The supernovae, these gigantic stars explosions, release a phenomenal quantity of energy. This energy travels through space, capable of reaching planets located at thousands of light years. Scientists explore how these radiation could alter the composition of theearthly atmosphere.
Crédit: CTION / NOIRLAB / DOE / NSF / Breeze
Robert Brakenridge, a researcher in the Estar, published a study in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. He establishes a link between close supernovae and steep climate change in geological history. Its model shows how these radiation could affect the ozone layer and the methane atmospheric. Trees growth rings serve as natural climate archives. Brakenridge identified 11 radioactive carbon peaks over 15,000 years, corresponding to known supernovae.
The BĂ©telgeuse star, in the Orion constellation, could explode in supernova at any time. Such explosionalthough distant, would offer a unique opportunity to study these phenomena in real time. Scientists hope to better understand and anticipate their effects on the earth’s climate.
How can a supernova influence the earth’s climate?
Supernovae emit high -energy cosmic radiation. By reaching the earth, these radiation can modify the chemical composition of the atmosphere. They have the potential to weaken the ozone layer and reduce methane concentrations (a powerful greenhouse gas).
These atmospheric changes could cause overall cooling and an increase in UV radiation reaching the surface. Studies suggest that this could affect biodiversity and increase the frequency of forest fires.
The trees, by absorbing atmospheric carbon, record these events in their growth rings. This allows scientists to retrace the impact of supernovae on the climate through the ages.
What is a remanent of Supernova?
A supernova remanent is the expanding gas structure resulting from the explosion of a star. These clouds of matter can extend over dozens of light years and emit radiation during millennia.
The persons are natural laboratories to study the physics of high energies. They contain heavy elements synthesized during the explosion, essential to the formation of planets and life.
The observation of these phenomena helps astronomers to understand the life cycle of the stars. The remanent of Vela, for example, offers precious clues to the mechanisms of supernovae.
These structures also play a role in enriching the interstellar environment, dispersing the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.
