• DOI:10.1017/S1473550409004509
Corpus ID: 118579150

Gamma-ray bursts as a threat to life on Earth

@article{Thomas2009GammarayBA,
  title={Gamma-ray bursts as a threat to life on Earth},
  author={B. Thomas},
  journal={International Journal of Astrobiology},
  year={2009},
  volume={8},
  pages={183-186}
}

B. Thomas

Published 2009

Environmental Science, Physics

International Journal of Astrobiology

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are likely to have made a number of significant impacts on the Earth during the last billion years. The gamma radiation from a burst within a few kiloparsecs would quickly deplete much of the Earth's protective ozone layer, allowing an increase in solar ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface. This radiation is harmful to life, damaging DNA and causing sunburn. In addition, NO 2 produced in the atmosphere would cause a decrease in visible sunlight reaching the surface… CONTINUE READING

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