The supernova

The horror from outer space – and how we survive it!

Supernova explosions can have serious consequences for the Earth - the "killing distance" is around 30 light years. However, there is currently no danger.(Bild: Korn V.)

"Major events" in Earth's history used to be interpreted in an Earth-centered way. This has changed fundamentally. Recently, there has been a particular focus on supernova explosions. Natural scientist and author Christian Mähr takes a look at the horror from outer space. 

The term "major events" is a classic euphemism - in palaeontology it is usually used to avoid the ugly word "extinction". Five major extinction events are counted today - the best known is the last one 66 million years ago, when an asteroid hit the earth, wiping out the dinosaurs and making way for the mammals. For us! Can't really complain as Homo sapiens ...