Mass extinction and the structure of the Milky Way
Article
Article Title | Mass extinction and the structure of the Milky Way |
---|---|
ERA Journal ID | 41911 |
Article Category | Article |
Authors | Filipovic, M. D. (Author), Horner, J. (Author), Crawford, E. J. (Author), Tothill, N. F. H. (Author) and White, G. L. (Author) |
Journal Title | Serbian Astronomical Journal |
Journal Citation | 187 (187), pp. 43-52 |
Number of Pages | 10 |
Year | 2013 |
Publisher | Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade |
Place of Publication | Belgrade, Serbia |
ISSN | 1450-698X |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.2298/SAJ130819005F |
Web Address (URL) | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs |
Abstract | We use the most up-to-date Milky Way model and solar orbit data in order to test the hypothesis that the Sun's galactic spiral arm crossings cause mass extinction events on Earth. To do this, we created a new model of the Milky Way's spiral arms by combining a large quantity of data from several surveys. We then combined this model with a recently derived solution for the solar orbit to determine the timing of the Sun's historical passages through the Galaxy's spiral arms. Our new model was designed with a symmetrical appearance, with the major alteration being the addition of a spur at the far side of the Galaxy. A correlation was found between the times at which the Sun crosses the spiral arms and six known mass extinction events. Furthermore, we identify five additional historical mass extinction events that might be explained by the motion of the Sun around our Galaxy. These five additional significant drops in marine genera that we find include significant reductions in diversity at 415, 322, 300, 145 and 33 Myr ago. Our simulations indicate that the Sun has spent ~60% of its time passing through our Galaxy's various spiral arms. Also, we briefly discuss and combine previous work on the Galactic Habitable Zone with the new Milky Way model. |
Keywords | astrobiology; galaxy structure; solar neighbourhood |
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020 | 519999. Other physical sciences not elsewhere classified |
510104. Galactic astronomy | |
510101. Astrobiology | |
Public Notes | File reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/author. |
Byline Affiliations | University of Western Sydney |
University of New South Wales | |
Institution of Origin | University of Southern Queensland |
https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q270y/mass-extinction-and-the-structure-of-the-milky-way
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