June 8 - In the Milky Way's Center

June 8 In the Milky Way's Center by:

View larger | A combination of X-ray and radio data lets us peer through the dust toward the Milky Way center. This is cut-out of the full image, which reveals threads of hot gas and magnetic fields, intertwined, and stretching out large distances from the inner region. Image via Q. D. Wang/ NASA.

Milky Way center: Threads of hot gas and magnetic fields The bright center of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is hidden behind dust. But expand our vision (via telescopes and their instruments) to see different kinds of light – different wavelength regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum – and we can see through the dust. Then go a step further and combine several different kinds of “lights.” At that point, astronomers see fascinating new details, leading to new insights. Astronomer Q. Daniel Wang did just this. He used high-energy X-ray data, gathered over 2 decades, combined with new low-energy radio data. The result is an extraordinary new image (above) of our Milky Way's central region. See the image annotated, and watch a movie. What is Earth’s Ring of Fire? Most of Earth's volcanoes and earthquakes are found in a horseshoe-shaped swath around the  Pacific Ocean known as the Ring of Fire (not to be confused with the June 10 'ring of fire' solar eclipse). Read about historic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions along the Ring of Fire. And learn why the region is so seismically active.   Why do variable stars brighten and dim? When you go out under a starry sky, the stars seem unchanging, eternal, constant. Occasionally you might see a nova or a supernova - apparently "new" stars - but such events usually last only weeks before fading from view, and they are rare (especially supernovae). Apart from those transient reminders that the universe is restless and constantly changing, the stars in the night sky seem to shine with a steady, unwavering light. But many stars are not constant. Their brightness varies over time. Here's what's fascinating about variable stars.

🌒🌓 It's not too late to order a moon beanie! 🌗🌖 We won't be ordering any more moon beanies for the rest of the year. So it's time to get yours while supplies last! Defy the cold and go outdoors to stargaze these Summer nights. ✨❄️ Get yours today and stay warm as you look up! Check out the latest science and astronomy inspired merchandise at The EarthSky Store today. All EarthSky Store proceeds go toward keeping you updated on your cosmos and world at EarthSky.org! 🚀🙏🏼

Today is World Oceans Day Happy World Oceans Day 2021!  World Oceans Day has been celebrated every year on June 8 since 1992. It's a day to raise awareness about how we're connected to the oceans - no matter where we live on Earth - and what we can do to protect ocean habitats. This year’s theme  is The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods. How to participate in the celebration. Image via Cindy Chai.

All you need to know: June solstice 2021 The sunset has been making its way north, as illustrated in this 2016 photo composite by Abhijit Juvekar. The June solstice - your signal to celebrate summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere - will happen on June 21 at 3:32 UTC. That’s June 20 at 10:32 p.m. CDT in North America. Translate UTC to your time. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, this solstice will mark the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year. Early dawns. Long days. Late sunsets. Short nights. The sun will be at its height each day, as it crosses the sky. Meanwhile, south of the equator, winter will begin. Read more. Submit your photo to EarthSky here! Subscribe & Support Did a friend forward EarthSkyNews to you? Click here to get your own subscription. Want to help support EarthSky? Forward this email to a friend. Share our content via your social media. Consider a donation. Go shopping at the EarthSky Store. Thank you for your support!

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