'100 miles wide': The most dangerous object in space isn't a black hole
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs)
GRBs are among the most powerful explosions in the universe, capable of vaporizing anything within 200 light-years with their intense energy beams. While the possibility of a GRB striking Earth is hypothetical, its impact could damage the atmosphere and deplete the ozone layer, leaving life exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Mega comets
Massive comets, sometimes over 100 miles in diameter, are another potential threat. In 2021, the largest known comet, C/2014 UN271, was observed in our solar system. Fortunately, it will be a billion miles away from Earth when it comes closest in 2031, but there may be other similar threats out there.
Supernovae
Supernova explosions occur when a star reaches the end of its life and releases an immense amount of energy. These blasts can outshine entire galaxies and obliterate anything in their "kill zone" with their powerful radiation.
Asteroids
Large objects in the solar system, particularly asteroids, remain a constant threat. Like the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, another could strike Earth in the future. Current data suggests there are over 150,000 unidentified objects in the solar system, many of which are asteroids.
Cosmic Collisions
Galaxies colliding pose another long-term threat to life in the universe. A collision between our galaxy, the Milky Way, and the Andromeda galaxy is predicted to occur in 3 to 5 billion years, which could result in the formation of new black holes and the destruction of galactic structures due to clashing gravitational forces.
Planetary Impact Events
Collisions between large celestial bodies, such as planets or moons, could have catastrophic effects. These rare but devastating impacts could cause widespread destruction and potentially end all life on the affected planet.
Solar Flares
Solar flares are sudden eruptions of energy from the sun's surface that could disrupt Earth's electrical grids, satellite communications, and power infrastructure. These flares pose a more immediate threat to modern technological systems than black holes.
Cosmic Radiation
High-energy particles from deep space, also known as cosmic rays, bombard the Earth and its atmosphere. Although Earth’s magnetic field protects us, an extreme surge in cosmic radiation could pose serious health risks for astronauts and damage satellites in orbit.