What Happens If a Gamma-Ray Burst Hits Earth?
Discover the implications of a Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) hitting Earth and its historical significance related to mass extinction events.
330 views
While a Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) has not directly hit Earth, there is evidence suggesting a GRB might have impacted the planet in the past, possibly contributing to mass extinction events. GRBs are extremely rare and usually occur far from Earth, minimizing the threat to our planet.
FAQs & Answers
- How often do Gamma-Ray Bursts occur? Gamma-Ray Bursts are extremely rare, typically occurring several times per day in distant galaxies.
- Can a GRB affect life on Earth? While no GRB has directly hit Earth, historical evidence suggests that they may have contributed to past mass extinction events.
- What is the farthest distance a GRB can occur from Earth? GRBs can occur billions of light-years away, significantly reducing the threat they pose to our planet.
- How do scientists detect Gamma-Ray Bursts? Scientists detect GRBs using space-based observatories equipped with gamma-ray detectors, which monitor the sky for high-energy bursts.