Science

An Ancient Supernova May Have Triggered a Mass Extinction on Earth

Posted on by johnbarleycorn12

When people talk about what killed the dinosaurs, they usually talk about asteroids. Scientists generally agree that was the trigger for one huge extinction, but there have been many more mass die-offs in Earth’s history with many more causes. One extinction event that’s more recent — both in its timescale and in its discovery — happened about 2.6 million years ago, killing off large numbers of ocean animals and ending what’s known as the Pliocene epoch. How did it happen? New research is suggesting that an ancient supernova is to blame.

— Read on curiosity.com/topics/an-ancient-supernova-may-have-triggered-a-mass-extinction-on-earth-curiosity

Scientists Have Captured Images of 20 Protoplanetary Disks Where Baby Planets Are Born

Posted on by johnbarleycorn12

The hunt for other planets in our galaxy has heated up in the past few decades, with 3,869 planets being detected in 2,886 systems and another 2,898 candidates awaiting confirmation. Though the discovery of these planets has taught scientists much about the kinds of planets that exist in our galaxy, there is still much we do not know about the process of planetary formation.

— Read on curiosity.com/topics/scientists-have-captured-images-of-20-protoplanetary-disks-where-baby-planets-are-born-curiosity

Stephen Hawking’s Last Theory About the Universe Is Good News

Posted on by johnbarleycorn12

When a great mind passes away, the world grieves twice: once for their life, and once for their work. That’s why it was so comforting to know that on the day Stephen Hawking died, he had a scientific paper waiting to be published. The world would get one more glimpse of his genius. Today, that paper was published — and what it says should make you optimistic about our future understanding of the universe.

— Read on curiosity.com/topics/stephen-hawkings-last-theory-about-the-universe-is-good-news-curiosity

Hawking ‘s last paper 📝