A new study has revealed that nearby supernova explosions may have triggered two mass extinction events in Earth’s history. Led by astrophysicist Alexis Quintana of the University of Alicante, researchers analyzed the frequency of supernovae in the Milky Way and found timing consistent with the Late Ordovician and Late Devonian extinctions.
The study suggests that massive star explosions could have devastated life on Earth if they occurred close enough to our planet. The researchers calculated a rate of 2.5 near-Earth OB supernovae per billion years, which can explain both extinction events. Currently, there are no nearby stars likely to explode soon, but other catastrophic triggers like asteroid impacts or volcanic eruptions remain possible.
The findings, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, provide new insights into the “Big Five” mass extinctions that have ravaged the planet. While supernovae may not be the only culprit behind these events, this research highlights the potential impact of nearby star explosions on life on Earth.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/violent-supernovae-could-have-triggered-at-least-2-extinction-events