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Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Every 26 seconds, Earth's ‘mysterious heartbeat' repeats; scientists still don't know why
Source: X Visualise a heartbeat deep down under the Earth; soft, periodic, and undetectable to the human eye. Every 26 seconds, a faint seismic pulse emanates from deep within the Earth's crust. It does not level cities or lead to harm, but these vibrations continue unabated, exciting seismologists and geophysicists around the world. The Earth's 26-second pulse may not be a harbinger of disaster, but it is a compelling reminder of the planet's internal rhythms; rhythms we're only beginning to understand. As technology evolves and data becomes more refined, future research may finally explain the pulse's origin. Until then, it remains a quiet mystery repeating without fail, deep under the sea and beneath our feet. How Earth's 26-second pulse was first discovered in the 1960s According to the Discover Magazine reports, Earth's silent pulse history began over 60 years ago. In the early 1960s, a geophysicist named Jack Oliver, with the crude seismic equipment available at that time, noticed an unusual rhythmic signal in the seismograms. He determined its origin to be in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, where he discovered it appeared to be periodic, becoming larger at specific times of the year. Even though his revolutionary find, the limitations of seismic technology during that era implied the signal could not be entirely verified. It was a scientific curiosity, nearly lost for years. University of Colorado study confirms Earth's rhythmic tremor In 2005, researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder reignited interest in this peculiar phenomenon. Seismologist Mike Ritzwoller and his colleagues, with more sensitive and state-of-the-art equipment, detected the same signal occurring exactly every 26 seconds. They were successful in identifying its source as the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of west Africa. 'We saw something strange, consistent, and persistent,' Ritzwoller said, emphasizing the unique nature of this pulse. Unlike typical seismic activity, which is irregular and event-driven, this tremor was incredibly uniform and appeared unrelated to earthquakes or tectonic movement. Scientists view on the origin of the pulse Scientists have proposed two major hypotheses to explain the origin of the pulse: Ocean wave resonance One of the more well-supported ideas is that ongoing vibrations from ocean waves beating the continental shelf would create such vibrations. The theory suggests that when big waves hit the shallow underwater edges of continents, they apply pressure that generates weak seismic signals within the Earth's crust. It is similar to tapping on one end of a long table and sensing the vibration on the other end. This explanation fits with the observation that the signal strengthens seasonally and particularly when there are higher ocean swells. Volcanic activity near São Tomé There was another hypothesis proposed in 2013, this one by Chinese researchers. They actually pointed to a new explanation: volcanic tremors. São Tomé, the volcanic island located in the Bight of Bonny (a part of the Gulf of Guinea), was identified by the researchers as the potential epicenter. It is geologically active terrain, and the fact that the island lies near the source of the signal only adds more weight to the argument. However, as yet, no definitive volcanic origin has been identified, and no comparable eruptions or magma flow have matched the pulse's rhythmic consistency. Scientists still puzzled about the cause of Earth's 26-second tremor While the 26-second pulse is not an imminent threat to human life or facilities, it is one of the oldest continuing enigmas in geophysics. Seismologists monitor it closely with worldwide arrays of seismometers, but the lack of an unchallenged explanation maintains it as a topic of scientific interest. Some researchers believe that it may be a minor anomaly in Earth's overall seismic pattern. Others believe discovering what this pulse is may reveal hidden mechanisms in Earth's oceanic or volcanic systems. Even after decades of monitoring, the tremor has never ceased. Every 26 seconds, as if to the rhythm of an earthly metronome, the signal travels through Earth's crust; consistent, unobtrusive, and relentless. It's not strong enough to register with humans, but it registers on seismometers across the globe. It's referred to by scientists as "Earth's heartbeat", yet it's not something observed in natural seismic activity. Also Read | Japanese scientists unveil earthquake secrets that shake satellites in space
NDTV
03-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Earth Has A Pulse Every 26 Seconds And Scientists Have No Idea Why
Somewhere deep beneath our feet, the Earth appears to be pulsing quietly and rhythmically, every 26 seconds. This faint tremor, too subtle for humans to feel, has baffled scientists for decades. Detected by seismometers across continents, the mysterious "heartbeat" has no confirmed explanation, yet it continues to thump-unchanged, unexplained. First observed in the early 1960s by geophysicist Jack Oliver, the phenomenon-known as a "microseism", was traced to somewhere in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, and was stronger during certain seasons. But without modern tools, Oliver's work remained largely theoretical, the Discover Magazine reported. It wasn't until 2005, when researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder stumbled upon the same signal using digital seismic data, that the mystery returned to the scientific spotlight. "We saw something strange, consistent, and persistent," says seismologist Mike Ritzwoller, recalling the moment his team rediscovered the pulse. They traced it to the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of West Africa. But what causes it? One theory suggests it's the result of powerful ocean waves striking the continental shelf-much like the vibration you feel across a desk when someone taps it on one end. Another theory, proposed by Chinese scientists in 2013, points to volcanic activity near Sao Tome Island in the Bight of Bonny-suspiciously close to the pulse's origin. Despite decades of study and multiple teams examining the phenomenon from different angles, there is no consensus. "We're still waiting for the fundamental explanation," Ritzwoller admits. Some scientists have even stopped prioritising it, calling it an "intriguing but low-impact" riddle compared to larger seismic research questions. Still, the fact remains: every 26 seconds, Earth ticks like a metronome- its source, purpose, and persistence a mystery hidden beneath ocean waves and volcanic rock. And perhaps the most haunting part? It hasn't stopped.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Milky Way galaxy to illuminate summer Kentucky skies
KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — The 'Silver River' is set to brightly flow across the Kentucky night sky, with peak conditions in place on Monday, May 26. According to Discover Magazine, the Milky Way Galaxy, aka the 'Backbone of Night,' according to the American Museum of Natural History, becomes more visible on Earth as summer approaches. Earth's galaxy gets its name from a Greek myth that states that the goddess Hera sprayed milk across the sky while nursing Heracles, the son of Zeus. (too TMI?) Two dead in Ashland house fire Milky Way galaxy to illuminate summer Kentucky skies Kentucky Lt. Gov. Coleman surveys Laurel County damage Discover Magazine noted that the moon is currently in a waning period and will enter the New Moon phase on Monday. When the moon isn't shining bright on the ground below, spectacles like the Milky Way are more vivid in the night sky. The rest of May isn't the only window to view the galactic river. Discover Magazine said the galaxy will show up clearly in the night sky into the fall, but only to those who can escape light pollution enough to clearly see the heavens. Travel to high altitudes away from the surrounding light and face south for the best chances to view the Milky Way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Experts sound alarm over crisis that could threaten water supplies for millions: 'Abnormally low'
The Western United States is facing a critical environmental challenge: a persistent snow drought leading to alarming declines in water levels at major reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell, Discover Magazine reported. Experts warn that if this trend continues, it could threaten water supplies for millions, affect agriculture, and increase wildfire risks. Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two of the largest reservoirs in the U.S., could be in for another year of record-low water levels, as reported by Discover. This is primarily due to the ongoing snow drought happening throughout the Western U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, snow droughts "are periods of abnormally low snowpack for a time of year in a particular location." One study, published in 2025, found that human-induced climate change has significantly altered snowpack dynamics, affecting regional water sources and ecosystems. Snowpack contributes significantly to the functioning of many ecosystems. When accumulated snowpack melts, it creates meltwater, which goes into rivers and lakes that provide water for agriculture, fisheries, and communities. Without enough snowpack, research shows that water shortages could intensify. "The human and ecosystem consequences of snow loss can extend far beyond the winter," Justin Mankin, associate professor of geography at Dartmouth University, shared with Agence France-Presse. The National Integrated Drought Information System reported that much of the Western U.S. experienced extremely dry conditions. Because of these conditions, Southwest states like Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado are experiencing "exceptional snow drought." Extreme weather events have always existed. However, human-caused climate change is making them more frequent and severe. In response, policymakers, scientists, and communities are implementing various strategies to combat the impacts of our changing climate. Communities across the country are prioritizing water conservation policies, water restrictions, and infrastructure investments to improve water supplies and storage. Do you take steps to conserve water at home? All the time Usually Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. On an individual level, people can help protect water resources by adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing outdoor water use and supporting local conservation efforts. Simple actions like fixing leaks, turning the tap off when not in use, and using rain barrels can also have a big impact. This guide on reducing water waste in your home can help you save money and water at the same time. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Comet Seen Streaking Across Tasmania's Sky Before The Aurora Dances
Tasmania's night sky really put on a show on Saturday, Feb. 1, and photographer Ben Swanson was there to capture the display. Swanson spliced together about 7,000 photos shot throughout the night to create the video seen above. (MORE: Don't Miss February's Sweet Night Sky Treats) The video first shows the sunset and a crescent moon rising. Then, Comet C/2024 G3 Atlas streaks across the sky. According to the comet was visible in the Northern Hemisphere for a few days around mid-January but remained visible through early February in the Southern Hemisphere. Comet C/2024 G3 Atlas became one of the few comets on record to be visible to the naked eye during daytime hours, also said. (MORE: See – And Hear – Meteorite Crash To Earth) Humans won't set eyes on the comet again for thousands of years, if ever again. The comet could return again in 160,000 years, if it's not already destroyed by then, according to Discover Magazine. Swanson also caught a brilliant aurora dancing across the sky that same night. The aurora australis, or the southern lights, can be seen lighting up the sky in greens and purples later in the video. The aurora australis can be seen in Tasmania year-round, reports. (MORE: Watch Northern Lights Shimmer Over Alaska)
