A flash of light storing record energy, which reached Earth after a journey of two billion light-years, affected the upper layers of the atmosphere in an unprecedented way, according to a study published the day before yesterday.
On October 9, 2022, astronomers observed a huge explosion of gamma rays, which is the most intense form of electromagnetic radiation, in a phenomenon resulting from the most extreme developments in the universe, such as the explosions of giant stars.
The powerful flash activated lightning sensors in India and triggered instruments dedicated to studying solar storms.
Scientists were quickly able to determine its effect on long-wave radio communications in the lower part of the ionosphere, and as they continued to analyze the phenomenon, Italian and Chinese researchers noticed, for the first time, that it also affected the upper part of the ionosphere.
This discovery is supposed to help understand the potential threat of gamma ray explosions that may occur in the future. As for the worst scenario – which is the occurrence of such a powerful explosion in our Milky Way Galaxy – according to scientists, it would be able to completely wipe out the ozone layer.
Everything on Earth will become exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which may lead to the end of life on Earth. But there is no need to panic, because it is also possible that the ionosphere will absorb all the gamma rays, thus sparing humans any devastating fate, according to scientists.
