Near-Earth Supernovae in the Past 10 Myr: Implications for the Heliosphere

TL;DR

Multiple supernovae within 100 parsecs in the last 10 million years significantly impacted Earth's heliosphere, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary research on supernova effects, cosmic rays, and astrospheres.

Contribution

This paper compiles evidence of nearby supernovae and emphasizes their effects on the heliosphere, advocating for expanded cross-disciplinary research and exploration.

Findings

Supernovae occurred within 100 pc in the past 10 Myr.

These supernovae compressed the heliosphere to about 20 au.

The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding supernova impacts.

Abstract

We summarize evidence that multiple supernovae exploded within 100 pc of Earth in the past few Myr. These events had dramatic effects on the heliosphere, compressing it to within ~20 au. We advocate for cross-disciplinary research of nearby supernovae, including on interstellar dust and cosmic rays. We urge for support of theory work, direct exploration, and study of extrasolar astrospheres.