Supernovas may have played a role in two of Earth’s largest mass extinctions, study suggests

Yahoo! News - Mar 20th, 2025

A new study posits that supernovae, the explosive deaths of massive stars, could be linked to at least two of Earth's major mass extinction events. By examining the frequency of nearby stellar explosions within 65 light-years of the sun over the past billion years, researchers suggest that supernovae might have contributed to mass die-offs, including the Late Devonian and Late Ordovician events. Although evidence is lacking, the hypothesis is based on the potential of supernovae to strip Earth's ozone layer, exposing life to harmful radiation and triggering environmental changes.

The significance of this research lies in its attempt to find astronomical explanations for Earth's historical mass extinctions, traditionally attributed to volcanic activity or asteroid impacts. While some scientists remain skeptical due to the absence of direct evidence, such as specific isotopic markers in geological records, the study highlights the broader role of cosmic events in shaping life on Earth. The researchers aim to encourage further investigation into the supernova timeline and its possible correlation with Earth's extinction history, opening new avenues in paleontological and astronomical research.

European Space Agency Supernova Mass Extinction Nick Wright Alexis Quintana Late Devonian Extinction Late Ordovician Extinction Gaia Space Telescope Ozone Layer

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a balanced and engaging overview of a speculative hypothesis linking supernovas to mass extinctions on Earth. It draws on credible sources and presents the information in a clear and accessible manner, making complex scientific concepts understandable to a general audience. While the hypothesis is intriguing, the article acknowledges the lack of direct evidence and the need for further research to substantiate the claims. The inclusion of multiple expert perspectives enhances the article's balance, but more detailed explanations of scientific processes and data analysis would improve transparency and clarity. Overall, the article effectively raises awareness of an interesting scientific theory while responsibly highlighting its speculative nature.

Accuracy

The article presents a hypothesis linking supernovas to mass extinctions on Earth. While the hypothesis is intriguing, the article acknowledges the lack of direct evidence supporting this claim. The researchers hypothesize that supernovas could have stripped Earth's ozone layer, leading to harmful radiation exposure, but this remains speculative. The article accurately conveys the researchers' findings and the need for further evidence to substantiate the hypothesis, such as identifying isotopic markers like iron-60 in sedimentary records. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of the methods used to estimate supernova rates and their potential impacts on Earth.

Balance

The article provides a balanced overview of the hypothesis and includes perspectives from multiple experts in the field, including those who are skeptical of the supernova-extinction link. By quoting researchers not involved in the study, such as Mike Benton and Paul Wignall, the article offers a range of viewpoints and acknowledges the speculative nature of the hypothesis. However, the article could explore more perspectives, such as those from researchers who might have alternative explanations for the mass extinctions in question.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It explains complex scientific concepts, such as supernova explosions and their potential effects on Earth, in accessible language. The inclusion of expert quotes helps to clarify the speculative nature of the hypothesis and the need for further evidence. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of the scientific processes involved and by avoiding jargon that may be unfamiliar to general readers.

Source quality

The article draws on credible sources, including researchers from reputable institutions like Keele University and the University of Alicante. The study is published in the 'Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society,' a respected scientific journal, lending credibility to the research. Additionally, the article includes commentary from other experts in paleontology and astrophysics, providing a well-rounded view of the topic. However, the article could benefit from more direct citations or links to the original study for readers seeking in-depth information.

Transparency

The article is transparent about the speculative nature of the hypothesis and clearly states that direct evidence linking supernovas to mass extinctions is lacking. It explains the researchers' methodology in general terms, such as the use of the Gaia space telescope to survey massive stars. However, the article could improve transparency by providing more detailed explanations of the data analysis and calculations that led to the estimated supernova rates. Additionally, more information about potential conflicts of interest or funding sources for the research would enhance transparency.