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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.
Supernovae are dangerous to the Earth only if they occur relatively close, within about 30 light-years. In such a scenario, the intense radiation could impact the ozone layer and potentially harm life on Earth. However, the likelihood of a supernova occurring at such a close distance is very low.
If 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.
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What is the Vela Supernova?
The Vela Supernova is the remnant of a supernova explosion that occurred in the Vela constellation about 11,000 to 12,300 years ago. It is located about 800 light-years away from Earth and is one of the closest known supernova remnants to us.
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?
It is difficult to predict when a supernova will occur in our galaxy. However, if one were to happen in the Milky Way, it could be visible to us within a matter of days or weeks after the initial explosion, depending on its proximity to Earth.
Can the earth go supernova?
No, it is not possible for Earth to go supernova. Supernovae occur in massive stars when they run out of nuclear fuel and collapse under their own gravity, Earth is not massive enough to undergo such a process.
When has a supernova ever hit the earth?
There is no evidence of a supernova directly hitting Earth. However, supernovae can release harmful radiation and cosmic rays that may have impacted Earth in the past, potentially causing mass extinctions.
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.
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
How many light years away does a Supernova have to be to destroy Earth?
For a supernova to directly destroy Earth, it would need to be less than 10 light years away. However, even if a supernova were to occur farther away, its effects on Earth's atmosphere and climate could still be substantial.
What is the Vela Supernova?
The Vela Supernova is the remnant of a supernova explosion that occurred in the Vela constellation about 11,000 to 12,300 years ago. It is located about 800 light-years away from Earth and is one of the closest known supernova remnants to us.
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 do distant supernova explosions release that is extremely dangerous to astronauts in outer space?
cosmic rays
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 is the Velocity of the Supernova from the earth in the 20th century?
Light Speed. 186,000 mps
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.
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.
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.
