What Happens When Earth is Hit by a Gamma-Ray Burst?

Discover the catastrophic effects of a Gamma-Ray Burst on Earth and the potential danger to our ecosystems.

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If Earth were directly hit by a Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB), the intense radiation could strip away the ozone layer and cause mass extinction by exposing life to harmful UV radiation. The energy released could also trigger dramatic climatic changes and disrupt ecosystems.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is a Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB)? A Gamma-Ray Burst is an extremely energetic explosion observed in distant galaxies, often linked to supernovae or neutron star collisions.
  2. How does a GRB affect the Earth? A GRB can cause severe damage by depleting the ozone layer and exposing life to UV radiation, leading to ecological disasters.
  3. Can Earth survive a Gamma-Ray Burst? If a GRB were to hit Earth directly, the consequences could be catastrophic, threatening all life forms.
  4. Are Gamma-Ray Bursts common in the universe? Gamma-Ray Bursts are rare and occur approximately once a day in distant galaxies, but they are extremely powerful when they do occur.