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A near Earth supernova [See Link] is a supernova that occurs close enough to the Earth (less than 100 light-years away) to have noticeable effects on its biosphere. Gamma rays from a supernova induce a chemical reaction in the upper atmosphere, converting molecular nitrogen into nitrogen oxides, depleting the ozone layer enough to expose the surface to harmful solar and cosmic radiation. This has been proposed as the cause of the Ordovician extinction - [See link], which resulted in the death of nearly 60% of the oceanic life on Earth. Type Ia supernova [See Link] are thought to be potentially the most dangerous if they occur close enough to the Earth. Because these supernova occur from dim, common white dwarf stars, it is likely that a supernova that could affect the Earth will occur unpredictably and take place in a star system that is not well studied. The closest known candidate is IK Pegasi [See Link] Recent estimates predict that a Type II supernova would have to be closer than 26 light-years to destroy half of the Earth's ozone layer.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoIf our sun were to go nova it definitely would affect Earth. Science estimates that if any star closer than 30 lightyears away were to become a supernova it would have a definite effect on the Earth from x-rays and other radiation.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoNo, they are way too far away to do anything.
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Why doesn't a supernova occur on earth?
A supernova can't occur on any planet. A supernova occurs when a very large star, at least 8 times more massive than the sun dies.
How long would it take for us to see a supernova on earth?
That depends entirely on how far the supernova is from Earth. If it is our Sun going supernova, a little over 8 minutes. And a few Milli-seconds later all life on Earth would be gone. Any other star, it would just appear slightly brighter for a while and then disappear. It could take centuries for the light to reach us.
What is the Vela Supernova?
Well a supernova is the explosions or death of a star, so the Vela supernova is probably the supernova of the star vela!
How dangerous is the radiation belt around earth?
It's not dangerous to people on earth, because the atmosphere shields us from the radiation.
IS a supernova a celestial body?
No, a supernova is an explosion of a star. What left of a supernova are celestial bodies.
How far from a supernova do you have to be to be safe?
About 50 to 100 light-years as the closest safe distance between Earth and a supernova. But, if a supernova to go off within about 30 light-years of us, that would lead to major effects on the Earth, possibly mass extinctions.
How did gold get on earth?
A supernova while the Earth was being created.
What is more dangerous than a supernova?
A Hypernova - especially if you are next to it. A black whole is dangerous, but only within the event horizon
Is a supernova bigger than earth?
Much bigger. Earth is a relatively small planet, much smaller than even a dwarf star. A supernova is a very large star exploding.
What would happen if a super nova hit earth?
A supernova is an exploding star. The Earth would be instantly incinerated, of course. There is approximately zero chance this will ever happen, though. If there was a supernova near Earth ... it would depend on how near. Betelgeuse is a good candidate for a supernova "soon" (within the next million years or so). Scientists who have modeled supernova explosions don't expect it will have much of an impact. If a star nearer than Betelgeuse were to go supernova, then it might be more serious.
Why doesn't a supernova occur on earth?
A supernova can't occur on any planet. A supernova occurs when a very large star, at least 8 times more massive than the sun dies.
What do distant supernova explosions release that is extremely dangerous to astronauts in outer space?
cosmic rays
What is the Velocity of the Supernova from the earth in the 20th century?
Light Speed. 186,000 mps
How is earth day dangerous?
Why would you think Earth Day is dangerous? I mean, no holidays are dangerous..........
Which star if it were to go supernova is close enough to harm planet Earth?
The nearest likely supernova candidate I know of is Betelgeuse, which is about 640 light years away, and is already well off the main sequence in a Red Giant phase. In order to seriously disrupt Earth, a supernova would probably have to be significantly closer than that.
What are exploding stars?
Dangerous. Novas, or supernovas. Tycho Brahe coined the phrase "nova stellarum" when a "new star" appeared in the night sky. We now know that he was observing a supernova, the death throes of a very massive star.
Is crab nebula same as supernova?
It's not the same as a supernova--the Crab Nebula is the visible remnant of a supernova event which occurred about 7,500 years ago. The light from the supernova explosion reached the earth and was observed by Chinese and Arab astronomers about 1,000 years ago. The Crab Nebula was the first object to be identified with a supernova which was actually observed during recorded history.
