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Radiation from Black Holes May Support Life, Study Finds

3/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from Dartmouth and the University of Exeter reveals a surprising twist: radiation from supermassive black holes could actually foster life under the right conditions. When oxygen is present, this radiation boosts ozone formation, shielding planets from harmful UV rays. This discovery challenges the notion that such radiation is purely destructive, opening doors to the possibility of life in distant galaxies.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study from Dartmouth and the University of Exeter reveals a surprising twist: radiation from supermassive black holes could actually foster life under the right conditions. When oxygen is present, this radiation boosts ozone formation, shielding planets from harmful UV rays. This discovery challenges the notion that such radiation is purely destructive, opening doors to the possibility of life in distant galaxies.