Two astronomers are discussing supernovas. Dr. Frank says, "Research has established that if a supernova occurs within ten light-years of the Earth, then life on Earth will be destroyed." Dr. Harris says, "Research has also established that either a supernova will not occur within ten light-years of the Earth or life on Earth will not be destroyed." Is it possible that both astronomers are correct? If so, what can we determine about the occurrence of a supernova?

Supernovae produce intense flashes of light that can last from several weeks to several months. They are characterized by a rapid increase in light intensity until reaching an absolute magnitude greater than the rest of the galaxy. Subsequently, its brightness decreases more or less smoothly until it disappears completely.

Explanation:

A team of international astronomers discovered that if the supernovae were found at a distance of 50 light years from Earth, they could cause the mass extinction of living things, according to an article published in the Astrophysical Journal.

"Until recently, our colleagues believed that the 'range' of supernovae was about 25 light years. We were of the opinion that they did not take into account a number of factors and that it is actually about 50 light years," Adrian said. Melott, from the University of Kansas at Lawrence (USA).

The unusually high power of cosmic rays in the atmosphere, according to Melott, results in an increase in the "damage radius" of supernovae. According to the researcher, supernova explosions are capable of destroying life within a radius of 50 light years and not 10 or 25 light years, as previously thought.