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NASA Mission to Study Ice Clouds, Help Observe Our Dynamic Atmosphere

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A new NASA mission, PolSIR, short for Polarized Submillimeter Ice-cloud Radiometer, will study high-altitude ice clouds, such as this cloud as seen from the International Space Station in 2008. Understanding how such clouds change throughout the day is crucial for improving global climate models.
Credits: NASA

NASA has selected a new mission to help humanity better understand Earth’s dynamic atmosphere – specifically, ice clouds that form at high altitudes throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions. The PolSIR instrument – short for Polarized Submillimeter Ice-cloud Radiometer – will study such ice clouds to determine how and why they change throughout the day. This will provide crucial information about how to accurately simulate these high-altitude clouds in global climate models.

The investigation consists of two identical CubeSats – each small satellite is just a little over a foot tall – flying in orbits separated by three to nine hours. Over time, these two instruments will observe the clouds’ daily cycle of ice content.

“Studying ice clouds is crucial for improving climate forecasts – and this will be the first time we can study ice clouds in this level of detail,” said Nicola Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Every NASA mission is carefully chosen to better understand our home planet.”

The award is for for lifecycle costs no more than $37 million, which does not include launch costs. The radiometer is an Earth Venture instrument – lower-cost instruments with a targeted research goal, which typically catch a ride along with another mission or commercial satellite in order to minimize launch costs. The Earth Venture class also focuses on providing frequent flight opportunities, so innovative science investigations can be flown relatively quickly, generally within five years or less. Missions like this provide key targeted research opportunities, which help us improve our understanding of what’s driving change in the entire Earth system.

“Understanding how these ice clouds respond to a changing climate – and then, in turn, contribute to further changes – remains one of the great challenges to predicting what the atmosphere will do in the future,” said Karen St. Germain, who leads NASA’s Earth Sciences Division. “The radiometers, which measure the radiant energy emitted by clouds, will significantly improve our understanding of how ice clouds change and respond throughout the day.”

The mission is led by Ralf Bennartz, principal investigator at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and by Dong Wu, deputy principal investigator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

NASA Goddard will provide the project management team that builds the two instruments, while science operations will be conducted by the Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. The two spacecraft will be built by Blue Canyon Technologies in Lafayette, Colorado.

For more information about NASA’s Earth science missions, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/Earth

Source: NASA

Daily News

Celebrating National Panda Day: Conservation of Precious Bears

March 16 is National Panda Day – a celebration of these fluffy, bamboo-munching bears and a reminder to protect their environment. #PandaDay

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Every year on March 16th, we come together to celebrate National Panda Day, a delightful occasion dedicated to honoring China’s beloved bamboo-munching bears. As a source of national pride, pandas hold a special place in our hearts. With two subspecies, including the iconic Giant Panda and the smaller Qinling Panda, these magnificent creatures play an essential role in China’s unique ecosystem. While their population status has improved from endangered to vulnerable, we must remain committed to preserving pandas and their habitat. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of pandas, their conservation efforts, and the importance of safeguarding their environment.

The Significance of Pandas and their Habitat:
Pandas, particularly the Giant Panda, are revered for their fluffy black and white coats and captivating presence. These awe-inspiring animals are exclusive to the remote, mountainous regions of China. The Qinling Panda, a smaller brown subspecies, was discovered in the mountain ranges of southern Shaanxi Province in China in 1985. However, both subspecies have a crucial role to play in their respective ecosystems. Giant pandas, in particular, thrive on bamboo forests, spreading seeds as they roam and promoting the growth of new vegetation. This symbiotic relationship nurtures not only pandas but also benefits other wildlife and humans.

Endangered Status and Conservation Efforts:
While the panda population has shown some promising growth, there are still fewer than 2,000 pandas left in the wild due to various threats. Habitat loss, farming activities, fur hunting, and other factors have jeopardized their existence. To combat this, conservation organizations, including 27 zoos around the world, are actively working towards protecting giant pandas and creating environments conducive to reproduction. However, the most critical aspect of preserving pandas is the conservation of their natural environment, especially bamboo forests, which serve as their primary source of nutrition.

The History and Importance of National Panda Day:
The exact origin of National Panda Day remains unclear, but it is undoubtedly a day dedicated to spreading awareness and appreciating the beauty and significance of pandas. In 1961, the creation of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) solidified the panda’s global conservation symbol. The panda’s inclusion in the WWF logo was quite fitting, as this animal represents both beauty and endangerment, garnering love from people worldwide. It has become an emblem for the conservation movement, calling upon individuals and nations to protect endangered species and preserve natural wildlife habitats.

Preserving Pandas and Their Ecosystem:
While pandas are now classified as vulnerable, the battle to protect them is far from over. The efforts of zoos, reforestation initiatives, and conservation campaigns have contributed to the positive change in their status. However, it is crucial to continue protecting their environment. Preservation of the giant panda’s natural habitat not only safeguards the bears themselves but also supports the survival of 70% of the country’s forest birds, 70% of mammals, and 31% of amphibians, according to a scientific paper published by The Society for Conservation Biology in 2015. Pandas are essential for forest health, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their well-being.


