Did you know that exploding stars might have contributed to some of the most significant mass extinctions on Earth? A recent study led by astrophysicist Alexis Quintana from the University of Alicante suggests that supernovae—explosive deaths of massive stars—could have played a role in the Late Ordovician and Late Devonian extinction events.
Nick Wright, an astrophysicist from Keele University, explains the potential danger: “Supernova explosions are among the most powerful events in the Universe. If a massive star exploded nearby, it could be catastrophic for life on Earth.” Such an explosion would likely release high-energy radiation, which could tear through our ozone layer, exposing the surface to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This could severely impact ecosystems.
Both the Late Ordovician (about 445 million years ago) and Late Devonian (around 372 million years ago) extinctions had a significant depletion of the ozone layer, leading scientists to wonder if nearby supernovae were involved.
To explore this idea, Quintana and his team mapped out massive OB-type stars in a region close to Earth. They identified 24,706 of these stars and found that the rate of supernovae across the Milky Way is between 15 to 30 per million years. However, only supernovae within about 65 light-years could pose a threat to Earth.
Remarkably, their calculations suggest that close supernovae might happen about 2.5 times per billion years, which aligns with the timing of the Late Ordovician and Late Devonian extinctions. Wright adds, “Our supernova rate near Earth matches the timeline of mass extinctions we’ve linked to cosmic events.”
Fortunately, there are no nearby candidates ready to explode and threaten us now. Stars like Betelgeuse and Antares are too far away, sitting hundreds of light-years from Earth. Yet, scientists keep an eye on cosmic threats. If a nearby dying star were to be discovered, it could change our understanding of the risks we face.
This research shows that events in the cosmos can have deep effects on our planet’s history. If supernovae are involved in past extinction events, it emphasizes the connection between Earth and the universe. This study, accessible on arXiv, unveils the intricate relationship between planetary changes and cosmic phenomena, revealing how the universe has shaped life on Earth.
Understanding this cosmic connection can help us grasp not just our own planet’s history, but also the ongoing influence of the universe on life as we know it.
Check out this related article: Get Ready for a Cosmic Capture: The World’s Largest 3,200-Megapixel Camera Set to Unveil Stunning Universe Photos!
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