It is believed that supernova explosions sometimes occur near the Earth, but a kilonova explosion is a very rare event.
The discovery of certain types of isotopes on the ocean floor indicates that a large-scale cosmic explosion occurred near the Earth relatively recently. Radioactive isotopes found in sediments at the bottom of the oceans are considered indicators of nearby supernovae. But according to a study published on the arXiv preprint server, IFLScience writes, the isotopes found point to a more exotic event: a kilonova explosion.
In Focus. Technologies emerged telegram channel. Subscribe to avoid missing the latest and most exciting news from the world of science!
Throughout their lives, stars transform the helium and hydrogen in their cores into both light and heavy chemical elements. In order for heavier elements to emerge, the star must die and this must occur in the form of a supernova explosion. After that, chemical elements disperse into space and form the basis of new stars and planets. But the heaviest elements result from the collision of nerve stars when a kilonova explosion occurs.
One of the elements that emerged as a result of a supernova explosion is iron. The half-life of the iron-60 isotope is approximately 2.6 million years. If found in sediments on Earth, it is thought to have resulted from a supernova explosion relatively close to Earth. This is what scientists discovered in sediments on the ocean floor. However, the isotope plutonium-244, believed to be produced only by a kilonova explosion, was discovered. Scientists found both isotopes in sediments that are 3-4 million years old.
Scientists studied the ratio of these two isotopes and determined that the merger of two neutron stars could lead to their emergence, as a result of which they came to Earth. The authors of the study concluded that the merger of two neutron stars to form a kilonova occurred approximately 3.5 to 4.5 million years ago. In this case, the cosmic explosion occurred 500 to 600 light years away from our planet. By cosmic standards this is very close.
Scientists believe that it is possible for two types of isotopes to emerge as a result of special processes occurring in neutron stars. However, to date, too few kilonovae have been discovered to allow a more detailed explanation of what happened during the explosion. Scientists also say that our planet must be in the correct position relative to the kilonova for the isotopes to reach Earth.
According to the authors of the study, if the kilonova explosion had occurred much closer to Earth, at a distance of 40 light years, the consequences for our planet could have been catastrophic. This could have led to a mass extinction, but fortunately this did not happen. Although in this case the explosion will not cause significant destruction on the planet, its surface may change.
So far, scientists have found no indication that a kilonova might appear very close to us in the next few million years.
As I already wrote FocusThe speed of light was recorded on camera and 10 trillion frames per second were captured. YouTube bloggers decided to capture the fastest phenomenon in the Universe.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.