Technical University of Denmark Archives

The extraterrestrial processes responsible for influencing the diversity of life forms are usually invisible to the human eye. The Milky Way is where large stars explode, leading to supernova remnants whose shock fronts accelerate cosmic ray particles to high energies. Cosmic rays find their way to the solar system, where some collide with the atmosphere producing cascades of secondary particles which ionize the atmosphere. Ions influence the formation of clouds which ultimately affect climate. Therefore, changes in supernova activity change climate, which is responsible for mixing and transporting life's essential nutrients to the ecosystems (Illustration: Henrik: Svensmark, DTU Space).

Astrogeology, Astronomy & Telescopes, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Extinction events, Fossils & Paleontology, Press Release

A Persistent Influence Of Supernovae On Our Planet’s Biodiversity

by Keith CowingMarch 21, 2023March 21, 2023

Extensive studies of the fossil record have shown that the diversity of life forms has varied significantly over geological time, and a fundamental question of evolutionary biology is which processes […]

Astrochemistry

Supernovae And Life On Earth Appears Closely Connected

by Keith CowingJanuary 5, 2022

Evidence demonstrates a close connection between the fraction of organic matter buried in sediments and changes in supernovae occurrence. This correlation is apparent during the last 3.5 billion years and […]

Habitable Zones, Press Release

Missing Link between Exploding Stars, Clouds, and Earth's Climate

by Keith CowingDecember 28, 2017

A breakthrough in the understanding of how cosmic rays from supernovae can influence Earth’s cloud cover and thereby climate has been published in the journal Nature Communications. The study reveals […]