Earth 'to be wiped out' by supernova explosion

[Bangyai]

The Earth could soon be wiped out by the explosion of a star more than 3,000 light years away, according to American scientists.


By Ben Leach
Published: 9:39AM GMT 06 Jan 2010

T Pyxidis Photo: NASA


The star, called T Pyxidis, is set to self-destruct in an explosion called a supernova with the force of 20 billion billion billion megatons of TNT.
Although the star is thought to be around 3,260 light-years away – a fairly short distance in galactic terms – the blast from the thermonuclear explosion could strip away the Earth's ozone layer, the scientists said.


Astronomers from Villanova University, Philadelphia, in the US, said the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite has shown them that T Pyxidis is really two stars, one called a white dwarf that is sucking in gas and steadily growing. When it reaches a critical mass it will blow itself to pieces.
It will become as bright as all the other stars in the galaxy put together, they said. The Hubble space telescope has photographed the star preparing for its big bang with a series of smaller blasts or "burps", called novas.
These explosions came regularly about every 20 years from 1890 – but stopped after 1967.
So the next blast is nearly 20 years overdue, said scientists Edward M Sion, Patrick Godon and Timothy McClain at the American Astronomical Society in Washington.
Robin Scagell, vice-president of the UK's Society for Popular Astronomy, said: "The star may certainly became a supernova soon – but soon could still be a long way off so don't have nightmares."








Darn it, can't spend money fast enough to keep up with all these impending disasters.

[DrB0b]

The AAS did say that "soon" was in the region of 10 million years. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it

[ItsRobsLife]

Best news I've heard today.

[Bangyai]

The AAS did say that "soon" was in the region of 10 million years. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it

Now I'm really worried. Don't think my savings will stretch that far even with some serious budgeting . What to do , what to do ?

[Tom Sawyer]

The AAS did say that "soon" was in the region of 10 million years. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it

Now I'm really worried. Don't think my savings will stretch that far even with some serious budgeting . What to do , what to do ?

Invest in stocks! The stock market always goes up!

[noelbino]

Let's see, 10 million years.
The average lifespan of an Aussie male is 75 years. Divide 10 million years by 75 equals [fuck it] a lot of reincarnations.
I'm sure by then I'll have worked something out. So crack another tinnie and on to the next dilemma.

[crippen]

Quote - the blast from the thermonuclear explosion could strip away the Earth's ozone layer, the scientists said.

I've lost track. Does 'stripping the ozone layer' cause global warming,cooling or change??

[Tom Sawyer]

So crack another tinnie and on to the next dilemma.

Like sortin' them Indian students.. Whadda ya mean you don't like me beef pies!

[zubber]

pattaya ladyboys will step up their muggings on drunken farangs as they know time is running out to get their booby transplants

[Whiteshiva]

These explosions came regularly about every 20 years from 1890 – but stopped after 1967.

Whoa - so we've been wiped out half a dozen times already.......

[Panda]

You lot may laugh now. But when it really happens you will be sorry.

[Bangyai]

Invest in stocks! The stock market always goes up!

With my luck ................. in smoke.

[dirtydog]

So where would be the best place to film the earths destruction? also how would I upload it onto the internet?

[jandajoy]

Restaurant at the end of the Universe.

Bookings taken now.

[Bangyai]

So where would be the best place to film the earths destruction? also how would I upload it onto the internet?

Having just kissed your arse goodbye, from just past your sphincter would be a good place with just the lens peeping out. Dunno about the upload though ?

[DrB0b]

These explosions came regularly about every 20 years from 1890 – but stopped after 1967.

Whoa - so we've been wiped out half a dozen times already.......

Yeah, but each time God re-creates us and implants false memories of the past. He thinks it's funny.

[SiLeakHunt]

I'll bring my washing in !

[Bobcock]

Leave it out, I reckon it'll dry quicker

[StrontiumDog]

Quote - the blast from the thermonuclear explosion could strip away the Earth's ozone layer, the scientists said.

I've lost track. Does 'stripping the ozone layer' cause global warming,cooling or change??

It means exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Instant tanning! Not all bad then.

[StrontiumDog]

So where would be the best place to film the earths destruction? also how would I upload it onto the internet?

A live stream is your only option I'm afraid.

[StrontiumDog]

These explosions came regularly about every 20 years from 1890 – but stopped after 1967.

Whoa - so we've been wiped out half a dozen times already.......

A nova is a burp.

What they are describing is the equivalent of having your entire insides prolapse in front of you.

[lysander]

Better nip down the offie and get a few bottles in then.

[nedwalk]

well i,m glad i read this, i won,t bother mowing the yard then

[DaffyDuck]

Although the star is thought to be around 3,260 light-years away – a fairly short distance in galactic terms – the blast from the thermonuclear explosion could strip away the Earth's ozone layer, the scientists said.

.... in about 3,260 years, in an absolute best case scenario (with the blast moving outwards at undiluted lightspeed, and a focused beam maintaining tight focus for 3,260 lightyears, and absolutely no mass or matter between us and the supernova, and it blowing up today.

....or, it's a couple of million years out.

[Takeovers]

.... in about 3,260 years, in an absolute best case scenario (with the blast moving outwards at undiluted lightspeed, and a focused beam maintaining tight focus for 3,260 lightyears, and absolutely no mass or matter between us and the supernova, and it blowing up today.

You forgot one thing. It may have blown up 3260 years ago. We woud not know today but it would hit us tomorrow.

....or, it's a couple of million years out.

Fortunately more likely. However I do wonder why wiping out the Ozone Layer would kill us. Certainly a lot of problems but the end of the world?