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Supernovae May Have Triggered Earth's Ancient Extinctions

3/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study proposes that nearby supernovae may have unleashed catastrophic effects on Earth, potentially sparking the Late Devonian and Late Ordovician mass extinctions. These stellar explosions might have ravaged the ozone layer, leaving life vulnerable to deadly radiation. Yet, the quest for concrete evidence connecting these cosmic events to extinction remains ongoing.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study proposes that nearby supernovae may have unleashed catastrophic effects on Earth, potentially sparking the Late Devonian and Late Ordovician mass extinctions. These stellar explosions might have ravaged the ozone layer, leaving life vulnerable to deadly radiation. Yet, the quest for concrete evidence connecting these cosmic events to extinction remains ongoing.