Our celestial origins

Mon 16th Jul, 2012

Life on earth may have benefited from the explosion of massive stars, according to Danish physicist Dr. Henrik Svensmark of the Technical University of Denmark.

When massive stars reach the end of their lives they explode as supernovae and in the process release vast amounts high-energy charged particles known as galactic cosmic rays (GCR). If a supernova is close enough to earth these GCR may reach and have a direct impact on the atmosphere of the Earth.

Dr. Svensmark conducted analyses that looked back through 500 million years of geological and astronomical data to determine the rate at which these explosions occurred and whether they were related to life on earth. His findings show that whenever there was a high chance for galactic cosmic rays to reach the earth, life thrived. "The biosphere seems to contain a reflection of the sky, in that the evolution of life mirrors the evolution of a galaxy," said Dr. Svensmark in a statement to the press.

Original Article:
"Evidence of nearby supernovae affecting life on Earth" (DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2966.2012.20953.x)


Mysterious Clay Trays from Tutankhamun's Tomb Spark Debate on Ancient Funeral Rites

The discovery of the nearly undisturbed tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 provided an extraordinary opportunity for historians and archaeologists to delve into the intricacies of ancient Egyptian burial...

María Blasco Addresses Controversy at CNIO and Announces Legal Action

The director of the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), María Blasco, has released an open letter to the institution's Board of Trustees, where she defends her leadership and reveals plans to...

Licia Verde: Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe

It all began with a book. At the age of seven, Licia Verde from Venice was gifted a collection of curiosities about the sky, opening her eyes to a world of clouds, stars, and planets. This early...

Internal Reports Raise Concerns Over CNIO's Decline and Leadership

The National Center for Cancer Research (CNIO) in Spain is facing a significant crisis, as internal reports submitted to the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities highlight a decline in...

Successful Launch of Dual Robotic Mission Aiming for Lunar Commercial Exploration

This Wednesday, at precisely 7:11 AM (Spanish mainland time), SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. Onboard were two private robotic...

Jeff Bezos Delays New Glenn Rocket Launch Amid Technical Challenges

The ambitious space venture of Jeff Bezos faces another setback as Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by the billionaire, has postponed the inaugural flight of its New Glenn rocket due to...

More Quick Read Articles »
German PKV Insurance

German Private Health Insurance

Health Insurance in Germany is compulsory and sometimes complicated, not to mention expensive. As an expat, you are required to navigate this landscape within weeks of arriving, so check our FAQ on PKV. For our guide on resources and access to agents who can give you a competitive quote, try our PKV Cost comparison tool.

Hospitals

Hospital and Clinic Directory

Germany is famous for its medical expertise and extensive number of hospitals and clinics. See this comprehensive directory of hospitals and clinics across the country, complete with links to their websites, addresses, contact info, and specializations/services.

Events

Upcoming Events

Linkin Park Special Night

Didn't manage to get a ticket for Linkin Park? Or still not enough after the concert? Join us at CRASH on June 12th for our "IN THE END" Linkin Park Special + CORE NIGHT.All night long, we'll be playing Linkin Park's music, along with Nu Metal, Metalcore, and Alternative Rock from bands such as Limp...