This image from ESA’s Mars Express shows part of Mamers Valles captures tens of small dust devils. Credit: ESA/DLR/FU Berlin
Dust devils are a regular feature on Mars. Just like those found on Earth, these mini whirlwinds form when parts of Mars are warmed by the sun, causing air above the surface to swirl upward and carry dust with it. But in Mars' lower gravity (38% that of Earth), these devils grow much larger, reaching up to 8 km (5 miles) in height and speeds of up to 45 meters per second (150 feet per second). They are also a major part of Mars' meteorological cycles, playing a key role in distributing dust across the planet.
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When passing above Mamers Valles, a set of channels in a winding canyon system etched into the cratered northern uplands of Arabia Terra, the ESA's Mars Express probe spotted dozens of active dust devils. The image (shown above) was taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), one of eight instruments aboard Mars Express that has been mapping the surface of the Red Planet since 2003.
The image was created by combining sequential views from the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), using up to nine separate camera channels. The alignment and integration of the HRSC's various camera channels enable scientists to detect anything moving on the surface and determine the direction and speed of dust devils. The channels in Mamers Valles extend for around 1,000 km (660 miles) from Mars' ancient southern highlands into the planet's northern lowlands and measure up to 25 km (15.5 miles) in diameter and 1.2 km (0.75 miles) deep.
They are surrounded by multiple features of interest, including mesas, cliffs and glaciers of water ice buried beneath dust and debris. Some of the channels are lined with dark material believed to be volcanic sand, some of which may have been deposited by wind. Many of these features indicate that water once flowed through this region, as well as lava or ice, depending on the time period. This is consistent with the valley's age, which dates to the late Noachian period (ca. 3.8 billion years ago).
It was during this geological epoch that Mars began to transition from a warmer, wetter, geologically active planet to the extremely cold, desiccated and (largely) geologically inert world it is today.
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Mars express captures dozens of dust devils in Mars valley (2026, July 5)
retrieved 17 July 2026
from https://phys.org/news/2026-06-mars-captures-dozens-devils-valley.html
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Guillermo and his children travelled from Mexico to attend the British Grand Prix
ByKris Holland and Robert ConstantinReporting fromSilverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
Formula 1 fans from around the world have become part of a record-breaking British Grand Prix.
Organisers said a total of about 564,000 spectators were in attendance over the Silverstone race weekend - an increase of about 64,000 on last year's record.
Charles Leclerc won the chaotic race, with George Russell finishing in second and Lewis Hamilton third.
The BBC looked at what sets the circuit, on the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, ahead of the rest in the minds of motorsport fans.
The answer is found in the track's famous high-speed corners - acclaimed by generations of drivers - and a rich racing heritage.
Indeed, back in 1950, Silverstone hosted the first Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix.
It is that history that lures fans not only from Britain, but from across the globe.
'I love F1'
Guillermo and his children have travelled from the city of Nogales in northern Mexico to experience the event's famous atmosphere.
The trip is a special occasion for his 14-year-old daughter Rebecca, celebrating her Quinceañera - the traditional Mexican celebration of a girl's 15th birthday.
"It [Silverstone] is very comfortable," she said. "Everything is happy. The people are very good and welcoming."
Speaking ahead of the race, Rebecca's older brother, named Guillermo after his father, said he would fly his country's flag at the race for Mexican driver Sergio Perez - but said he would also support a British driver.
"I wish [Lewis] Hamilton to get first place," said the 16-year-old. "We're loving the racing, loving Silverstone. It's pretty nice. I love F1."
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image caption,
Oscar is part of a group of 11 Argentine fans
Another international fan, Oscar Solimano, has travelled from Argentina to attend the event.
The 33-year-old said he and 10 others would offer their support to Argentine Franco Colapinto, a driver for the Alpine team.
"We came over on Wednesday, we're staying at a house in Oxford and have had this planned for months.
"We are big petrolheads, that's why we're here.
"It [Silverstone] is incredible, it's one of those places that you say 'hey, there's a true petrolhead passion here'.
"It's not like other circuits we've been to, here you breathe cars and motorsport."
How to follow British Grand Prix on the BBC
Image source, Tom Williams/BBC
Image caption,
Charlie Bingham (right) has travelled from Texas to take in the Grand Prix with his family
Ticket prices for the event vary by type, but Sunday's Grand Prix started from £229, with three-day general admission from £269.
