What is the Likelihood of a Supernova Ending the World Tomorrow?
What would be the impact on Earth if a supernova happened nearby?
Imagine looking out your window and suddenly seeing a bright light in the sky as luminous as the full moon, if not brighter. This dazzling star is flooding the Earth's atmosphere with a catastrophic dose of gamma radiation and x-rays, stripping away our ozone layer and exposing us to the full fury of the sun's deadly radiation. On its way, a cataclysmic wave of stella mata and debris is hurdling towards our planet, venting billions of tons of burning masses, ready to sweep across our planet's surface in a tidal wave of fire. This is a supernova, and it could be an Armageddon in our lifetimes. But how likely is it for this to actually happen?
Supernovae are not that common in our galaxy, and we likely only see about two to three every century. While the odds of one going off tomorrow are not that high, they're not impossible either. According to archaeologists, the Earth has likely been hit by a supernova before in the course of its 4.5 billion years of existence. We exist in an area of space known as the local bubble, which is thought to have been carved out by a supernova detonation 10 to 20 million years ago. Scientists have found evidence of another detonation that happened two and a half million years ago due to a high concentration of iron 60 and manganese 53 in a particular layer of the geological record.
There are some scientists who believe that the extinction of woolly mammoths was caused by a massive piece of debris from a supernova crashing into the planet about 13,000 years ago. The impact site had magnetic spirals and radioactive potassium 40, a substance found in supernova ejecta. Even before that, mammoth tusks from 34,000 years ago were found containing tiny impact craters from grains of slightly radioactive iron that had been traveling at 10,000 kilometers per second.
Despite all this, life on Earth has largely been ticking along for billions of years. While supernovae can be catastrophic, they are not an immediate threat to life on Earth unless they occur very close by.
Supernovae are not common in our galaxy, with only two to three observed every century. However, Earth has experienced the impact of supernovae before, and we exist in a region of space called the local bubble, believed to have been carved out by a supernova detonation 10 to 20 million years ago. Scientists have found evidence of another supernova detonation that took place two and a half million years ago.
Supernovae are not an immediate threat to life on Earth unless they occur nearby. The impact of a supernova depends on its proximity to Earth. The universe has large coffee tables, and we need to understand the forces involved in these explosions to comprehend their scale.
There are two main paths that stars can take to reach their explosive grand finale. For a type 1A supernova, it usually requires a white dwarf in a binary system that is siphoning matter away from its neighboring star until it reaches a critical mass. In a binary system where the white dwarf is absorbing more and more matter from its neighboring star, eventually gravity overwhelms electron degeneracy pressure, and the whole system collapses at once. Carbon fusion begins, and within a few seconds, most of the star undergoes fusion, forming into heavier elements and releasing a lot of energy.
The second type of supernova, type 2, involves a massive star at least five times more massive than the sun at the end of its lifetime. This star has exhausted all its nuclear fuel and can no longer generate enough energy to counteract gravity. The core collapses suddenly, releasing enormous amounts of energy and creating a shockwave that blasts the outer layers of the star into space.
Supernovae are incredibly powerful events that have shaped our universe. While they are not an immediate threat to life on Earth, they serve as a reminder of the immense power of the cosmos and our place within it.
Supernovae are incredibly powerful events that can rip apart stars. If a planet is in the immediate vicinity of a supernova, it has no chance of survival. Even if a planet is outside the immediate danger zone, it may still face consequences such as being stripped of its atmosphere and suffering from high levels of radiation. Scientists estimate that the kill zone for a supernova is within 25 light years, but beyond that distance, the event would not cause mass extinctions.
Thankfully, there are no supernova candidates within 300 light years that we need to worry about. The two stars that are at risk of going supernova, Beetlejuice and Antares, are both more than 400 light years away. While white dwarfs are harder to spot, scientists have identified 13,000 white dwarf stars within 326 light years of us, but none of them are scheduled to explode anytime soon.
Even if Beetlejuice were to go supernova within our lifetimes, we would likely be safe thanks to the protective sheath of the sun's heliosphere. While supernovae are some of the largest explosions in the universe, our patch of the galaxy has nothing to fear from them.
Supernovae serve as a reminder of the immense power of the cosmos and our place within it. While there are plenty of cataclysms on Earth that can bring devastation to a community, we can probably cross planetary annihilation from supernovae off our list of worries.
About the Creator
Saomai2003
The universe is a vast and mysterious place that has fascinated humans for centuries. From the tiniest subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, the universe is full of wonders that challenge our understanding of the world around us.
Keep reading
More stories from Saomai2003 and writers in Earth and other communities.
How will Earth be affected by the Solar Maximum in 2025?
If I told you that the Sun's cycles could have an impact on your life, you might think I was talking about astrology rather than astronomy. While some people believe that the position of stars and planets can predict the future, that's not what we're discussing here. Instead, we're exploring the science behind the Sun's cycles and how they influence life on Earth.
By Saomai20032 years ago in Earth
Microbiota, microbiome or microflora: how to speak correctly and why it is for health.
You've probably heard the phrase, "We are what we eat." But modern science says more precisely: we are also those who live in us. Until 2016, it was believed that there are many times more bacteria in our body than our own cells. The latest calculations by mathematicians show that we divide the body with our microorganisms by about 50/50: about 30 trillion of our cells versus 38 trillion bacterial ones.
