Exploding stars are rare but emit torrents of radiation − if one happened close enough to Earth, it could threaten life on the planet
- Written by Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona
Massive dying stars emit large amounts of radiation. NASA/ESA/Hubble SM4 ERO Team via APStars like the Sun are remarkably constant. They vary in brightness by only 0.1% over years and decades, thanks to the fusion of hydrogen into helium that powers them. This process will keep the Sun shining steadily for about 5 billion more years, but when...