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A devastating burst of gamma rays may have caused one of Earth's worst mass extinctions, 443 million years ago.
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994198
What 'trace residules' would you expect there to be?Originally posted by theEVIL1
Possibly...however, there would be trace residules left..and there are not. For a better idea (perhaps) read the chapter on reoccurring extinctions from my book "Losing Faith" for a sustainable and provable argument.
Gamma rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that are characterized by their high energy and short wavelengths. They are produced by nuclear reactions and can be emitted by radioactive materials or astronomical objects such as stars and black holes.
When gamma rays interact with matter, they can create highly reactive free radicals which can damage biological cells and DNA. This can lead to mutations, cell death, and potentially widespread devastation of life on Earth.
Scientists have studied the geological record and found evidence of sudden and drastic changes in the Earth's climate and biodiversity, which are consistent with the effects of a gamma ray burst. Additionally, remnants of ancient supernovae have been found in the form of radioactive isotopes, indicating that gamma ray bursts have occurred in our galaxy in the past.
Yes, it is possible for a gamma ray burst to occur in the future. However, the likelihood of a nearby gamma ray burst is very low, as they are relatively rare events and most are not directed towards Earth. Additionally, our planet's atmosphere provides some protection against gamma rays, making it less likely for them to cause widespread devastation.
Scientists are currently studying ways to better predict and prepare for potential gamma ray bursts. Some proposed measures include developing early warning systems, building shelters or protective structures, and implementing genetic diversity in species to better withstand potential effects of gamma rays. However, more research is needed to fully understand and prepare for this potential threat.