Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient Supernova? Beryllium-10 Spike Detected in Pacific

10/11/2025

35 4

Summary

Story summary

Scientists detected a spike in beryllium-10 in the Pacific, possibly from a nearby supernova about 10 million years ago.
Beryllium-10 forms when cosmic rays hit Earth's atmosphere and settle on the seafloor.
A European Space Agency's Gaia survey found a 68% chance a star exploded within 326 light-years of the Sun around that time.
If the spike is localized, ocean currents may explain it and further sampling is planned.

1 of 1

Story summary

Scientists detected a spike in beryllium-10 in the Pacific, possibly from a nearby supernova about 10 million years ago.
Beryllium-10 forms when cosmic rays hit Earth's atmosphere and settle on the seafloor.
A European Space Agency's Gaia survey found a 68% chance a star exploded within 326 light-years of the Sun around that time.
If the spike is localized, ocean currents may explain it and further sampling is planned.