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The survival of life on Earth is precarious and could not have been possible without a fortunate chain of events that paved the way for our existence.
However, scientists have recently discovered a potential hazard from space that is beyond our ability to control and has the potential to cause damage to our planet.
Astronomers have recently made the startling discovery that X-rays produced by exploding stars can travel great distances, even reaching planets more than 100 light-years away. Earth is also included in this list! The Chandra X-ray Observatory and a number of other specialized telescopes were used in data collection for this research. According to the findings of the recent study, exploding stars pose a greater threat to planets than previously believed.
Starburst is a phenomenon that causes the production of large amounts of X-rays, and these X-rays can take a few months or even years to reach neighboring objects, such as Earth. According to astronomers, this catastrophe has the potential to affect planets similar to Earth and wipe out all life on those planets.
The ozone layers that surround Earth and protect us from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun can be significantly damaged if incoming X-rays reach our planet. UV rays, also known as ultraviolet rays, can cause significant damage to the cells that make up our skin, which, over time, can lead to cancer. In addition, they can damage the retina in addition to causing sunburn and premature aging.
Due to a study of 31 supernovae that determined that the effect of the explosion was approximately 160 light-years away, astronomers have discovered that lethal amounts of ultraviolet radiation can penetrate our atmosphere. This was discovered as a result of the finding that the explosion occurred some 160 light-years away.
Researchers believe that many years after X-rays from a supernova struck the planet, the influence of ultraviolet light from the sun could produce a significant amount of nitrogen dioxide, which in turn could produce a brown haze in the atmosphere.
Previous studies have shown that some supernovae (explosions) crashed into Earth from a distance of 65 to 500 light years. These events took place approximately 2 to 8 million years ago.
According to author Brian Fields, who teaches at the University of Illinois, further research on supernovae is beneficial not only for understanding the origins of life, but also for understanding the life cycle of stars and their impact on astrobiology, paleontology and other planetary aspects of Earth. science This is because supernovae are explosions that occur at the end of a star’s existence.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn