Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)—the most talked-about comet of 2024—is already gracing our skies! Right now, observers in the Southern Hemisphere are enjoying its brilliance, and it won’t be long before us in the Northern Hemisphere can join in on the excitement. So grab your binoculars and stargazing apps, because tonight could be your chance to catch this spectacular cosmic visitor!

What Makes C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) So Special?

Let’s dive into why this comet is capturing the imagination of so many. To begin with, C/2023 A3 is expected to be exceptionally bright. While its future brightness is still a work in progress (thanks to the unpredictable nature of comets), most sources agree that we might see it with the naked eye. If we’re lucky, it could even outshine the iconic Comet NEOWISE from the summer of 2020. Hasn’t it been a while since we’ve seen a comet this remarkable?

Additionally, C/2023 A3 is anticipated to develop an awe-inspiring cometary tail. After it swings past the Sun at a distance similar to Mercury’s orbit, the heat will cause its icy core to evaporate dramatically, leading to the formation of an impressive tail made of dust and gas. If history teaches us anything, it’s that comets heated by the Sun often exhibit the most striking tails.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, this is particularly exciting! The last time we saw such a bright comet visible from northern latitudes was during the 1997 spectacle of Comet Hale-Bopp.

How to Spot C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) in the Night Sky

Curious about how you can locate this celestial beauty? The Star Walk 2 app is your best friend! Here’s a quick guide to help you find it:

1. Download and open the Star Walk 2 app.
2. Tap the magnifier icon located at the bottom left of the screen.
3. Type in “C/2023 A3” and select the relevant search result.
4. Hold your device up to the sky, and the app will point you directly to the comet’s current position!

Is C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) Visible Now?

Good news for those in the Southern Hemisphere! Currently, C/2023 A3 is visible in the mornings, appearing low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. With a current magnitude of about 2.6, it’s brighter than anticipated and continues to brighten daily.

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, the comet is a bit more challenging to see due to the Sun’s brightness; however, it’ll start becoming visible in early October.

Visibility Forecast: What Lies Ahead

Let’s paint a picture of what to expect in the coming weeks:

• September 27 – October 2: This is when the comet reaches perihelion, appearing in the early morning sky.
• October 10-12: The comet will become more visible in the evening, shortly after sunset, in the constellation Virgo. These dates are critical as it will be at its brightest around October 12, making it easier to see with the naked eye.
• October 15-31: The comet will fade but will still be visible with binoculars and telescopes.

The best time for observation is likely from October 10-12, just after sunset. So get out there—don’t miss the chance to witness this celestial wonder!

Tips for Photographing C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS)

If you’re an aspiring astrophotographer like me and you want to capture this comet on film, consider following these steps:

1. Gear up: Have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle or zoom lens ready.
2. Camera Settings: Use manual mode with an ISO setting between 400 and 800, and a wide aperture of f/2.8 to f/4 to let in enough light.
3. Location Matters: Pick a dark spot far from city lights. Star Walk 2 can help you find the comet’s exact location.
4. Take Multiple Shots: For detailed images, take a series of photographs and use software like DeepSkyStacker for stacking.
5. Post-processing: Tools like Photoshop will help refine your final image.

The Journey Ahead: What’s Next for C/2023 A3?

As we all wait in eager anticipation, it’s worth noting that C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is on a long journey. It completes one orbit around the Sun roughly every 80,660 years! If you’re wondering what the future holds, after its approach in October, this comet will slowly fade from view and won’t return until the year 26,000.

To Wrap Up

Excitement is in the air as we prepare to welcome this spectacular comet! C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is already putting on a show for observers in the Southern Hemisphere, and soon it will light up the skies for us in the North. As we gear up for this enchanting astronomical event, don’t forget to download the Star Walk 2 app to help you navigate the night sky like a pro.

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Let’s get ready to bask in the glow of C/2023 A3—happy stargazing, everyone! 🌠

Useful References

https://vitotechnology.com/apps/star-walk

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C/2023_A3_(Tsuchinshan%E2%80%93ATLAS)

https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/comet-c-2023-a3-tsuchinshan-atlas

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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