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In the search for potentially life-supporting exoplanets‚ liquid water is the key indicator. Life on Earth requires liquid water‚ and scientists strongly believe the same is true elsewhere. But from a great distance‚ it’s difficult to tell what worlds have oceans of water. Some of them can have lava oceans instead‚ and getting the two confused is a barrier to understanding exoplanets‚ water‚ and habitability more clearly. This brings us to K2-18b‚ a mini-Neptune orbiting a red dwarf (M dwarf) star about 134 light-years away. The Kepler Space Telescope found it in 2015. NASA’s Exoplanet Catalog describes it as a potentially rocky world almost nine times more massive than Earth. It takes about 30 days to complete one orbit and is about 0.1429 AU from its star. When it was confirmed as a planet‚ the authors of the paper presenting the results wrote that “The planet orbiting K2-18 may be an interesting target for atmospheric studies of transiting exoplanets.” Prophetic words‚ and when the JWST examined K2-18b’s atmosphere in 2023‚ it found the carbon-bearing molecules methane and carbon dioxide. “Webb’s discovery adds to recent studies suggesting that K2-18 b could be a Hycean exoplanet‚ one which has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a water ocean-covered surface‚” a NASA press release said. Planetary scientists are very interested in Hycean exoplanets. As things stand now‚ they’re purely hypothetical. But if scientists could confirm the existence of one of these ocean-bearing planets‚ the outlook for life elsewhere in our galaxy would change considerably. (If they’re not subject to the runaway greenhouse effect.) If we could reliably find a population of Hycean worlds spread out among the stars‚ surely that would constitute a powerful signal that life is not confined to Earth. But there’s a lot of uncertainty regarding Hycean worlds. Do they exist? Can they hold onto their oceans‚ or are they too hot? Could something else explain the JWST’s atmospheric findings? Why is there a discrepancy between observation and climate modelling? The authors of a new paper point out that‚ observationally‚ K2-18b is the archetypal Hycean world. As such‚ it’s a good place to try to answer some of our scientific questions. The authors say that K2-13b could indeed be an ocean planet‚ but an ocean of lava rather than water. The new paper is “Distinguishing oceans of water from magma on mini-Neptune K2-18b.” The lead author is Oliver Shorttle‚ who studies planetary chemistry at the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge University. The paper is in pre-print and hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet. “We propose a solution to this discrepancy between observation and climate modelling by investigating the effect of a magma ocean on the atmospheric chemistry of mini-Neptunes‚” the authors write. K2-18b is a puzzle. Its density is in between Neptune’s and Earth’s‚ meaning its composition is uncertain. Its density covers a range of possible compositions. JWST observations show that it has a carbon-rich atmosphere and an ammonia-poor atmosphere. These observations are both indicators of an ocean world with a thick H/He atmosphere. Spectra of K2-18 b‚ obtained with Webb’s NIRISS (Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph) and NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph)‚ display an abundance of methane and carbon dioxide in the exoplanet’s atmosphere. The detection of methane and carbon dioxide and the shortage of ammonia support the hypothesis that there may be a water ocean underneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere in K2-18 b. Image Credit: NASA‚ CSA‚ ESA‚ R. Crawford (STScI)‚ J. Olmsted (STScI)‚ Science: N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University) But there’s another possible explanation: a magma ocean. “We demonstrate that atmospheric NH3 depletion is a natural consequence of the high solubility of nitrogen species in magma at reducing conditions‚ precisely the conditions prevailing where a thick hydrogen envelope is in communication with a molten planetary surface‚” the authors write. As is so often the case when it comes to atmospheres‚ the availability of oxygen plays an enormous role. Oxygen is a swinger; it likes to bond with almost anything. Its presence dictates a lot of what happens in an atmosphere. “How oxidizing a magma is has a profound effect on the solubility of nitrogen‚” the authors. Nitrogen is necessary for ammonia to form since ammonia is NH3. So when the JWST found no ammonia in K2-18b’s atmosphere‚ it may not indicate a Hycean world after all. Instead‚ it may indicate a magma ocean. The researchers used models and simulations to try to determine what the JWST observations mean for K2-18b. This figure from the study shows the relationship between oxygen fugacity and how much nitrogen can stay in the atmosphere of a magma ocean planet. “As oxygen fugacity is decreased‚ nitrogen’s increased solubility depletes the atmosphere by orders of magnitude‚” the authors explain. (Each coloured circle represents a model run for a given set of parameters.) Image Credit: Shorttle et al. 2024. The researchers found that some of their modelled results of a magma ocean world agree with what the JWST found. “A set of the resulting atmospheres in the magma ocean scenario are consistent with the full transmission spectrum of K2-18b observed by JWST‚” they write‚ adding that “this self-consistent magma ocean model can produce a qualitatively similar transmission spectrum to that observed for K2-18b‚ and those hypothesized for Hycean planets generally.” If Shorttle and his colleagues are correct‚ then a dearth of ammonia can no longer be used to indicate the presence of an ocean on a Hycean world. Ammonia’s profile in an atmosphere can be attributed to both the magma ocean scenario and the water-world scenario. They’re not exclusive. Artist’s depiction of a waterworld. So far‚ they’re only hypothetical and can be confused with magma ocean worlds. We need a way to tell them apart. Credit: David A. Aguilar (CfA) What’s the solution? “Thus‚ alternative mutually exclusive chemical tracers of the presence of a water ocean versus a magma ocean should be sought so that future observations can distinguish these potential scenarios‚” the researchers write. The authors think they may have found a chemical tracer that can do the job. They say that finding both CO2 and CO in an exoplanet atmosphere could contra-indicate a magma ocean. “One such possible tracer‚ and source of potential misfit of the magma ocean scenario with the observed spectrum of K2-18b‚ is the co-existence of CO2 and CO‚” they explain. The problem is that the presence of any CO in K2-18b’s atmosphere is uncertain. The researchers have shown that we can’t rely on the detection of carbon and the non-detection of ammonia to indicate a Hycean world because‚ in some circumstances‚ a magma ocean can produce the same atmospheric chemical profile. What can be done? Better data and more research‚ of course. “Developing clear disambiguating atmospheric tracers for the presence of liquid water versus magmaoceans is key in our quest of finding potentially habitable worlds amongst the exoplanet population‚” they conclude. The post Is K2-18b Covered in Oceans of Water or Oceans of Lava? appeared first on Universe Today.