Charlie Bingham, 51, who was born in the UK but lives in Texas, said it was "a bit of a splurge" to attend with his wife and children but added it was "great to be here".
He said: "My wife and I made it our 50th birthday present to one another.
"The kids have got into it in the last couple of years, this is the home of Grand Prix, so why not? We get to see friends and family while we're back too."
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image caption,
Father and son Ross (left) and Stuart (right) showed their support for McLaren on Saturday
It is a family affair for others, too.
Father and son Stuart and Ross came to the 2025 race and are back for more with tickets in the Hangar grandstand.
"It's just the whole scale of the event," said 52-year-old Stuart. "It's bigger than just a race. There's something for everyone."
David Guetta and Richard Ashcroft have been among the headline music acts, while Jack Whitehall was part of its stand-up comedy offering.
McLaren fan Ross, 21, expected Kimi Antonelli to take victory in the race but retained hope for home favourites.
"I think the Mercedes look like they're going to do it," he said. "It would be nice to see Hamilton up there if possible. Lando [Norris] as well. An all-British podium ideally."
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image caption,
Liz Williams (left) has joined family to take in her first Formula 1 race
The 77th edition of the British Grand Prix is also attracting new fans.
Liz Williams, 70, is at her first Formula 1 race - a decision sparked by her grandchildren's interest in the sport.
Williams, from Aberystwyth, said Saturday's sprint race was a thrill.
"It was really exciting when they were all overtaking one another on the corner where we were.
"[There are] lots of people cheering different drivers, but it's all very friendly. Nobody's fighting or pushing people over like you get in some sports."
Image source, Tom Williams/BBC
Image caption,
Colin Lawson is among more than 7,000 who are camping at Whittlebury Park campsite
Tens of thousands of fans camp at the circuit for the duration of the event, with some having arrived as early as Wednesday.
Colin Lawson, from Aberdeen, is staying at the Whittlebury Park campsite with friends and family in his RV.
"It's my happy place," said the 59-year-old. "I love it because it's British. It's a gathering.
"We've had a journey to get here but it's all about fun. Silverstone is probably the pinnacle of the year."
Additional reporting by Tom Williams.
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image caption,
Sunday's race begins at 15:00 BST, with live commentary available on BBC Sounds
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The super-luxury Lincoln Navigator has served as the Blue Oval's substantial piece of real estate since it first appeared in 1997. Four more generations of the large luxury SUV have been introduced in the ensuing years, with the fifth-generation model arriving back in 2024. However, today, a shiny new Navigator starts at an eye-wateringly expensive $92,745. So used models might be a more attractive proposition if you prefer to buy a car that has already passed through the steepest part of the depreciation curve.
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In that case, you'll find that the long-wheelbase 2021 Lincoln Navigator L, which is nearly 12 inches longer than the standard-length Navigator, offers great savings over the equivalent new model. The luxury SUV initially started at $83,870. Now, about half a decade later, Kelley Blue Book lists its fair purchase price at $33,100 representing a drop of around 61% in five years. In other words, if you were to buy a used 2021 Lincoln Navigator L in 2026, you could save nearly $51,000 over the equivalent brand-new model.
2021 Lincoln Navigator L depreciation vs standard-length Lincoln Navigator
Based on their relative KBB fair purchase prices, the extended-wheelbase Navigator L currently has a slightly higher depreciation rate than the regular-sized Navigator. The latter has lost about 58% of its original starting MSRP of $80,670, leaving owners recovering around $34,100 in half a decade. That gap holds even when you look at the higher-end Reserve trims of both Navigator models. The 2021 Navigator Reserve, which cost $86,460 when new, now averages $38,900, putting its depreciation at about 55%. Meanwhile, the Navigator L Reserve's value has declined by 58%, given the latter's launch price of $86,460 and current fair market value of $38,000.
The 2021 Navigator L Black Label, for its own part, has the worst depreciation among the entire Navigator lineup, falling in value by almost 62% in five years. It began at $103,150 but now averages $39,700, according to KBB data. This results in an even wider gap; the regular-length Navigator Black Label had a starting MSRP of $99,950 only dropped in value by about 57% during the same period, leaving owners with $42,500.
Because of these gaps in value, you can expect a 2021 Navigator to be more expensive than its Navigator L equivalent today. But that doesn't mean there's no appeal in getting the smaller model. After all, the Navigator's shorter length makes it easier to park and easier to thread along streets, which increases its value over the L model for city driving.
