explosions

New research shows mysterious solar particle explosions could destroy the ozone layer, bathing Earth in radiation for years

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An aurora visible over Utah from the International Space Station, photographed in Oct. 28, 2023 by an Expedition 70 astronaut.

This article was originally published on The conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com Expert Voices: Opinion Pieces and Insights. Alan Cooper is a professor at Charles Sturt University Pavle Arsenovic is a senior scientist at the University of Natural Resources and Life Science (BOKU). The remarkable aurora borealis in early May this year … Read more

Extreme solar explosions and weak magnetic fields threaten life on Earth

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Extreme Solar Blasts And Weak Magnetic Fields Threaten Life On Earth

Recent studies have highlighted the catastrophic effects of extreme solar eruptions, especially when combined with a weakened magnetic field. These phenomena, which occur about once every thousand years, can significantly disrupt the Earth’s ozone layer, with serious consequences for all life on our planet. The protective role of the Earth’s magnetic field The Earth’s magnetic … Read more

Extreme solar explosions and a weak magnetic field are a deadly combination for Earth

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The remarkable aurora borealis in early May this year showed just how powerful solar flares can be in the form of radiation. But every now and then the sun does something even more devastating. These proton explosions, known as “solar particle events,” come directly from the sun’s surface and can shoot out into space like … Read more

New research shows mysterious solar particle explosions could destroy the ozone layer, bathing Earth in radiation for years

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Credit: Harrison Haines from Pexels The remarkable aurora in early May of this year showed the power that solar storms can emit as radiation, but every now and then the sun does something much more destructive. These explosions of protons, which come directly from the sun’s surface and are known as “solar particle events,” can … Read more

New research shows mysterious solar particle explosions could destroy the ozone layer, bathing Earth in radiation for years

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The remarkable aurora in early May of this year showed the power that solar storms can emit as radiation, but every now and then the sun does something much more destructive. These explosions of protons, fired directly from the sun’s surface and shooting out into space like a searchlight, are known as “solar particle events.” … Read more

Could nearby supernova explosions threaten life on Earth?

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Earth’s protective atmosphere has sheltered life for billions of years, creating a haven where evolution has produced complex life forms like us. The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting the biosphere from deadly UV radiation. It blocks 99% of the sun’s powerful UV rays. Earth’s magnetosphere also protects us. But the sun is … Read more

Tests range from explosions to splashdown

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SpaceX's Starship is launching on its fourth test flight on the way to creating jumbo rockets that can fly astronauts to the moon and even Mars.

SpaceX’s Starship, the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever sent into space, completed a fourth test flight Thursday, successfully crashing into the Indian Ocean for the first time since it began conducting test flights last year. The rocket’s first three tests ended in explosions. The unmanned craft is classified as a super-heavy launch vehicle and … Read more