The Link Between the Local Bubble and Radioisotopic Signatures on Earth

TL;DR

This paper links recent terrestrial radioisotope signatures to nearby supernova activity and the evolution of the Local Bubble, using models to explain the timing and distribution of 60Fe signals on Earth and lunar samples.

Contribution

It introduces analytical and numerical models connecting supernova activity, the Local Bubble's evolution, and terrestrial radioisotope signatures, providing a comprehensive explanation for observed 60Fe signals.

Findings

Extended 60Fe signal in deep-sea archives

Detection of older 60Fe signature in manganese crust

Models explain timing and distribution of radioisotope signatures

Abstract

Traces of 2-3 Myr old 60Fe were recently discovered in a manganese crust and in lunar samples. We have found that this signal is extended in time and is present in globally distributed deep-sea archives. A second 6.5-8.7 Myr old signature was revealed in a manganese crust. The existence of the Local Bubble hints to a recent nearby supernova-activity starting 13 Myr ago. With analytical and numerical models generating the Local Bubble, we explain the younger 60Fe-signature and thus link the evolution of the solar neighborhood to terrestrial anomalies.