Images Dated 11th September 2000

CSO & other telescope domes

Caltech Submillimeter Observatory. The side of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO). The domes in the background are the (from left to right): Canada-France- Hawaii Telescope, Gemini Northern Telescope, University of Hawaii 2.2-metre Telescope, United Kingdom Infrared Telescope and University of Hawaii 0. 6-metre Telescope. The 10- metre CSO telescope carries out submillimetre astronomy, mainly to study the properties of gas and dust in regions of star formation. Radiation at submillimetre wavelength is absorbed by water in the Earth's atmosphere and so such telescopes must be at high altitudes. CSO is on the dormant 4200-metre-high volcano Mauna Kea in Hawaii, USA

© G. BRAD LEWIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Mangrove roots

Mangrove roots. Aerial roots of a red mangrove tree (Rhizophora mangle) in a swamp. The mangrove inhabits brackish water in tropical and sub- tropical areas. The aerial roots allow the tree to obtain carbon dioxide from the air and help to stabilise it in the soft mud. They trap soil and silt, aiding the formation of new land in coastal areas. The roots also provide support for seedlings, which are unique in that they germinate while still attached to the parent plant. Only after weeks of growth do the seedlings drop off (one seen at lower centre). Photographed at Puna, Hawaii, USA

© G. BRAD LEWIS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY