Cosmic Catastrophes and Gamma-Ray Bursts

What is one of the most preventable cosmic catastrophes mentioned in the video?

• Asteroid impacts

• Gamma-ray bursts

• Supernovae

• Black hole evaporation

How often do gamma-ray bursts from distant galaxies reach Earth?

• Once per century

• Once per day

• Once per month

• Once per year

What is the main danger of a gamma-ray burst within the Milky Way?

• Long-term atmospheric effects

• Immediate global warming

• Direct radiation

• Increased solar activity

What is the main consequence of a gamma-ray burst depleting the ozone layer?

• Increased ultraviolet radiation

• Decreased oxygen levels

• Decreased atmospheric pressure

• Increased solar radiation

What is the potential effect of a gamma-ray burst on marine life?

• Increase in ocean temperatures

• Destruction of phytoplankton

• Increase in ocean salinity

• Rise in sea levels

What evidence supports the hypothesis that a gamma-ray burst caused the Ordovician-Silurian extinction?

• Sudden increase in sea levels

• Rise in asteroid impacts

• Correlation with UV exposure

• Increased volcanic activity

How often is Earth estimated to be in the path of a gamma-ray burst within 10,000 light years?

• Every billion years

• Every 100 million years

• Every 10 billion years

• Every 10 million years

What is the nearest potential gamma-ray burst threat to Earth?

• A supernova in the Andromeda galaxy

• A black hole in the Milky Way

• The Wolf-Rayet star WR 104

• A neutron star collision

What is the estimated lifespan remaining for the Wolf-Rayet star WR 104?

• 100,000 years

• 10,000 years

• 500,000 years

• 1 million years

What technological advancement might help humanity survive a gamma-ray burst in the future?

• Geoengineering of the atmosphere

• Interstellar travel

• Developing faster-than-light travel

• Building underground cities