Star Threatens Earth: Is it Real?

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The discussion centers on skepticism regarding the claims of a star threatening Earth, highlighting that the potential danger is largely speculative. Participants express concern over the alarmist tone of media reports, questioning their reliability in scientific matters. While some acknowledge that gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) could pose a risk, they emphasize that no GRBs have been observed in nearby galaxies, making the threat seem remote. There is a consensus that humanity has ample time, estimated at 500 million years, to develop strategies to mitigate such risks. Overall, the conversation underscores a cautious approach to sensationalized scientific claims.
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http://www.stuff.co.nz/4426392a10.html

Is this for real? I am somewhat sceptical of anything of a technical or scietific field that I read in the mass media.
 
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Reading it through, it seems that the possibility of a real danger is highly speculative.
 
mathman said:
Reading it through, it seems that the possibility of a real danger is highly speculative.


Highly speculative yes but don't you love how alarmist the tone & headline are.
 
engineroom said:
...I am somewhat sceptical of anything of a technical or scientific field that I read in the mass media...
Agreed. I used my good friend Google and found http://www.usyd.edu.au/news/84.html?newsstoryid=2181".As for the actual article itself, it's definitely possible, http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/starsgalaxies/gammaray_extinction.html" seem to think so.. but I think we have 500 million years or so to plan for it..
 
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No GRB has been observed in any nearby galaxy, much less our own. I deem the probability very remote. If humanity persists for another 500 million years, I anticipate we will have long since acquired the ability to dodge such a bullet.
 

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