National Panda Day serves as a reminder of the remarkable role pandas play in our natural world. While progress has been made, the conservation journey is ongoing. We must remain steadfast in protecting pandas and their environment to secure their long-term survival. By raising awareness, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for the preservation of bamboo forests, we can create a future where these adorable, bamboo-munching bears continue to thrive and contribute to the vibrant ecosystems of China and the world. Let’s celebrate National Panda Day and join hands in safeguarding these precious creatures for generations to come.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-panda-day/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/stories-this-moment/

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The Unseen Power of Nature: Los Angeles River’s Dramatic Display

“Los Angeles River’s recent surge reminds us of nature’s might and the remarkable bravery of those who protect and serve.”

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Los Angeles, known for its bustling urban landscape and iconic landmarks, is also home to a hidden natural wonder—the Los Angeles River. While often overlooked, this river, meandering through concrete channels, reveals its formidable force during the rainy season, as recently witnessed in a remarkable turn of events.

By User2004 – Own work by the original uploader, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=855785

In a city where the river’s presence can be overshadowed by the urban sprawl, the recent events served as a powerful reminder of nature’s might. Fueled by an atmospheric river, the usually tranquil waterway transformed into a raging torrent, posing a threat to the flood-control infrastructure and prompting a dramatic rescue.

Amidst this dramatic transformation, a heartwarming yet perilous river rescue unfolded. A man, driven by instinctive bravery, leaped into the churning waters to save his beloved pet. Fortunately, the LA Fire Department swiftly intervened, showcasing the courage and skill of their helicopter crew as they executed a daring rescue, ultimately saving both the man and his loyal companion.

As the river surged, concerns mounted for the vulnerable homeless population residing along its banks. With encampments nestled among its shores, the deluge raised urgent alarms for their safety. First responders and swift-water rescue teams stood ready, highlighting the unwavering commitment to safeguarding every individual impacted by the river’s unpredictable temperament.

This recent episode serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate relationship between urban life and the forces of nature. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and preparedness, especially in a city where the convergence of urban living and natural elements can yield unexpected challenges.

The Los Angeles River’s surge, though brief, illuminates the significance of acknowledging and respecting the inherent power of nature. It also underscores the remarkable bravery and dedication of those who stand ready to protect and serve, even amidst the most formidable circumstances.

In the heart of a bustling metropolis, the Los Angeles River quietly flows, reminding us of the unseen forces that shape our world and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of nature’s awesome power.

Source: Associated Press

https://apnews.com/article/california-storms-los-angeles-river-atmospheric-94e6ad39870432fedb5d0a2464ecc3c1

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Unveiling the Mysteries of Ancient Tree Fossils: A Dr. Seuss-like Discovery

Unearthed 350 million-year-old tree fossils reveal a Dr. Seuss-like world, offering insights into Earth’s ancient forests and evolutionary experiments.

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Unearthed by paleontologists Robert Gastaldo, Olivia King, and Matthew Stimson, these 350 million-year-old tree fossils, named “Sanfordiacaulis,” offer a rare insight into the architecture of ancient trees. Unlike typical tree fossils, these specimens retain their branches and crown leaves, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era.

Cheeck out the story on CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/02/world/sanfordiacaulis-ancient-tree-fossils-discovery-scn/index.html

Trees, the ancient sentinels of our planet, have long held secrets of Earth’s past. Recently, a groundbreaking discovery of uniquely preserved 3D tree fossils in a Canadian quarry has provided a glimpse into the evolution of Earth’s early forests, shedding light on a period of history shrouded in mystery.

The discovery of these fossil trees, with a size and completeness rarely seen in ancient plant fossils, challenges existing knowledge and fills gaps in the fossil record. The preservation of over 250 leaves around one trunk, each extending 5.7 feet, hints at a diverse ecosystem vastly different from what we know today.

The unique fossilization of these trees, believed to be a result of a catastrophic earthquake-induced landslide in an ancient rift lake, offers a snapshot of a moment frozen in time. This extraordinary find has captured the attention of experts like Peter Wilf, a paleobotanist, who emphasizes the significance of these fossils in understanding the evolution of early forest structures.

Described as reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss illustration, the Sanfordiacaulis stands as a testament to the experimental nature of evolution. Though short-lived in the Earth’s history, these peculiar trees represent a “failed experiment of science and evolution,” showcasing the diversity and adaptability of ancient plant life.

Looking ahead, these fossil trees not only provide insights into Earth’s past but also offer clues about the future. By understanding how ancient trees diversified and occupied different ecological niches, scientists can gain valuable knowledge about the potential trajectory of life on our planet.

In conclusion, the discovery of the Sanfordiacaulis fossils opens a window into a world long gone, sparking curiosity about the mysteries of Earth’s early forests and the lessons they hold for the future. As we unravel the secrets of these ancient tree sentinels, we continue to paint a richer picture of life 350 million years ago and the remarkable journey of evolution on our planet.

Source: CNN

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