A recent study warns of a mysterious cosmic threat that could wipe out life on Earth for thousands of years. According to a report published by the British newspaper Daily Mail, the main danger is the merger of a neutron star 36 light-years from Earth, as the resulting radiation could cause a massive extinction event.
Speaking to Space.com, scientist Hayley Perkins from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign pointed out that the potential effects of a neutron star merger within that distance are very small, as the closest known neutron star is more than 400 light-years away from Earth.
The study showed that the radiation resulting from the merger of a neutron star carries enough energy to strip atoms of electrons in a process called ionization. This damages the ozone layer and exposes the Earth to lethal doses of ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun for thousands of years. However, the explosion would have to occur 36 light-years from Earth for the gamma rays to extend that far.
Although the study did not specifically address safety and the most dangerous components, the researchers noted that the potential effects depend on factors such as the angle of view of the event, the energy of the explosion, and the mass of ejected materials.
Last week, researchers at the University of Warwick announced that they had successfully used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to analyze a kilonova for the first time. They were able to study the heavy elements generated by the explosion, including confirming that kilonovas were the main source of tellurium, something that had only been assumed before this study.
Ultimately, the researchers explained that although neutron star mergers are dangerous, solar flares, asteroid impacts and supernova explosions have a greater chance of harming Earth. Perkins emphasized that neutron star mergers are extremely rare but very powerful.
common questions
What is the mysterious cosmic explosion that threatens life on Earth?
A mysterious cosmic explosion is a neutron star merger that could occur 36 light-years from Earth, and the resulting radiation could cause a massive, life-threatening event on the planet.
What are the possible effects of this cosmic explosion?
Possible impacts include destroying the Earth’s ozone layer and exposing it to lethal doses of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun for thousands of years.
Is there a threat of gradual erosion of the Earth’s atmosphere?
Yes, the threat of gradual erosion of the Earth’s atmosphere is less likely than other impacts such as solar flares, asteroid impacts, and supernova explosions.
