2009/03/26 by Brian C. Thomas, B.C. Thomas · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae #Planetary Science and Exploration #astro-ph.EP #astro-ph.HE
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/s1473550409004509
published as International Journal of Astrobiology (2009), 8:183-186 · 8 pages; submitted as part of proceedings of the ESLAB Symposium on 'Cosmic Cataclysms and Life', November 2008; to be published in a special issue of the International Journal of Astrobiology
arxiv created 2009/03/26 · openalex publication_date 2009/05/29 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Abstract Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are likely to have made a number of significant impacts on the Earth during the last billion years. The gamma radiation from a burst within a few kiloparsecs would quickly deplete much of the Earth's protective ozone layer, allowing an increase in solar ultraviolet radiation reaching the surface. This radiation is harmful to life, damaging DNA and causing sunburn. In addition, NO 2 produced in the atmosphere would cause a decrease in visible sunlight reaching the surface and could cause global cooling. Nitric acid rain could stress portions of the biosphere, but the increased nitrate deposition could be helpful to land plants. We have used a two-dimensional atmospheric model to investigate the effects on the Earth's atmosphere of GRBs delivering a range of fluences, at various latitudes, at the equinoxes and solstices, and at different times of day. We have estimated DNA damage levels caused by increased solar UVB radiation, reduction in solar visible light due to NO 2 opacity, and deposition of nitrates through rainout of HNO 3 . In this paper we give a concise review of this work and discuss current and future work on extending and improving our estimates of the terrestrial impact of a GRB.