How much does a 2021 Lincoln Navigator L really cost?
Like any used car, the amount you'll spend on a Lincoln Navigator L depends on age, mileage, and a host of other factors such as condition, service history, accident history, number of owners, and optional extras. At the time of writing this article, a used 2021 Lincoln Navigator L starts from around $29,000 and tops out near the $60,000 mark, with high-mileage examples typically coming at a lower purchase price. This shouldn't be any great surprise, considering buyers usually prefer something less worn-down.
On CarGurus, for instance, the cheapest 2021 Navigator L — a 138,593-mile Reserve L trim — is listed for a tad under $30,000. At the other end of the scale, the highest priced 2021 Lincoln Navigator L is another Reserve L with just about 33,000 miles on the clock, listed for almost $55,000. Over on Edmunds, you can find another 2021 Navigator L with over 133,000 miles on the odometer and a listing price of $25,999. Meanwhile, a Black Label L trim with just under 32,000 miles has an asking price of $57,998 on Edmunds, making it the highest-priced 2021 Navigator L on the site. %!s()
And then there were two. England and Australia contested the final of the T20 World Cup after a thrilling few weeks of cricket.
We asked our BBC Sport readers to select their team of the tournament, and here are the results:
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1. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England - 78%)
2. Beth Mooney (Australia - 35%)
3. Ellyse Perry (Australia - 86%)
4. Heather Knight (England - 52%)
5. Richa Ghosh (WK, India - 38%)
6. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa - 60%)
7. Freya Kemp (England - 34%)
8. Charlie Dean (England - 62%)
9. Sophie Ecclestone (England - 72%)
10. Kim Garth (Australia - 63%)
11. Sree Charani (India - 49%)
TMS pundits' team of the tournament
We also asked members of the BBC Test Match Special team to have their say.
Former England spinner Alex Hartley: Shafali Verma (India), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Heather Knight (England), Shemaine Campbelle (West Indies, wk), Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Charlie Dean (England), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Kim Garth (Australia), Sree Charani (India)
"Shafali Verma hasn't scored the most runs but I've prioritised high strike-rates at the top of the order, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge's form speaks for itself.
"There's also an emphasis on all-rounders because if you look at England and Australia, they were unbeaten in the group stage and that's how they built their successful teams. Ellyse Perry is back to her best and has been bowling more, plus three frontline spinners which are crucial in the middle overs of a T20."
World Cup winner Ebony Rainford-Brent: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Tazmin Brits (South Africa), Smriti Mandhana (India), Beth Mooney (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt (England), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Fatima Sana (Pakistan), Lauren Bell (England), Sree Charani (India).
"A top order built on the tournament's standout run-scorers with Sciver-Brunt to captain and anchor. From six down it's all-round depth and control with Kapp and Matthews before a specialist bowling attack.
"There's balance with a deep batting line-up to eight, three seam options and three spinners to plenty of flexibility whatever the surface."
BBC cricket reporter Henry Moeran: Darcey Carter (Scotland), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Shemaine Campbelle (West Indies), Richa Ghosh (India, wk), Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Dani Gibson (England), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Kim Garth (Australia), Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies), Sree Charani (India)
"Australian players don't feature as much as previous editions, which tells you a lot about how close this tournament has been with so-called smaller nations offering real tests for the more established sides.
"It's been a World Cup where every game provides drama, so here's to plenty more in the future."
BBC Sport journalist Matthew Henry: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Darcey Carter (Scotland), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Richa Ghosh (India, wk), Nilakshi de Silva (Sri Lanka), Charlie Dean (England), Sree Charani (India), Aaliyah Alleyene (West Indies), Kim Garth (Australia).
"The slightly surprising pick here may be Aaliyah Alleyne but her final over against Scotland is the best I have seen from a bowler in this competition.
"West Indies were floundering, Deandra Dottin was in tears while bowling the previous over, but Alleyne held her nerve to secure a crucial win over Scotland."
Former England fast bowler Katherine Sciver-Brunt: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Heather Knight (England), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Richa Ghosh (India, wk), Freya Kemp (England), Charlie Dean (England), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Kim Garth (Australia), Sree Charani (India)
"Obviously I would have selected Nat if I had the option!
