what is a hypernova? a hypernova is basically a supernova but alot more powerful here is a description from wilkpedia about it
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A hypernova is a theoretical type of supernova produced when exceptionally large stars collapse at the end of their lifespan. In a hypernova, the core of the star collapses directly into a black hole and two extremely energetic jets of plasma are emitted from its rotational poles at nearly light speed. These jets emit intense gamma rays, and are a candidate explanation for gamma ray bursts.
and then the next question would have to be what would happen if one happen near us? well lets just say we have a buffer zone of 3,000 lightyears to pretty much wipeout earth from the atmosphere to the core of the earth here are some figures of what kind of damage it could do:
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The initial bombardment would immediately destroy the ozone layer and detonate the atmosphere akin to that of the simultaneous discharging, at the bare minimum, of one-kiloton of TNT per km^2, over the whole hemisphere facing the phenomenon. Ionization, the separation of atoms via gaining energy and losing electrons, would take place converting the oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere into nitrogen dioxide. Before covering the Earth in a black cloud comparable to that of urban smog, the sky would burst into flames and fireballs, creating global storms of acid rain and possibly fire. However, before all of the previous occurred, the actual radiation would hit the surface. The radiation energy level would be roughly around 10^4 to 10^7 eV (electron volts). If compared to a standard medical x-ray machine's 200,000 eV (and needing a protective lead vest), you get up to 1 million times the radiation! Radiation affects high atomic-number elements more. The most abundant high atomic-number elements in biological organisms are calcium and potassium. These two elements are utilized in muscle function, and ionizing radiation would cause extreme cramping of muscles, making a rather stiff and painful, but quick death.
then the next question would be how often does it happen?
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The rough estimate is every 200 million years
well lucky for use were past that mark and that the closest star for that to happen is 7,500 lightyears away which means that it won't affect us at all just fry everything thats in orbit of the earth, which means satellite tv will be gone all telescopes gone, mir would crash to the earth (possibly)
well my opnion would e bring it on, i rather see that or a comet or an asteroid hitting us then man made destroying earth, but in my luck i won''t see it happen.
if you want to read the whole article go to this website http://www.armageddononline.net/hypernova.php
would be interested what people think about this topic and other planetray disaters that could happen to us.
but you said "the closest star for that to happen" do you mean that the sun cant go boom and shred our planet into bits?
