Latest news with #bloom
CBS News
19 hours ago
- CBS News
Stinky Corpse Flower blooms at the Huntington Library, but not for long
A putrid-smelling, not-so-dainty flower bloomed overnight in San Marino. The Huntington Library's Corpse Flower bloom emits the stench of rotten meat, and it attracts the curious who want to see and smell the rare plant. Its scent has also been likened to stinky cheese or boiled cabbage, but the window of opportunity to take it in is very brief, as the bloom lasts for less than 24 hours once every few years. The short-lived Corpse Flower bloom size is part of the plant's lure, but Huntington Library Associate Curator Brandon Tam says it's really about the odor, which also attracts natural pollinators like flesh flies. "Everyone's nose is a little different. But no one forgets the smell once you have smelled it," he said. The plant grows from a large corm, a bulb-like tuber under the soil, and is native to the rainforests of western Sumatra, Indonesia. It can grow to more than 8 feet high and 4 feet in diameter. There has been a Corpse Flower in bloom 28 times at the museum. The first one at the Huntington was in 1999, and it was historic as it was the first recorded bloom in California, according to Tam. He said very few botanical gardens had the plant at the time, so it was the Huntington's mission to conserve and share them. "One of our core responsibilities as a botanical garden is to share plants, propagating and distributing rare species to help ensure that they aren't lost," Tam said. In honor of one of the most famous paintings housed at the museum, "The Blue Boy," this year's bloom is named "The Green Boy." The Huntington is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Reservations are required Friday through Sunday.
Sustainability Times
20-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We Can't Believe Our Eyes': NASA Scientists Stunned by Discovery of a Massive Glowing Ocean Creature Visible from Space
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 NASA satellites captured a stunning turquoise glow off Australia's southern coast, revealing a massive bioluminescent phytoplankton bloom. captured a stunning turquoise glow off Australia's southern coast, revealing a massive bloom. 🛰️ The glow was first documented by NASA's PACE spacecraft and further observed by other satellites, showcasing the bloom's seasonal nature in the Great Australian Bight . and further observed by other satellites, showcasing the bloom's seasonal nature in the . 🔬 High concentrations of chlorophyll-a in the phytoplankton cause the remarkable glow, thriving in the nutrient-rich ocean's photic zone . in the phytoplankton cause the remarkable glow, thriving in the nutrient-rich ocean's . 🐋 This phenomenon supports a rich marine ecosystem, attracting blue whales and a variety of sea life, highlighting the ecological importance of these algal blooms. The recent discovery of a strange turquoise glow off the southern coast of Australia has captured the world's attention. This bioluminescent spectacle, visible from space, was detected by NASA satellites in the waters of the Great Australian Bight and Tasman Sea. This event, known as a phytoplankton bloom, serves as a reminder of the intricate and often stunning processes that occur within our oceans. These glowing marine organisms not only create breathtaking visuals but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Phytoplankton Glow Captured From Space The bioluminescent glow observed off the coast of Australia was first documented by NASA's PACE spacecraft. Using the advanced Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), scientists captured images of the vibrant glow illuminating the waters between mainland Australia and Tasmania. This region, known for its turbulent currents and deep channels, is an essential maritime route leading into Port Phillip Bay, which houses the bustling city of Melbourne. 'It's Growing': NASA Detects Massive Earth Anomaly Expanding Rapidly and Threatening the Entire Continental United States This was not the first time such a phenomenon had been recorded in the area. Earlier observations were made by the Suomi NPP satellite and the Terra and Aqua satellites in late 2023 and early 2024. These repeated sightings have allowed scientists to track the bloom's patterns and understand its seasonal nature. The consistency of these blooms, visible in high-resolution satellite imagery, provides valuable insights into the oceanographic dynamics of this region. 'NASA Sounds the Alarm': Sudden Planet-Wide Disturbance Linked to Mysterious Subterranean Energy Surge Now Spreading Without Warning Uncovering the Source of the Glow The striking turquoise glow is primarily due to the high concentration of chlorophyll-a in the phytoplankton. This green pigment is crucial for photosynthesis, allowing these microscopic organisms to thrive in the ocean's photic zone. Here, sunlight penetrates the surface, enabling the phytoplankton to utilize nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are released from decaying marine life. 