"All-rounders have played a really important part in the tournament so I've packed plenty of them in, with two left-handed batting options from Chamari and Freya Kemp. For the bowling, I've gone spin-heavy with two of the top wicket-takers in Ecclestone and Charani because on these grounds with bigger boundaries, they have been really difficult to get away." %!s()
Illustration of the black hole at the center of the galaxy SDSS J110546.07+145202.4. The luminous disk of matter surrounds the event horizon, while a concentrated jet of particles and radiation is ejected into space. Credit: Max Planck Institute for Radioastronomy, generated with AI
An international team led by Stefanie Komossa from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) in Bonn has studied a galaxy that has been shining exceptionally brightly in the radio regime for more than eight years. Although it is only 1.8 billion light-years away from us, the central black hole in the galaxy exhibits properties typical of the early universe. New observations and archival data suggest that, for several years now, more matter has been falling into the black hole, triggering a high-energy particle jet. The discovery enables researchers to better understand the formation of jets and the growth of black holes in the early universe.
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Short-lived sources of radio radiation in the sky, known as radio transients, can originate in the vicinity of supermassive black holes in the centers of galaxies. They are the result of processes that take place under extreme physical conditions. While most radio transients associated with galactic centers last only days or weeks, the galaxy SDSS J110546.07+145202.4 has been shining very brightly in radio light for several years—the first source of its kind.
An international team led by Stefanie Komossa from the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) studied this unique galaxy using new observations and archival data ranging from low-energy radio waves to high-energy X-rays. The results were published in The Astrophysical Journal.
Loud and long-lasting
The spiral galaxy SDSS J110546.07+145202.4 is located about 1.8 billion light-years from Earth in the constellation Leo. The intensity of its radio emission increased more than 20-fold in a short period and shows no signs of weakening. For more than eight years, the galaxy has been shining exceptionally brightly in the radio regime—about 10 quadrillion (10¹⁶) times as intensely as our sun. "We are dealing with the prototype of a new class of galaxies that undergo rapid changes in radio emission," comments co-author Phil Edwards from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency.
The galaxy SDSS J110546.07+145202.4 is so close to Earth that its shape, with its two spiral arms, can be clearly seen in images. The photograph is a composite of visible light and near-infrared radiation. Credit: DESI Legacy Survey
The source of the radiation is located near the black hole at the galaxy's center. This black hole has a comparatively low mass, which is increasing exceptionally fast, however, through the accretion of matter. "Luminous radio radiation from rapidly growing, lightweight black holes is rare to begin with. Their transition into a long-lasting, radio-bright state has never been observed before," reports lead author Komossa. "Follow-up observations with numerous telescopes, including the 100-meter radio telescope in Effelsberg, CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array and satellites in space, confirm the source's unique properties," adds co-author Alexander Kraus.
Based on the extensive data set, the team suspects that more matter has been falling into the black hole for several years, which in turn has triggered a jet—a concentrated beam of particles traveling at nearly the speed of light that emits radiation. Why exactly more matter is falling into the black hole, and why the outburst has lasted so long, has not yet been conclusively determined.
A local laboratory for the early universe
A low mass and rapid growth are precisely the properties of central black holes that one does expect from galaxies in the early universe. Compared with these distant sources, however, SDSS J110546.07+145202.4 is located in our cosmic neighborhood. This allows for detailed observations and insights into the physical processes surrounding the evolution of black holes and the formation of jets.
"Such high-energy events can provide astronomers with a wealth of insights. By observing these jets and outbursts, we can study the physical processes in some of the most extreme environments in the universe," says co-author Kovi Rose from the University of Sydney's Sydney Institute for Astronomy.
In the future, high-resolution instruments such as the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) will make it possible to map the structure of the jet and track the evolution of the radio emission over the coming years. "With sensitive facilities like the incoming SKA telescopes, we'll be able to identify similar radio transients in future sky surveys. This is crucial for filling the gaps in our understanding of the early universe," explains Komossa.
Publication details
S. Komossa et al, SDSS J110546.07+145202.4: The First Long-duration Radio Changing-look NLS1 Galaxy, The Astrophysical Journal (2026). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae610f
Provided by
Max Planck Institute for Radioastronomy
Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success.
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Citation:
A nearby black hole as a window into the early universe (2026, July 5)
retrieved 17 July 2026
from https://phys.org/news/2026-07-nearby-black-hole-window-early.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no
part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
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Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image source, Tom Williams/BBC
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
Image source, Tom Williams/BBC
Image source, Kris Holland/BBC
