A kilonova, or violent star collision, could potentially devastate Earth if it occurred within approximately 36 light-years.
Only one such event has been documented so far, in 2017, 130 million light-years away.
The most significant threat from a kilonova is the cosmic rays, which would engulf everything in their trajectory.
A recent study by US scientists has brought to light the potential catastrophic effects of a kilonova, a violent star collision, on Earth. The research indicates that if a neutron star merger, or kilonova event, were to occur within approximately 36 light-years of Earth, the resulting radiation could cause an extinction-level event. The radiation would include lethal gamma rays, cosmic rays, and x-rays.
The most significant threat identified by the researchers is the cosmic rays. The collision in space would generate a spreading cosmic ray bubble that would engulf everything in its trajectory, showering Earth with intensely energetic charged particles. This could potentially disrupt life on Earth for up to 1000 years.
However, it is important to note that such events are extremely rare. Only one such event has been documented so far, in 2017, and it occurred 130 million light-years away, far beyond the 36 light-year range that could pose a threat to Earth. Therefore, while the potential effects of a kilonova are indeed catastrophic, the likelihood of such an event occurring in the near vicinity of Earth is extremely low.
Researchers have identified cosmic rays as the most significant threat. The collision in space would generate a spreading cosmic ray bubble that would engulf everything in its trajectory, showering Earth with intensely energetic charged particles.