'100,000 years of radiation': A supernova hit Earth and it may have triggered an evolutionary leap
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
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Supernova Impact
A massive cosmic explosion 6 million years ago may have sent a radiation shockwave to Earth, possibly reshaping evolution itself.
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DNA Disruption
Supernovae produce cosmic rays that break DNA strands, leading to mutations—some harmful, some driving evolutionary leaps.
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Cosmic Clue
Scientists found iron-60 isotopes in Lake Tanganyika sediments—proof that a supernova’s debris reached Earth twice in history.
Evolution’s Trigger?
After the first iron-60 deposit, Lake Tanganyika saw a rapid surge in viral diversity, hinting that cosmic radiation played a role.
Space-Time Link
The explosion traced back to the Scorpius-Centaurus cluster, where dying stars bathed Earth in radiation for 100,000 years.
Mutations Unleashed
High-energy radiation can accelerate genetic mutations, raising the question: Did deep-space explosions shape Earth’s biodiversity?
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A Hidden Force
Lead author Caitlyn Nojiri of UC Santa Cruz suggests this is a new way to think about cosmic events shaping life on Earth.
Cosmic Evolution
Supernovae might have triggered mutations long before humans evolved—what other hidden forces have shaped life?
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Life’s Wild Card
If cosmic rays can nudge evolution, then the universe itself may be an unseen player in Earth’s biological history.
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