Astronomers think the cosmic bullets were ejected from deep within the nebula, likely propelled by strong winds expelling gas at supersonic speeds from a region of massive star formation outside, and below, this image's field-of-view.

MSN: Cosmic 'bullets' slam Orion nebula in dazzling photo

Such detailed, small-scale measurements of a three-dimensional region of space would be impossible without satellites flying in formation.

ECONOMIST: Birds of a feather

Outside this region of latitude, other erosional processes can outcompete penitente formation.

BBC: Ice blades threaten Europa landing

The election of Evo Morales as President of Bolivia late in 2005 and the election of Rafael Correa as President of Ecuador late last year have accelerated the formation of a new Latin American axis which might have serious repercussions for the region in general and also for the United States.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A blow to anti-drug policy

"The high latitude North Atlantic Ocean is a globally important ocean region, as it is a sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide and an area where deep water formation takes place, " Prof Achterberg observed.

BBC: Iceland volcano ash cloud triggers plankton bloom