'NASA Sounds the Alarm': Global Emergency Ignites as Massive Planetary Anomaly Spreads Relentlessly, Traced to Mysterious Forces Deep Below Earth's Crust Oceanographer Jochen Kaempf from Flinders University has studied these blooms extensively. He notes that the green filaments seen from space are a clear indication of a phytoplankton bloom extending along the shelf break, approximately 500 feet deep. The surrounding blue hues might result from sediment disturbance in shallower areas or different phytoplankton species contributing to the glow. This fascinating interplay of marine elements highlights the complexity and beauty of oceanic ecosystems. Ecological Significance in the Bass Strait Phytoplankton form the base of the marine food web, supporting a diverse array of oceanic life. On the Bonney Coast, these blooms are a critical feeding ground for various marine species. Researchers estimate that up to 80 blue whales are attracted to the area annually, drawn by the abundance of krill and other small organisms that feed on the phytoplankton. Additionally, the blooms provide sustenance for sardines, anchovies, tuna, crabs, and numerous fish species, making the region a vibrant hotspot of marine biodiversity. Beyond their ecological role, these algae are essential for global oxygen production and climate regulation. NASA scientists emphasize that the visibility of such blooms from space underlines the importance of ocean circulation, nutrient cycling, and seasonal dynamics along the southern Australian coast. The presence of bioluminescent phytoplankton showcases both the beauty and ecological significance of microscopic marine life, reminding us of the ocean's vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Looking Ahead: What Next for Ocean Exploration? As we continue to explore and understand the mysteries of the ocean, discoveries like the bioluminescent phytoplankton bloom off Australia's coast provide valuable insights into marine ecosystems. These phenomena not only captivate our imagination but also highlight the importance of oceanographic research in understanding climate change and ecological balance. As satellite technology advances, our ability to monitor and study these events will only improve, offering new opportunities for scientific discovery and environmental protection. What other hidden wonders lie beneath the ocean's surface, waiting to be uncovered by the watchful eyes of our satellites? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (21)
CBS News
14-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Forward Township sunflower festival returns after cancellation last year
A lack of rainfall and deer canceled the sunflower season at Schwirian Farm in 2024. Now, in a matter of days, 750,000 sunflowers will be in full bloom, and the farm will be open for business. Now in its sixth year, you can officially mark your calendar for some spectacular sunflowers at the farm this summer. Sunflower fields at Schwirian Farm are expected to be in full bloom as early as Thursday, July 17. "You're just starting to see the yellow, the yellow will totally open up, become about eight to nine inches," said Schwirian Farm owner, Jay Schwirian. "Our idea is to get them all out there at one time, so you have a big, spectacular view." It's 12 acres of sunflowers, with sections for photos and picking. Schwirian said he's feeling hopeful after a $12,000 loss last year with a dead sunflower season. "Total loss, yeah, we're talking about multiple thousands." From a business standpoint, the dried-up sunflowers impacted the farm, and close to 100 professional photographers, like Jeff Houghes, owner of Jeffrey Hughes Fine Art Photography. "That's my go-to place, the sunflower fields. I felt really bad for them, more so than myself," Hughes said. Hughes takes photos of senior portraits, family photos, and more, capturing the seasonally stunning sight, with lots of customers. "It's just something about the sunflowers that seems to bring a lot of joy to a lot of people," he added. Returning to the Schwirian Farm remains a joy for Hughes. The farm is free to visit. It's truly a bright side, which can be seen in full bloom soon after many rainy summer days. Once the sunflowers are in full bloom, Schwirian Farm will be open from 10 a.m. to dusk. In addition to the sunflowers, you can also buy honey and oil. here.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Crowds flock to see rare corpse flower bloom
A rare corpse flower, also known as the titan arum, has begun blooming in California at the Gardens Golden Gate Park. When in full bloom, the endangered flower emits a pungent odour comparable to rotten flesh. This distinctive bloom only lasts for two days and occurs just once every three to five years. Native to Sumatra, Indonesia, the Titan Arum can grow up to 10ft tall. Watch the video in full above.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Rare notoriously stinky flower begins blooming in California
A rare flower that is known for its distinctive foul smell has begun blooming in California. Footage shows the corpse flower, also known as the Titan Arum, in bloom at the Gardens Golden Gate Park on Tuesday (8 July). The flower omits the pungent odor that is comparable to rotten flesh when it is in full bloom, which only lasts for two days and only happens once every three to five years. The endangered corpse flowers are native to Sumatra, Indonesia and can grow up to 10ft tall.
