X-ray Supernova Showers Pose Planetary Threat.

A new study using data from Chandra and other telescopes has found that planets within 160 light-years of supernova explosions could be subjected to intense waves of X-rays, which may significantly damage their atmospheres and possibly lead to mass extinction events. Earth is not currently at risk, but may have faced such exposure in the past. The study suggests that the areas within the Milky Way galaxy where conditions would be conducive for life as we know it would be smaller. Follow-up observations of interacting supernovae for months and years after the explosion would be valuable.