Earth's Atmosphere Is Our Best Defense Against Nearby Supernovae, Study Suggests

Earth's atmosphere is our best defense against nearby supernovae, study suggests

Earth's protective atmosphere has sheltered life for billions of years, creating a haven where evolution produced complex lifeforms like us. The ozone layer plays a critical role in shielding the biosphere from deadly UV radiation. It blocks 99% of the sun's powerful UV output. Earth's magnetosphere also shelters us.

Supernovas may have triggered life-threatening changes in ancient Earth's climate. Scientists say it could happen again

Ancient supernovas may have blasted Earth with powerful radiation, causing dramatic changes in our climate, and could do so again, posing a threat to life.

Supernova Explosions Changed Earth's Climate and Shaped Humanity's History

Most scientists agree that supernova explosions have affected Earth's climate, though the details are not all clear. They likely cooled the climate several times in the last several thousand years, just as humanity was becoming established around the world. The evidence is in telescopes and tree rings.

Supernovae Explosions Could Trigger the Next Ice Age – Are We Ready?

A groundbreaking study published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society has revealed that supernovae, the explosive deaths of stars, may have played a significant role in altering Earth’s climate in the past and could do so again in the future. Research led by Robert Brakenridge, a senior research associate at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), draws a compelling connection betwe…

Supernovas might be linked to past climate shifts

This is the Vela supernova remnant in the Southern Hemisphere constellation Vela. Some 13,000 years ago, a star exploded as a supernova, leaving behind its dusty remains in the nebula we see here. A new study examined the Vela supernova remnant and others, looking for a link between supernovas and past climate shifts on Earth. Image via CTIO/ NOIRLab/DOE /NSF /AURA. Image Processing: T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), M. Z…