Could a blast wave from a supernova have collided with the molecular cloud filament where the sun is… [+]
getty
All giant stars, those at least eight times larger than our sun, are destined to undergo a phenomenon known as “core collapse.”
As the star depletes its hydrogen and helium fuel, it begins fusing heavier elements like oxygen and carbon. This causes the star to become denser, ultimately forming an iron core surrounded by gas layers.
Eventually, the core collapses, resulting in a supernova—a tremendously powerful explosion that can have the energy of up to 100 billion stars. During this event, the outer layers of the star are ejected into space, along with high-energy radiation in the form of X-rays and gamma rays.
But what would happen if our solar system, including Earth, encountered these rays?
Supernova Blast Wave
Published in Astrophysical Journal Letters this week are details of a study that examines isotope ratios found in meteorites, suggesting that a supernova exploded nearby while the sun and solar system were still forming 4.6 billion years ago.
So why wasn’t the budding solar system destroyed by the supernova’s blast wave?
If a supernova were to occur in close proximity to the sun now, Earth’s ozone layer would be annihilated, leaving us unprotected from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. All life would be extinguished.
Astronomers believe that the “kill zone” around a supernova extends about 50 light-years, with the closest star thought to be on the verge of going supernova, Betelgeuse, located 550 light-years away.
Artist’s rendering of a supernova blast wave colliding with the molecular cloud filament… [+]
NAOJ
Birth Cocoon to the Rescue
We can take solace in the fact that the nascent solar system likely experienced a supernova within its “kill zone” during its first 100,000 years.
The authors of the study propose that what shielded the solar system was a filament of molecular gas—an incubator in which the sun and its planets originated. All stars form within dense filaments of molecular gas and dust within larger molecular clouds.
This study suggests that the molecular cloud acted as a protective barrier, guarding the young solar system against the supernova’s blast wave. The findings are supported by meteorites, which retain details about the solar system’s formation.
The researchers discovered concentrations of a radioactive isotope of aluminum in the meteorites, indicating a period of radioactive aluminum injection shortly after the solar system’s formation. The scientists suggest that a nearby supernova explosion is the most likely source for this injection. The study was led by Doris Arzoumanian at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
Here’s to clear skies and wonder-filled gazes.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
