The supernova explosion can destroy Earth from 50 light years

The distance of death between supernova explosions and Earth is twice that of previous scientists' estimates.

The new study by Adrian Melott and colleagues at the University of Kansas, US, suggests that life on Earth will be wiped out if a supernova explosion occurs within 50 light years, double the distance previously released by scientists, according to Popular Mechanics.

Nebula remains after the Crab supernova explosion.(Photo: NASA).

"Previous studies have ignored some effects or have no good data, but now we think that distance is a little bigger ," Melott said.

The nearest star can create a supernova explosion located 100 light-years away from Earth, likely to not explode for millions of years. However, if an appropriate magnetic field is encountered, the supernova explosion may extend the distance of destruction.

"Cosmic radiation likes to move with the magnetic lines," Melott explained. "A magnetic field may be superhighway for cosmic radiation but may also prevent them, depending on its direction."

Even with a magnetic field, though, no stars close enough to create a supernova explosion can destroy the Earth.

Supernova is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs at the last evolutionary stage in the life of a giant star, marked by a massive explosion. After the explosion, a very bright "new" star appears, its light gradually decreases after a few weeks or months.