Could a supernova destroy Earth?
Supernovas originate when a heavy star has used all its fuel and collapses, causing a reversed reaction, which rips off the star's exterior gas layer, flinging major quantities of gamma rays, Xrays, and highenergy particles into the universe.
Scientists have calculated that the radiation from a supernova explosion 26 light years from Earth would destroy half of the ozone layer, causing more harmful UV radiation to reach Earth. The increased radiation will particularly affect plankton, which produces half of the oxygen of the atmosphere. Supernovas less than 26 light years from Earth are, however, extremely rare and typically occur at intervals of 1.5 billion years.
SUPERNOVAS
Originate when stars 7-9 times larger than the Sun run out of hydrogen and helium. In less than one second, the star collapses. The temperature rises to billions of °C. The star explodes, flinging matter into the universe.