New research suggests the continuation of life on Earth depends on massive explosions on the other side of the galaxy.
The explosions, gamma-ray bursts thought to occur when two stars collide, can release tons of high-energy gamma-ray radiation into space.
Scientists believe they have already played a part in some the planet's extinctions.
Apocalyptic: Artist's illustration of a powerful gamma-ray burst, the most powerful type of explosion in the universe
They say the blasts could be contributing to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer.
Brian Thomas, of Washburn University, in Topeka, Kansas, said: 'We find that a kind of gamma-ray burst — a short gamma-ray burst — is probably more significant than a longer gamma-ray burst.
'The duration is not as important as the amount of radiation.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2046956/New-study-shows-gamma-ray-bursts-end-life-Earth.html
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