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)


New Leak on the ISS Delays Upcoming Axiom Space Mission

The International Space Station (ISS) is experiencing another loss of air pressure, causing delays for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission. This setback comes just after a recent leak was repaired. The...

Prague Unveils Cutting-Edge Planetarium Featuring LED Star Displays

The city of Prague has introduced a remarkable new attraction: a state-of-the-art planetarium that promises to offer visitors an immersive experience of the cosmos. The recently renovated facility...

China's Tianwen-2 Spacecraft on a Mission to Kamo'oalewa, Earth's Quasi-Moon

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has unveiled the first image captured by its Tianwen-2 spacecraft, which is currently en route to Kamo'oalewa, a near-Earth asteroid. This image, taken...

Remote Control of Soft Robotic Arm Using Blue Laser Patterns

A research team from Rice University has developed an innovative soft robotic arm that can be controlled remotely using blue laser beams, eliminating the need for any wiring or onboard electronics....

AI Technology Enhances Understanding of Black Holes

While current telescopes are still limited in their ability to fully unravel the mysteries surrounding supermassive black holes, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are paving the way for new...

Germany Reclaims Title of Europe's Fastest Supercomputer

Germany once again boasts the title of hosting Europe's fastest supercomputer, the Jupiter Booster, located at the Forschungszentrum Jülich. Currently positioned fourth on the prestigious Top500 list...

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

Marion & Sobo Band

Join us for an electrifying evening with the Marion & Sobo Band on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 20:00 to 23:00 at the Festzelt am Volksfestplatz in Unterschleißheim. This dynamic band, comprising talented musicians from Germany, France, and Poland, brings a fresh blend of world music and...