Supernova Explosions Linked to Mass Extinction Events on Earth
New research suggests that exploding stars in near-solar space may have triggered at least two mass extinction events in Earth’s history. An analysis led by astrophysicist Alexis Quintana of the University of Alicante in Spain reveals a correlation between the frequency of supernova explosions in the Milky Way and the Late Ordovician and Late Devonian extinctions, two devastating events that saw widespread loss of life.
Supernova explosions are among the most energetic events in the Universe. According to astrophysicist Nick Wright of Keele University in the UK, if a massive star were to explode as a supernova close to Earth, the consequences would be catastrophic for life on our planet. The research indicates that such events may have already occurred in the past, potentially leading to mass extinctions.
Supernovae are a natural part of the life cycle of stars more than eight times the mass of the Sun. When these massive stars run out of fuel, they become unstable and eventually explode, releasing a burst of energy and light into space.
If a supernova were to occur close enough to Earth, it could have devastating effects, including depleting the ozone layer and exposing the planet to harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation. The Late Ordovician and Late Devonian extinctions, which occurred around 445 million and 372 million years ago, respectively, were both associated with significant ozone layer depletion.
Quintana and colleagues conducted a census of massive OB-type stars within a kiloparsec radius of the Sun to determine the rate of supernova explosions. They found a rate of 15 to 30 supernovae per million years across the Milky Way galaxy, with a rate of 2.5 near-Earth OB supernovae per billion years within a 20-parsec radius.
While there are currently no stars nearby that are likely to explode in the near future, the study highlights the potential impact of supernova explosions on Earth’s ecosystems. Other catastrophic events, such as asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions, also pose existential threats to life on our planet.
The research, set to be published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, sheds light on the possible role of supernovae in shaping Earth’s history and evolution. The study is available on the preprint server arXiv for further exploration.
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