Milky Way arcs over Kitt Peak National Observatory
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
On a warm June evening, viewers in Arizona watched the sky burst with color from the clouds of gas and dust that help create our home galaxy, the Milky Way.
The Milky Way galaxy is around 100,000 light-years in diameter, containing our solar system and many other objects. Our solar system orbits the galaxy's center, taking about 250 million years to make one revolution.
The reason our galaxy is called "the Milky Way" is due to its milky white appearance in the night sky, which, according to Greek mythology, came from the goddess Hera.
This image was captured at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona.
Kitt Peak National Observatory, a a program of the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab, hosts the recently retired McMath-Pierce Solar Telescope. According to NOIRLab, the solar telescope honors astronomers Keith Pierce and Robert McMath.
For many decades, the McMath-Pierce telescope was the largest solar telescope in the world, standing at 110 feet tall (33 meters), with a 26-foot-diameter (8 m) platform. The telescope worked by reflecting light from a mirror down a 200-foot-long (61 m) concrete optical tunnel.
In 2017, the telescope was decommissioned, after decades of serving the scientific community. It is in the process of transitioning to the NOIRLab Windows on the Universe Center for Astronomy Outreach, according to NOIRLab.
You can read more about solar telescopes and NOIRLab's research as humans continue to study the sun.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
New dog-sized dinosaur species discovered
Scientists have discovered a new species of dinosaur — one that was dog-sized and roamed what is now the United States around 150 million years ago alongside familiar dinosaurs like stegosaurus and diplodocus. The Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, as researchers named it, was about the same size as a Labrador retriever, with a tail that made up about half of its length, according to a study published in the Royal Society Open Science on Wednesday. Although many of its bones were unearthed from the Morrison Formation in Colorado in 2021-2022, its skull and parts of its vertebral column were missing, leaving scientists unsure of its precise length. 'These very small plant-eating dinosaurs are pretty rare (to find),' Professor Paul Barrett, a researcher at London's Natural History Museum who co-led the study, told CNN. 'Actually finding a substantially completed skeleton rather than a few bits and pieces of bones is not common and as a result they're fairly poorly known.' The skeleton will be displayed at the Natural History Museum from June 26. This dinosaur was quite 'lightly built' and weighed around the same as a collie, said Barrett. It was a herbivore and would have walked on its long hind legs, which 'suggests it was quite a speedy runner' allowing it to make a 'quick getaway' from predators, Barrett added. He and his colleague, Susannah Maidment, began investigating this specimen after a London art gallery, which was displaying the dinosaur, got in contact with them. They were eventually able to work with the gallery to find a donor who could help bring the skeleton to the museum. The species name honors that donor, Molly Borthwick, while the genus name is Latin for 'mysterious runner.' By carefully examining the bones, Maidment and Barrett concluded that this specimen had unique characteristics unlike any other previously known species. In particular, its thigh bone was particularly distinctive, with different sorts of muscle attachments than other dinosaurs, Barrett said. It is most closely related to Yandusaurus hongheenis, a three-meter- (9.8-foot) long dinosaur that has been found in China. This suggests the species was widely distributed, Barrett said, hypothesizing that other fossils of it simply haven't been found yet. Scientists believe this specimen was not yet fully grown as some of its vertebrae had not yet fused but, because of the way the fossil was prepared before it came to the Natural History Museum, they can't be certain. It is also not clear how the dinosaur died because there aren't any obvious signs of illness or injury in its bones. New species of dinosaurs are unearthed or identified relatively frequently, about once a week, said Barrett. But finding small dinosaurs like this is much rarer, partly because they're overlooked by fossil hunters searching for bigger, more impressive dinosaurs and partly because smaller skeletons are more likely to be ripped apart by predators and scavengers. Finding these smaller dinosaurs which are often left in the ground 'gives us a more complete idea of what those ecosystems were like,' Barrett said.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
6 Things to Avoid After 5 P.M. to Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelly Plowe, M.S., RDAge and genetics are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, but lifestyle factors play a key role, too. Dietitians suggest avoiding alcohol, caffeine, heavy meals and sodium after 5 p.m to help reduce your risk. Regular exercise and eating a plant-based diet may also help prevent Alzheimer's it comes to protecting your brain health, what you do in the evening matters more than you might think. While you can't change risk factors like age or genetics, everyday habits can chip away at your brain's defenses or help strengthen them. Research shows that certain dietary choices and poor sleep may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The good news? A few simple changes to your evening routine can make an impactful difference. Some nighttime habits, like drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and consuming heavy meals, can disrupt sleep, increase inflammation and contribute to cognitive decline over time. Here's what experts recommend leaving out of your nightly routine to help lower your risk of Alzheimer's and support brain health. If you typically reach for a sweet tea or soda with dinner, it's worth reconsidering, especially if you want to support your brain health. 