[Regnum] Humanity could survive even if the closest supernova to Earth explodes. Astronomer Vladimir Surdin reported this to Gazeta.Ru on November 16.
According to his data, the nearest potential supernova is the red supergiant Betelgeuse, located approximately 550 light-years away. The star is unstable and, as the specialist noted, could enter the core collapse phase within 10,000 to 100,000 years.
Surdin emphasized that the processes surrounding supernova explosions are poorly understood, as stars erupt in different ways. According to preliminary estimates, if such an explosion occurred in the immediate vicinity of the Solar System, its impact would be comparable to that of a powerful solar flare.
The astronomer pointed out that the gamma radiation emitted by the explosion does not leave the solar system. He also reminded that the Earth's atmosphere reliably protects all life from such cosmic phenomena.
According to the scientist, a real threat could only arise if the supernova were located within the Solar System. However, he added that the Sun is incapable of ending its evolution with a supernova explosion, as its mass is insufficient.