SMRTR Science & EngineeringFeb 17, 2025Medium

Did the Solar System Pass Through a Giant Molecular Cloud Ten Million Years Ago?

SMRTR summary

Earth likely passed through a dense interstellar gas cloud about 10 million years ago, compressing the Sun's heliosphere and increasing Earth's exposure to cosmic rays. Evidence includes a 70% spike in beryllium-10 production in deep-ocean crusts from 9-11.5 million years ago. The cloud was estimated to be 50 light-years wide and 400 light-years away. This event raises questions about cosmic influences on Earth's history and possibly human evolution.

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