'Curbing sugary drinks in general, regardless of the time of day, is important for brain health and so much more,' says Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES. Gaw cites a study that found a considerably higher risk of dementia in participants who consumed seven servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per week. Excess added sugars have been linked to increased inflammation, insulin resistance and oxidative stress, all of which can negatively affect the brain over time. Instead of reaching for a sugary beverage, consider winding down with a glass of kefir. Along with being an excellent source of probiotics and protein, recent research suggests that drinking kefir may be beneficial for slowing Alzheimer's disease. Your nightly glass of wine could be interfering with one of the most important factors for brain health: sleep. 'Quality sleep is crucial to mental health and cognitive function, and drinking alcohol before bed can disrupt sleep quality,' explains Gaw. Alcohol interferes with the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Even small amounts of alcohol in the evening can fragment sleep cycles, reduce restorative deep sleep and lead to frequent nighttime awakenings., To support better sleep and long-term brain health, consider swapping that evening cocktail for a calming, alcohol-free alternative. Herbal teas like chamomile, rooibos and lavender can promote relaxation without disrupting sleep. And if you do choose to drink alcohol, limit how much you drink—no more than two drinks for men, one drink for women. Drinking caffeine too late in the day could prevent you from getting the sleep you need. 'Experts recommend at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night for brain health. Large doses of caffeine closer to bedtime impact sleep duration and quality,' says Gaw. 'Research shows that it's best to avoid coffee at least eight hours before bedtime, and steer clear of highly caffeinated pre-workout supplements at least 13 hours before sleep.' Since sleep plays a critical role in clearing waste products from the brain, including beta-amyloid proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease, protecting your rest is one of the simplest ways to support long-term cognitive health. If you're craving something warm in the evening, consider a caffeine-free herbal tea to help you ease into a restful night. 'High sodium intake has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, with research suggesting that excess sodium can trigger inflammation, reduce blood flow to the brain and damage blood vessels,', says Sheila Patterson, RD, CDCES. It may also lower levels of nitric oxide, a compound that helps relax blood vessels and support healthy circulation. To cut back, be mindful of sodium-packed foods, like canned soups, frozen meals, processed snacks or takeout. Instead, opt for whole, minimally processed options, and season meals with fresh herbs, citrus and salt-free spice blends to keep flavor high and sodium low. While dark chocolate is usually considered a healthy option, consuming it after 5 p.m. may hinder your ability to get the quality sleep you need. 'Dark chocolate is a sneaky source of caffeine and theobromine, two stimulants that can sabotage your sleep,' says Katharine Rosenthal, RD, LD. 'And poor sleep isn't just exhausting, it's one of the biggest long-term risk factors for cognitive decline.' Instead of reaching for dark chocolate after dinner, choose options that promote better sleep. Our Tart Cherry Nice Cream is the perfect snack for a restful night's sleep due to its sleep-inducing ingredients. It's a great way too satisfy your sweet tooth while potentially helping yourself catch more zzz's and stave off neurodegenerative diseases. 'Try to avoid heavy meals at night for better sleep and optimal cognitive function,' Gaw recommends. 'Eating too close to bedtime may disrupt digestion, causing indigestion, discomfort and poor sleep quality.' To support better sleep and brain health, aim to finish your last substantial meal at least two to three hours before going to bed. In the evening, opt for lighter, balanced options. The best choices offer fiber, healthy fats and protein to help keep you satisfied without weighing you down. Eat more . 'Antioxidant-rich foods play a crucial role in promoting healthy aging and maintaining cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation—two factors linked to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's,' says Lindsay Fencl, RD, CD. 'Add more berries, walnuts and dark leafy greens to your diet,' she recommends. Eat a plant-forward diet. Consume a low-sodium, well-balanced and colorful diet, such as the MIND diet. 'The MIND diet (a combination of the Mediterranean and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diets) supports brain function with a focus on berries, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, beans and leafy greens,' says Gaw. Not sure where to start? Supplement with creatine. Numerous studies conducted over the past decade suggest that creatine supplementation can significantly enhance memory, attention and processing speed. 'A recent study in Alzheimer's patients found that supplementing with 20 grams of creatine was associated with improvements in cognition,' says Fencl. While these results are promising, the study was small, and more research is needed. Move your body often. Studies show that exercise may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. If exercise isn't currently part of your routine, start where you're at. Find something you enjoy and can stick to. Whether it's walking, bicycling or yoga, all movement is worthwhile. The best way to support brain health and help prevent Alzheimer's disease is through healthy, sustainable habits. To help lower your long-term risk of cognitive decline, skip the nightly sugar-sweetened beverages, evening alcohol, excess caffeine intake and heavy meals. Instead, focus on a plant-forward, antioxidant-rich diet, like the MIND diet, and regular exercise. You don't have to overhaul your current lifestyle habits completely. Small changes can lead to big results over time. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Digital Trends