By Yaroslav Gorohov3 days ago in Earth
Chinese EVs Closing In on America After Canadian Tariffs Deal
The electric vehicle race is no longer just about climate goals or consumer choice — it has become a geopolitical contest. And in early 2026, a subtle but powerful move by Canada may have tilted the board. By agreeing to sharply reduce tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, Canada has opened a door that the United States has worked hard to keep shut. While Chinese EVs are still largely barred from the American market, they are now edging closer than ever — not by crossing the border directly, but by entering through Canada. This development raises a pressing question: Are Chinese EVs closing in on America, and what does that mean for the future of North American auto markets? The Deal That Changed the Game Canada’s new agreement with China allows up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles per year to enter the Canadian market at a tariff rate of just over 6%, a dramatic drop from the previous 100% tariff that effectively blocked them. On paper, the quota seems small. In reality, it carries enormous symbolic and strategic weight. For years, both Canada and the United States aligned closely on keeping Chinese EVs out, citing concerns over unfair subsidies, national security, and the protection of domestic auto industries. This new deal marks a clear shift — and a divergence from U.S. policy. Canada didn’t make the decision in isolation. The EV tariff reduction was part of a broader trade reset with China, tied to agricultural exports such as canola and efforts to stabilize a strained economic relationship. Why Chinese EVs Matter So Much China is the undisputed leader of the global electric vehicle industry. Its manufacturers produce EVs at scale, often at prices Western automakers struggle to match. Brands like BYD, Nio, and Xpeng have already expanded aggressively into Europe, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. North America has remained one of the final fortified markets — until now. Chinese EVs are appealing not just because they’re cheaper, but because they’ve rapidly improved in quality, range, and technology. For consumers priced out of North American and European EV models, Chinese vehicles offer something rare: affordability without sacrificing features. Canada’s decision gives Chinese automakers their first legitimate foothold in North America — and footholds tend to grow. Why the U.S. Is Nervous The United States still enforces a 100% tariff on Chinese EV imports, making them effectively unsellable in the American market. But Canada’s move has triggered concern in Washington. U.S. officials argue that Chinese EVs entering Canada could indirectly pressure American markets, influence supply chains, and weaken Washington’s leverage in future trade negotiations. There’s also a political dimension. Both major U.S. parties have framed Chinese dominance in EVs as a strategic threat — not just to auto jobs, but to technological leadership. Modern EVs collect vast amounts of data, and lawmakers have raised concerns about cybersecurity and foreign data access. While Chinese EVs aren’t rolling onto American roads yet, their presence just across the border changes the conversation. Canada’s Risk — and Opportunity Inside Canada, the reaction has been mixed. Automotive hubs like Ontario worry that opening the market could undermine domestic manufacturing and strain relations with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner. Some leaders have called the deal “lopsided,” warning it could cost jobs if American retaliation follows. Others see opportunity. A more competitive EV market could lower prices for Canadian consumers and accelerate EV adoption. It may also attract Chinese investment into Canada itself — including factories, battery plants, and supply chain partnerships. If Chinese automakers choose to build in Canada rather than simply export to it, the country could position itself as a bridge between Chinese EV innovation and North American demand. That balancing act — between economic opportunity and political risk — defines Canada’s strategy. Are Chinese EVs Really ‘Closing In’ on America? For now, the answer is: not directly — but strategically, yes. Chinese EVs sold in Canada won’t automatically flood the U.S. market. Regulations, trade rules, and tariffs still stand in the way. But proximity matters. Supply chains overlap. Consumer awareness spreads. Manufacturing footprints expand. There’s also the possibility of a workaround: Chinese companies could eventually build EVs in North America to bypass tariffs altogether. This idea has already been floated — but it faces fierce resistance from U.S. lawmakers and unions. Still, history shows that once a global industry leader gains regional access, momentum often follows. What This Means for Consumers For Canadian buyers, the impact could be immediate: more choice and lower prices in an EV market that has long been criticized for being expensive and limited. For American consumers, the effect will be indirect — at least at first. But increased competition could eventually pressure U.S. automakers to reduce prices, improve features, and accelerate innovation. The larger question is whether North America wants competition or insulation — and how long insulation can realistically last in a globalized EV economy. The Bigger Picture: A Global EV Power Shift Canada’s tariff deal reflects a broader reality: China’s dominance in electric vehicles is reshaping global trade, whether governments like it or not. Europe is already grappling with an influx of Chinese EVs. Emerging markets are embracing them. And now, North America has its first real crack in the wall. This isn’t just about cars. It’s about who controls the future of clean transportation, supply chains, and industrial policy. Final Thoughts Chinese EVs aren’t driving down American highways yet — but after Canada’s tariff deal, they’re closer than ever. This move doesn’t spell immediate disruption, but it does signal a shift. One country has decided that economic pragmatism outweighs political alignment. And in doing so, Canada may have opened the door to a new phase of EV competition in North America. Whether that door swings wider — or slams shut — will depend on how the U.S., automakers, and consumers respond. One thing is certain: the EV race just entered a new chapter.
By Muhammad Hassanabout 17 hours ago in Earth
Comments (1)
Great work! Fantastic job!