Scientists Warn of Alarming Rise in Marine Heat Waves and Its Impact on Oceans
An increase in marine heat waves has been observed worldwide, leading to severe consequences for oceanic ecosystems and coastal communities. Reports indicate that specific regions in the world’s oceans have been experiencing prolonged periods of higher-than-average temperatures at an unprecedented rate. The persistence of these conditions has disrupted marine life, intensified storms, and put coastal populations at risk. Researchers have raised concerns over the long-term impact, emphasising the difficulty of recovery for affected areas as these events become more frequent.
Alarming Surge in Marine Heat Waves
According to a study published in Nature Climate Change, the frequency of marine heat waves in 2023–2024 was recorded at 240 percent higher than any previously documented period. Scientists from institutions in Australia and the U.K. have highlighted that these prolonged temperature spikes contribute to increased evaporation, which fuels extreme weather events. Cyclone Gabrielle, which struck New Zealand in 2023 and resulted in 11 fatalities, was linked to these rising ocean temperatures.
Devastating Effects on Marine Life
As per reports, marine heat waves have led to disruptions in the movement and survival of marine species. Rising temperatures have forced whales and dolphins to venture closer to shore while following their prey, increasing instances of stranding. Species unable to migrate to cooler waters, such as mussels, have suffered mass die-offs. Coral reefs have also been severely affected, with bleaching and degradation threatening entire ecosystems and the marine life dependent on them.
Urgent Call for Climate Action
Scientists have pointed out that while conservation efforts can mitigate some damage, the primary solution lies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Without decisive action, the persistence of marine heat waves will continue to alter oceanic environments, intensify storms, and endanger marine biodiversity.
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Pulsars are neutron stars rotating rapidly, emitting electromagnetic radiation in various wavelengths, including radio waves, optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray. Identified as a X ray transient source in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) about 30 years ago, RX J0032.9-7348 has been classified as an X-ray Pulsar after detecting X-ray pulsations with a period of approximately 7.02 seconds after experiencing an X-ray brightening in October 2024.To take a closer look at it, astronomers have incorporated two NASA X-ray telescope, NICER and NuSTAR.
Discovery and Observational Campaign
According to Handbook of X-ray and Gamma ray Astrophysics, Accretion-powered X-ray pulsars (XRPs) are neutron stars within binary systems that emit X-rays in regular pulses, powered by the accretion of matter from a companion star. However, although RX J0032.9-7348 has been known for decades, very little is known regarding its properties and its optical counterpart has not been identified. Therefore, a team of astronomers led by Birendra Chhotaray of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, decided to take a closer look at this pulsar with NuSTAR and NICER.
Dr Chhotaray and his team were able to verify the X-ray pulsation period of RX J0032.9-7348 through their observations and they also discovered that this pulsar has a double-peak pulse profile throughout a wide energy range, with small changes in the form of energy dependence.
Findings
Results of the observational campaign, published on the arXiv preprint server, gives insight of the spin dynamics and luminosity of this pulsar. The accretion processes during the X-ray brightening phase increases its angular momentum. It results into a spin-up of approximately -0.00033 seconds per day.
The luminosity of the pulsar varied from 8.2 undecillion to 37 undecillion erg/s during the monitoring campaign. The researchers report that no evidence of iron emission line or cyclotron resonance scattering features was found in the energy spectrum of this source.
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Kosmos 482, under the USSR Venera program, was launched into space in 1972 to land on the second planet. However, the rocket malfunctioned and in Earth’s orbit, and it’s still revolving there ever since. Its rugged design lets it stay there and tolerate the atmosphere of Venus. This durability implies that it could survive reentry into Earth and remain intact with no impact. It is supposed to land either on 9 or 10 May without actually breaking anything up. The Aerospace Corporation is tracking it through the radar data provided by the U.S Space network surveillance.
When and Where Might It Land?
As per the current forecasts, ESA reports that the lander will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on Saturday, May 10, 12:37 PM EST, with an error margin of ±20.6 hours. Due to an orbital inclination of 52 degrees, it is possible that it could land between the vast regions including Australia, South America and Africa, and in water covering these areas. On the map, it is between 52 degrees North and 52 degrees south. It may fall into the ocean, as 70% of the Earth is water.
What Happens If It Survives Reentry?
If Kosmos 482 reaches the Earth in one piece, the speed would be 150-250 km per hour. The structure would be the same, that is, around 1 meter in diameter and 495 kgs in weight. The scientists predict that the parachute system must have no longer been there after 53 years in space.
Exact Timing Become Challenging
Solar activities, such as storms, are adding complexity to the radar data sometimes which in turn is impacting the reentry timings. Langbroek says, The Sun does whatever it wants to do, making it difficult to analyse the exact hours until the last moment.
Risk to the Public Is Low
Scientists say that the risk to humans is minimal, with a 0.4% chance of death or even injury. It will come down as a single object, with no debris risk. However, if anyone happens to encounter is should stay away and not touch it, simply report to the local authorities.
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