What if a gamma-ray burst hit Earth?

Gamma-ray bursts are very harmful to anything that pass through the stream, and we have to be aware. Then, what if a gamma-ray burst hit Earth?

Gamma-ray bursts

First and foremost, let’s ask what gamma-ray bursts are. They are potent streams of light that are emitted by supernova explosions. The energy released is so much that we can see them billions of light-years away. Although it might be a small spot from Earth, it would be miserable if we were too close to them. In fact, if a gamma-ray burst from our galaxy aims at us, there would be adverse effects upon life on Earth.

What if a gamma-ray burst hit Earth?

Well, it depends on the distance. If it is billions of light-years away, it would be harmless even though it points directly at us. In reality, these are the only cases of gamma-ray bursts that we can detect. But, the closer it is, the more harmful it becomes. If the gamma-ray burst is just thousands of light-years away, we’d be in big trouble!

You see, these are radiation carrying extreme amounts of energy that could vaporize an entire planet instantly. If a nearby gamma-ray burst struck Earth, losing the atmosphere is the best-case scenario. Then, what’s the worst? Well, if it was powerful and close enough, it could vaporize Earth immediately, killing the Solar System’s most expensive planet.

But, there are always intermediate ones. If it is neither too close nor too far, Earth would absorb most of the radiation. The satellites would be damaged, so we’d lose our Internet connection. But it wouldn’t persist for long if astronauts get out to fix them quickly. Luckily, a gamma-ray burst damaging our Solar System is highly unlikely since they have not happened for billions of years.

Benefits?

You see, if a gamma-ray burst hit Earth, it certainly isn’t a good thing. But they could be the ingredients for life. Supernovas created the vast majority of heavy elements, some of which are vital for life on Earth. Atoms that are more massive than iron need as much energy as how much it takes to destroy a planet a few light-years away. So, even though they are devastating, you still have to thank them for occurring for our existence.

References and Credits

1. What if. (2019, July 28). What If a Gamma-Ray Burst Hits the Earth? — YouTube. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVHnVcZ6YMQ
2. Kurzgesagt — in a Nutshell. (2016, July 31). Death From Space — Gamma-Ray Bursts Explained – YouTube. Retrieved September 13, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLykC1VN7N