2 hours ago
- Digital Trends
Like M3GAN 2.0? Watch these seven sci-fi horror movies next
If M3GAN 2.0 is anything like the original film, that means it's going to be a unique combination of science fiction, horror, and even comedy. That movie turned the original into a phenomenon, and if you liked Megan 2.0 just as much, we've got the perfect list for you. We've pulled together seven excellent films that combine science fiction and horror. These movies range from classics to more recent ones you might not have heard of. Regardless of what you're looking for, you're likely to find it here. Recommended Videos We also have guides to the best new movies to stream, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+. Alien (1979) One of the definitive sci-fi horror movies, Alien leans into all the elements of a conventional slasher movie and happens to be a great version of that. What makes the movie really sing, though, is its distinctly sci-fi production design, as well as the secrets the movie has up its sleeve. Whether you've seen Alien 30 times or this would be your first watch, it's the kind of movie you can watch over and over again without ever getting tired of it. Tense, filled with great actors, and featuring some of the best creature design in the history of film, Alien spawned a franchise for a reason. You can watch Alien on Hulu. The Thing (1982) Although it wasn't universally beloved upon its release, The Thing has become a classic in the decades since, and with good reason. The movie tells the story of a group of arctic scientists who find themselves face-to-face with an alien lifeform that can assume the likeness of any creature it kills. As they slowly come to realize that they can no longer believe their eyes, the scientists have to figure out a way to root out the alien life form before it turns them all against one another. Featuring some of the best direction of John Carpenter's career, The Thing is every bit as tense as any horror movie ever made. You can watch The Thing on Amazon Prime Video. The Host (2006) More than a decade before Bong Joon-ho made Parasite and rocketed to international acclaim, The Host was proving that Bong knows exactly how to make great, genre-busting movies. The film follows a street vendor who works to rescue his daughter after she is kidnapped by a monster that emerges from the Han River after military waste was dropped into the river. Both an ecological thriller and something even stranger, The Host is a movie that is both focused on the one family's journey and on the broader system that might allow a creature like this to exist in the first place. You can watch The Host on Max. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) Although this isn't the first Invasion of the Body Snatchers, it's almost undoubtedly the best. The film tells the story of a group of people in San Francisco who slowly begin to suspect that everyone around them is being replaced by mindless automatons. Although the movie's story began as a metaphor for communism, it still works even decades later. The movie's ending, one of the more unsettling in the history of movies, is just as tense as the rest of the affair, in which the group is slowly winnowed away as they fight to save their very souls from mindless autonomy. You can watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers on Max. Annihilation (2018) Perhaps the strangest film on this list, Annihilation tells the story of a group of scientists who are recruited to investigate a mysterious biozone known as the Shimmer. As they venture into its depths, they discover the way it has transformed the biology of everything living there. The group learns more about why each of them decided to make such a perilous journey in the first place. The third act of Annihilation is hard to interpret on a purely plot level, but the movie works nonetheless because it has so carefully calibrated the emotional journeys of each of its central characters. You can watch Annihilation on Paramount Plus. No One Will Save You (2023) A more recent addition to this list, No One Will Save You follows a young woman living in isolation in a small town. When an alien invasion descends, she finds herself fighting for her own survival. The central gimmick of No One Will Save You is that the film is almost entirely wordless, which means that it relies heavily on the performance of Kaitlyn Dever, who is more than up to the task. As we learn more about the reasons she's living in isolation, we come to appreciate both the guilt she carries with her and why she ultimately forms something of a unique relationship with the alien invaders. You can watch No One Will Save You on Hulu. Ready Or Not (2019) One of the great thrillers of the past 10 years, Ready or Not tells the story of a young woman who marries into a wealthy family, only to discover that they have a ritual in which they play a board game every time someone joins the family. If that game is ready or not, then they play it to the death. As she finds herself fighting for her own life against a family determined to hunt her down, she begins to realize that marrying rich might not be all it's cracked up to be. Ready or Not is funny, scary, and every bit as gory as you might hope it'd be. You can watch Ready or Not on Hulu.
