Impending Catastrophe: Kilonova Space Explosion Threatens Earth's Existence
Scientists have discovered that kilonova explosions, resulting from violent star collisions, could pose a catastrophic threat to Earth due to the release of lethal radiation, including gamma rays and cosmic rays. If a neutron star merger occurs within 36 light-years of Earth, it could cause an extinction-level event by annihilating the ozone layer and exposing the planet to ultraviolet radiation for 1,000 years. Cosmic rays are identified as the most significant threat, while gamma rays and ionizing X-ray emissions also pose dangers. However, kilonovas are rare, and other events like solar flares and asteroid impacts are more likely to be harmful.
