Our celestial Origins

Mon 2nd 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 of GCR reaching Earth, life thrived. "The biosphere seems to contain a reflection of the sky, in that the evolution of life mirrors the evolution of the 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)


Emergence of Ransomware Group Chaos Following BlackSuit's Demise

In the wake of a significant international law enforcement operation that dismantled the notorious ransomware group BlackSuit, a new player has swiftly emerged in the cybercrime arena: a group known...

OpenAI and Google Achieve Gold in International Math Olympiad

The International Math Olympiad (IMO), a prestigious global competition for high school students, has witnessed an impressive performance from AI models developed by OpenAI and Google. Both...

Microsoft Advances AI Initiative with Notre-Dame Digital Replica

In a significant move to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities in Europe, Microsoft has announced plans to create a digital replica of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. This initiative...

Mother's Age May Influence Child Gender, Study Finds

Recent research indicates that a mother's age could play a significant role in determining the sex of her children, challenging the long-held belief that the gender ratio at birth is purely random....

ESA Unveils Ambitious Plans for Mach 5 Hydrogen-Powered Hypersonic Aircraft

The European Space Agency (ESA) has initiated an ambitious project named the Invictus Program, aimed at developing a hypersonic aircraft powered by hydrogen. This innovative aircraft is designed to...

Study Reveals Wetlands Provide Jaguars Refuge During Fires

The Pantanal region in Brazil has been identified as a crucial sanctuary for jaguars during periods of drought and wildfires, according to a recent study. Following the devastating fires in the...

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

Gärtnerplatz Open-Air: Programm, Termin und aktuelle Infos

One of the most beautiful squares transforms into a summer stage every year for two days. The Gärtnerplatz Open-Air features a free music and cultural program across three stages, as well as street food from local vendors. On Saturday, the main stage at Gärtnerplatz offers something for everyone,...