What Supernova Distance Would Initiate Mass Extinction?

What Supernova Distance Would Initiate Mass Extinction?

From PBS Space Time by PBS

June 12, 2026 · 20 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of supernovae on Earth's atmosphere and the distance required for safety from their radiation.

Thank you to Brilliant for Supporting PBS. To learn more go to https://brilliant.org/SpaceTime/ PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to:http://to.pbs.org/DonateSPACE Sign Up on Patreon to get access to the Space Time Discord! https://www.patreon.com/pbsspacetime The deaths of massive stars results in one of the most beautiful and violent events in the universe: the supernova. They are so luminous we can see them here on Earth and historical records show that we can even see them into the day. But supernovas release deadly and violent radiation that could destroy our atmosphere. So how far away do these supernova have to be for humanity to be safe? And when will the next supernova occur Check out the Space Time Merch Store https://www.pbsspacetime.com/shop Sign up for the mailing list to get episode notifications and hear special announcements! https://mailchi.mp/1a6eb8f2717d/spacetime Search the Entire Space Time Library Here: https://search.pbsspacetime.com/ Hosted by Matt O'Dowd Written by Matt O'Dowd Post Production by Leonardo Scholzer, Yago Ballarini, Adriano Leal & Stephanie Faria Directed by Andrew Kornhaber Associate Producer…

People in this episode

Host: Matt O'Dowd

Topics covered

  • supernova
  • mass extinction
  • astronomy
  • radiation
  • cosmic events

Keywords

  • supernova
  • mass extinction
  • radiation
  • astronomy
  • cosmic events
  • PBS
  • Brilliant

Sponsors

Brilliant

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PBS, Kornhaber Brown, PBS Digital Studios

More episodes of PBS Space Time

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the PBS Space Time podcast page.