Nearby Supernovae Linked to Two Ancient Mass Extinctions on Earth

New research suggests stellar explosions 372 and 445 million years ago likely stripped Earth's ozone layer, triggering catastrophic environmental changes.

A study from Keele University connects the late Devonian and Ordovician mass extinctions to nearby supernova explosions, which disrupted Earth's atmosphere.
The explosions likely depleted the ozone layer, exposing life to harmful UV radiation and causing acid rain, leading to significant biodiversity loss.
The Ordovician extinction wiped out 60% of marine invertebrates, while the late Devonian event eliminated 70% of species, reshaping marine ecosystems.
Researchers calculated the frequency of supernovae within 65 light-years of Earth and found it consistent with the timing of these extinctions.
Future supernova threats are minimal, as the nearest stars capable of exploding, Antares and Betelgeuse, are over 500 light-years away.