A new type of supernova could destroy the planet’s atmosphere: should earthlings fear this event?

For a planet with life on it like Earth, a supernova explosion is a real disaster. As a result of the appearance of a supernova, the planet will be covered with deadly radiation. But a new study has uncovered another threat, a special type of supernova. During this explosion, the ozone layer, which protects all life from cosmic radiation, may be lost. Space says the inhabitants of Earth should be worried about these cosmic events.

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supernova

When a giant star finishes its life path, it turns into a supernova in a series of very powerful explosions. When this happens, supernovae become one of the brightest objects in the universe, and their light is comparable to that of hundreds of billions of stars.

Scientists expect the star Betelgeuse, located 600 light-years from us, to explode in a supernova soon (in this case – a few million years later). When this happens, the second brightest object after the Sun will appear in Earth’s sky. For example, even at night on Earth, everything will be in the shadows for a few weeks after the explosion.

Although a supernova emits a large amount of visible light that can easily blind a person, X-rays and gamma radiation from a supernova are more dangerous.

It is believed that gamma radiation from a supernova can damage the Earth’s atmosphere and especially the ozone layer, which protects all life on the planet. Thus, the Sun’s powerful ultraviolet radiation can lead to mass extinction.

But an even greater threat comes later. This is true for cosmic rays escaping a supernova hundreds and thousands of years after the explosion. They can completely destroy the ozone layer and cover the planet with lethal doses of radiation. Scientists believe that something similar has already happened in Earth’s history just a few million years ago. But astronomers believe Earth is relatively safe because there are no supernova candidates nearby that could pose a threat to life on the planet.

A new type of supernova

An international team of scientists has presented a study in which they indicate the existence of a new type of supernova that threatens planets in the galaxy even more. Especially those that are Earth-like and potentially capable of supporting life. Astronomers say these supernovas could release an additional, more distant, form of deadly radiation that poses a serious threat to Earth-like planets.

These supernovae occur when a thick disk of ejected material surrounds a dying star. After the initial explosion of a supernova, a shock wave appears and hits this disk. This wave heats the disk to incredibly high temperatures, causing large amounts of X-rays to escape from the disk.

This type of radiation can carry much more energy farther away from the blast site. According to scientists, such X-ray supernovas can initially destroy up to 50% of the ozone layer of an Earth-like planet, enough to destroy all life. The worst thing is that such supernovas can deliver several pulses at once with their radiation.

But within a few decades, and possibly decades, cosmic rays will finally destroy the atmosphere and all life on the planet. Fortunately, Earth is safe as there are no X-ray supernova candidates nearby. The study shows that Earth is in one of the safest areas in our entire galaxy.

Focus He has already written that the Hubble Space Telescope took a picture of a massive supernova remnant found in the satellite galaxy of the Milky Way.

same Focus He wrote that scientists have managed to uncover new secrets filled with the remnant of a supernova named Cassiopeia A.

As I wrote earlier, when it comes to more “ordinary” cosmic events Focus In the coming days, the strongest stream of “shooting stars” can be observed in the night sky.