Earths

Earth’s atmosphere is our best defense against nearby supernovae, study suggests

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Artist’s impression of a Type II supernova explosion. These supernovae produce gamma rays and powerful ionizing radiation that is dangerous to life. Credit: ESO Earth’s protective atmosphere has sheltered life for billions of years, creating a haven where evolution produced complex life forms like us. The ozone layer plays a critical role in protecting the … Read more

How researchers found the remains of the Earth’s first crust near Perth

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Dyke in Norway cutting into sandstone with older layers. Credit: Cato Andersen/Mapillary, CC BY-SA Our planet was born about 4.5 billion years ago. To understand this incredibly long history, we must study the rocks and the minerals they are made of. The oldest rocks in Australia, which are some of the oldest on Earth, are … Read more