Supernovas Linked to Two Mass Extinctions, Study Finds

Recent research suggests that supernovas may have played a significant role in two of Earth's largest mass extinctions, specifically during the Late Devonian and Ordovician periods. Scientists propose that these cosmic explosions could have stripped away the ozone layer, leaving life vulnerable to harmful ultraviolet radiation. The study indicates that approximately 2.5 supernovas occur within 65 light-years of Earth every billion years, implying one or two could have impacted our planet over the last 500 million years. Researchers emphasize the need for tangible evidence linking supernova occurrences to mass extinction events, similar to the iridium anomaly that corroborated the asteroid impact theory for dinosaur extinction. The findings highlight the dual role of supernovae in both creating and destroying life, as they also contribute to the formation of heavy elements essential for new celestial bodies. Overall, the research opens new avenues for understanding how cosmic phenomena can affect Earth's biological history.