Victim doused in flammable liquid and set ablaze while sitting at bus stop

As the new year approaches‚ it's the perfect time to reevaluate our health habits and make positive changes. And what better way to do that than by incorporating fresh‚ nutrient-rich juices into your daily routine? Choosing the right juicer is key to this transformation. It's not just about quenching your thirst; it's about finding a convenient‚ efficient way to boost your health. Luckily‚ Hamilton Beach offers a range of juicers that cater to different needs and preferences‚ ensuring that you can easily embrace a healthier lifestyle in 2024. Easy Clean Juice Extractor Time is precious‚ especially when you're embracing a healthier lifestyle. The Easy Clean Juice Extractor from Hamilton Beach is perfect for this. Its extra-large chute fits whole fruits and veggies‚ significantly reducing prep time. Paired with a robust 800-watt motor‚ it's a powerhouse that efficiently extracts every ounce of goodness‚ ensuring you get the most out of your produce. And when you're done‚ the cleanup is a breeze‚ thanks to its dishwasher-safe parts and the Easy Sweep cleaning tool that cuts strainer cleaning time in half. It's a time-saver's dream‚ making daily juicing an easy addition to your health routine. Big Mouth® Juice Extractor The Hamilton Beach Big Mouth® Juice Extractor combines convenience and efficiency for a quick‚ healthy juice experience. Its standout feature is the extra-large 3-inch chute‚ which allows for juicing whole fruits and vegetables‚ reducing prep time significantly. With a powerful 800-watt motor‚ this juicer ensures maximum juice yield and efficient operation. Additionally‚ it's easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts‚ making post-juicing cleanup a breeze. This model is perfect for those seeking a blend of speed‚ convenience‚ and quality in their juicing routine. Whole Fruit Juice Extractor The Whole Fruit Juice Extractor from Hamilton Beach is a game-changer for those seeking efficiency and convenience in their juicing journey. Its large chute allows you to juice whole fruits and vegetables without the hassle of extensive prep work. Plus‚ its 700-watt dual-speed motor is a standout feature‚ adept at handling various produce types‚ from soft berries to hard carrots. The large 30-ounce juice pitcher comes in handy and includes a froth separator to keep foamy froth in the pitcher and out of your glass. This extractor makes the path to healthy living more accessible and less time-consuming‚ truly embodying the spirit of "new year‚ new you."HealthSmart® Compact Juice Extractor For those with limited kitchen space‚ the HealthSmart® Compact Juice Extractor is a perfect choice. Despite its small footprint‚ it packs a punch with a 400-watt motor‚ making it efficient for daily use. And its large chute reduces prep time. Ideal for the health-conscious urban dweller‚ this juicer proves that great things come in small packages‚ offering easy storage without compromising on performance.Learn More Choosing the right juicer is more than just a purchase; it's a step towards a healthier lifestyle. Hamilton Beach offers a range of juicers to fit every need and kitchen size. Whether you're a seasoned juicer or just starting‚ these options promise to align with your health goals‚ making it easier to embrace a fresh‚ healthy start in the new year. So click here to learn more and get a fresh start in 2024. Please note: We may receive a commission for purchases made through the links in this article.

It's quite common for people to fantasize about their wedding day—the ceremony‚ the bridal party‚ the dress‚ the cake—and some people spend months or even years meticulously planning every detail. People even spend thousands of dollars hiring wedding planners to make sure that the big day stays fully organized and all the moving parts come together without a hitch.But no matter how well you plan‚ sometimes things that simply can't be predicted happen. And how you and your beloved handle the hitches and glitches on your wedding day can say a lot. Especially when that hitch or glitch is something major…like watching the beautiful‚ four-tier wedding cake—the one you spent time choosing and lots of money creating to share with your wedding guests—come crashing to the ground right in front of you.That's what happened to one couple who eagerly watched as the caterers who were carrying their wedding cake tripped on their way into the room‚ sending their cake to an untimely demise in spectacular fashion.The video‚ shared by @the.sarik on Instagram‚ is only about 10 seconds long‚ but it tells a whole beautiful love story in the reactions of both the groom and the bride. Watch: See on Instagram First of all‚ hope those waiters are OK. But secondly‚ staying calm and making the most of a bad situation is a huge character plus‚ and this groom clearly has those qualities in spades. You can see in the bride's face that she knows it‚ too. "Her eyes show that she knows she got the right guy‚" wrote one commenter. "The way he just called her to eat is just phenomenal‚" shared another."'Cake is still cake.' Yelling at those waiters won't solve anything‚ but it can ruin their whole lives‚" wrote another. "They know their mistake‚ and they can be corrected privately. May the reaction of this man be an inspiration to us all‚ to care for the feelings of other people more than material things.""Of all the things that could ruin a wedding day‚ I'm glad the husband knew this didn't have to be one of them‚" shared another.When unpredictable things do happen‚ it's largely the reaction of the people involved that determines whether they become tragic tales or entertaining stories. If what we saw in the video is any indicator‚ this couple will be telling their grandkids someday about how the guys carrying their wedding cake tripped and ruined it‚ and how Grandpa's response won Grandma's heart all over again.This article originally appeared on 7.27.23

House fires are devastating for families. In a matter of minutes‚ you could lose all of your belongings and a place to live‚ or worse‚ you could lose loved ones. A family in Phoenix‚ Arizona‚ recently found themselves facing the reality of their own home in flames. Claudia Jimenez told CBS News that she woke up trapped in her burning apartment with her two daughters‚ with nothing to do but yell for help in the hopes that someone would hear her.The mom's screams were answered by Joe Hollins‚ a homeless man who was camping nearby with his wife. Hollins didn't hesitate to try to find a way to help. With no way out and the fire department still nowhere on the scene‚ Jimenez had to trust the stranger who was standing below."He was right underneath and he was like 'Yes‚ throw your daughters out‚ I'm going to catch them‚ I'm going to get them‚'" Jimenez told CBS. So the terrified mom did what any mom would've done to save her babies—she tossed them one at a time out the window. And just as he'd promised‚ Hollins caught them. Valerie‚ who is just a year old‚ was dropped to safety first‚ then 8-year-old Natalie made the two-story fall into Hollins' arms. The family dogs were next out the window before it was time for Jimenez to make the jump. After some coaxing‚ the mom made the leap‚ and Hollins again made the catch‚ saving everyone in the house. When everything was said and done‚ Hollins saved the entire family and the dogs. Soon after Jimenez jumped to safety‚ the fire department showed up to put out the blaze. Multiple families lost their home that night‚ but thanks to Hollins‚ the Jimenez family didn't lose their lives. In an effort to help Hollins after saving this family‚ a GiveSendGo was created and people can donate here. A GoFundMe was also created for the young mom and her daughters‚ and people who would like to help can do so by donating here.If you ask the hero‚ he's no hero at all. He told CBS News that anyone in his shoes would've done the same thing. Hollins was in the right place at the right time‚ and because of his willingness to help‚ he saved an entire family. You can watch the entire interview below. This article originally appeared on 5.24.23

The Eagles' co-lead vocalist has one key influence. The post The Eagles’ Glenn Frey on the “greatest American vocal band” first appeared on Far Out Magazine.