Scientists have spoken about a cosmic event that will affect both human health and the course of evolution.
An international group of scientists has issued a warning.
They outlined their findings in a paper for the scientific journal PNAS . They believe the danger comes from proton storms associated with solar flares.
Proton storms could have serious consequences for human health and evolution if they coincide with a weakening of the Earth's magnetic field.
Their power is enough to destroy the planet's ozone layer. But in normal situations, the magnetic field comes to the rescue.
The study's authors modeled situations in which a proton storm reaches Earth at a time when the magnetic field weakens.
The conclusions cannot be called comforting. Firstly, a risk is created for the health of the planet's population.
Secondly, significant climate changes are likely. Thirdly, the course of evolution itself may be influenced.
A proton storm under these conditions would deplete the ozone layer, causing the Earth to have very high levels of ultraviolet radiation for about 6 years.
This will lead to DNA damage in living organisms. The number of such cases will increase by 40-50%.
Scientists have suggested that such an event has already happened more than once in the history of the Earth. It could have radically influenced the course of evolution.
For example, it could lead to the emergence of multicellular organisms and an explosive growth of fauna, as well as the disappearance of Neanderthals.
What the consequences will be after another such event remains to be seen, the researchers note.
Earlier, a "monster" with a head in the shape of a toilet seat was discovered in Namibia.
