Within a few seconds of radiation to extinct life on Earth – TVN Meteo

According to the latest data gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) that appear in the explosion of stars, were the cause of mass extinction (including extinction of the times Ordovician, which killed more than 85 per cent. of species) on Earth. Scientists also suspect that the GRB prevented the emergence of living organisms on other objects in the Universe.

Deadly GRB

Researchers suspect that the explosion occurs during the decay of a massive star that transforms into a black hole or a neutron star. It was then created deadly gamma-ray bursts. They are temporary, but very intense – in just a few seconds decaying star ejects more energy than the sun throughout their “life”. Gamma-ray bursts are the most powerful sources of electromagnetic radiation in the universe.

Depending on the position

If GRB emerge close to the Earth, we would exposed to the deadly UV rays. However, scientists believe that the explosion occurs mostly in galaxies, which are subject to a low concentration of heavy metals. In contrast, the Milky Way galaxy is considered to be very rich in heavy metals.

The researchers also estimated that the areas in the center of the Milky Way, are more vulnerable to gamma radiation due to the density of stars in the parts of the galaxy. In addition, at the beginning of the universe galaxies were more compact, which means that gamma-ray bursts included its reach a larger number of planets where life could potentially arise.

Fermi paradox

The scientists believe may partially explain the Fermi paradox, that the apparent contradiction between the large opportunity for extraterrestrial life and at the same time there is no evidence of its existence.