An exceptionally large cosmic radiation source could cause mass extinctions—it's a postulated explanation for several of the geologic ones. That's not due to t

An exceptionally large cosmic radiation source could cause mass extinctions—it's a postulated explanation for several of the geologic ones. That's not due to the radiation itself. The mass column of the atmosphere—equivalent of a 10-meter thick water layer—is plenty adequate radiation shielding. Rather it's secondary effects of the interaction of radiation with the high atmosphere, such as the destruction of ozone. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/08/researchers-propose-a-supernova-triggered-the-late-devonian-mass-extinction/ https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/08/researchers-propose-...