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Published on: December 14, 2017
Could a nearby supernova explosion have caused a mass extinction?
1Theoretical Physics Division, European Organization for Nuclear Research, Geneva, Switzerland.
Summary
Nearby supernova explosions may cause mass extinctions by damaging Earth's ozone layer with cosmic rays and gamma radiation, leading to lethal ultraviolet exposure and widespread ecological collapse.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Paleontology
- Earth Science
Background:
- Mass extinctions are a recurring feature in Earth's history.
- Recent astronomical discoveries suggest nearby supernova events may be more frequent than previously thought.
- The Geminga supernova remnant and a nearby millisecond pulsar provide evidence for potential nearby cosmic threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential causal link between nearby supernova explosions and mass extinction events.
- To estimate the frequency of such events and their impact on Earth's environment.
- To differentiate supernova-induced extinctions from other catastrophic events like asteroid impacts.
Main Methods:
- Estimating the fluxes of gamma radiation and charged cosmic rays reaching Earth from potential nearby supernovae.
- Modeling the effects of this radiation on the Earth's ozone layer.
- Analyzing the ecological consequences of ozone depletion, including impacts on marine and terrestrial life.
Main Results:
- Supernova explosions within approximately 10 parsecs could occur every few hundred million years.
- Such events could deplete the ozone layer for centuries, allowing harmful solar ultraviolet radiation to reach the surface.
- This could lead to mass destruction of plankton, reef communities, and other life forms.
Conclusions:
- Nearby supernovae represent a plausible mechanism for causing mass extinctions.
- Supernova-induced extinctions may have distinct characteristics compared to meteorite impacts.
- The possibility of supernova-related catastrophes warrants further investigation as a cause for past extinction events.
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