Gamma Ray Bursts and Their Impact

What are some cosmic events that produce gamma rays?

• Formation of galaxies

• Colliding neutron stars

• Solar flares

• Meteor showers

How were gamma-ray bursts first discovered?

• By accident

• Using a new telescope

• Via ancient texts

• Through a planned experiment

What was significant about the gamma-ray burst detected in October 2022?

• It was the closest ever observed

• It lasted for several hours

• It was the most powerful ever observed

• It originated from within our solar system

What question did Enrico Fermi famously ask regarding extraterrestrial life?

• What is the speed of light?

• Where is everybody?

• Why are there so many stars?

• How do planets form?

How might gamma-ray bursts affect the evolution of intelligent life?

• By enhancing communication technologies

• By creating new habitable planets

• By delaying or preventing the rise of intelligent species

• By increasing atmospheric pressure

What would be the immediate effect of a gamma-ray burst hitting Earth?

• Increase in global temperatures

• Creation of new life forms

• Destruction of the atmosphere

• Formation of new oceans

What is one potential consequence of a gamma-ray burst on Earth's ecosystem?

• Formation of new continents

• Rise in sea levels

• Increase in plant growth

• Mass extinction of species

How often might a gamma-ray burst occur in our galaxy?

• Once every century

• Once every decade

• Once per millennium

• Once every year

What is a more immediate threat to life on Earth than gamma-ray bursts?

• Destruction of natural habitats

• Increased solar activity

• Asteroid impacts

• Rising sea levels

What is a suggested action to help protect our planet?

• Building more nuclear power plants

• Reducing single-use plastics

• Increasing fossil fuel consumption

• Expanding urban areas