Strange rays from the cosmos excite the ancient people with two legs

A series of supernova explosions from the distant universe millions of years ago helped human ancestors abandon the habit of moving with 4 limbs.

New research from the University of Kansas (USA) has connected the important evolution of humanity with the boom of mass supernova in the universe. The supernova, which is the star of energy, goes to the dead with a terrible explosion. Supernovae near the Solar System create explosions strong enough that the energy of the explosion reaches Earth.

The Crab Nebula, the rest after a supernova explosion - (photo: NASA / ESA).

Evidence shows that a period of terrifying activity of supernovae affected the earth during the Pliocene and ice ages in the seabed. Scientists have found a class of "telltale" of iron-60 , an iron isotope that can only be formed from atmospheric ionization due to cosmic rays.

It was these cosmic rays that caused waves of earth-shaking thunderstorms, causing wildfires all over the world, severely affecting the lives of ancient humans. Many forests turn into empty desert. The carbon deposits found in the soil reinforce the evidence of this event because they completely coincide with the period when the earth was bombarded by cosmic rays.

The destruction of cosmic rays released by supernovae peaked at about 2.6 million years ago.

In order to survive, human ancestors need to walk more on the plain than depend too much on the arms of the branch as the ancestors did. Hunchback of hominids is also replaced quickly with a more upright appearance for ease of movement.

Professor Adrian Melott, head of the study, adds that there are many ideas that people can walk with two legs from before the explosion of supernovae. However, archaeological evidence shows that despite their feet, their bodies still adapt too much to climbing on trees, relying on trees to hunt. The disappearance of many forests due to the impact of cosmic rays is a breakthrough that helps people really get used to life based on feet.

Estimates of supernovae cause the leap of evolution of mankind about 160 to 320 light years, a relatively close distance in astronomy. The good news is that within the next 1 million years, scientists have only found a supernova capable of exploding as Betelgeuse , about 652 light years from Earth. "Betelgeuse is too far to have any similar strong effects, so don't worry about this," said Professor Melott.