2024-02-10 11:33:09
The Astrophysical Journal published a recent study in which a team of researchers discovered that the collision of two neutron stars, even if they are light decades away, might cause a blast wave that might destroy life on Earth.
Clinova
Kilonovas are massive explosions caused by neutron stars colliding with each other, sending an intense jet of high-energy particles through space.
It produces a bright flash of radiant light that produces large quantities of important elements such as silver, gold, platinum, and uranium.
Kilonovas also release huge amounts of electromagnetic radiation, which can collapse the atmosphere of Earth-like planets.
Although there are no known pairs of neutron stars that threaten to merge soon on Earth, this discovery alerts to the potential danger that this type of explosion might pose.
When will clinova threaten the Earth?
Based on the 2017 study of GW170817, which was done using the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave observatories, researchers ran computer simulations to determine the minimum distance at which an explosion might be safe.
They found that a kilonova regarding 16 light-years from Earth might be enough to cause catastrophic impacts on the planet.
The study indicated the need to conduct more research and monitoring to better understand this phenomenon and evaluate the potential risks that the planet may face.
Even at distances of up to 36 light-years, a kilonova’s devastating shock wave can interact with particles to create enough cosmic rays to vaporize our atmosphere, leaving us exposed to frigid temperatures, scorching ultraviolet radiation, and a complete lack of oxygen.
Opinion of astronomers
The exact safety distance and most dangerous components are uncertain because many effects depend on characteristics such as the angle of view of the event, the energy of the explosion, the mass of ejected material, and more, says scientist Hayley Perkins, of the University of Illinois.
In this regard, the Universe Today website indicated that it seems a terrifying prospect, but so far there are no binary neutron stars within a distance of 36 light-years that are expected to merge, despite the presence of dozens of stars within that distance.
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