NASA’s Chandra Unmasks New Cosmic Threat to Planetary Life

A new study has examined the possible impact X-rays could have on planets within a certain distance of supernova explosions. Data from Chandra and other telescopes suggest that planets within about 160 light-years could be subjected to an intense wave of X-rays, which may significantly damage their atmospheres. This artist’s illustration shows such an affected planet in the foreground in the months to years after the explosion (seen in the background) after it has been bombarded by X-rays, as well as a second panel that shows the planet just as the supernova goes off. The study suggests…