Nearby Supernova: Are We All Doomed? - Have you ever wondered what would happen if a massive star exploded close to our solar system? These stellar explosions, called supernovae, release incredible amounts of energy. Could such a blast destroy our planet, or would Earth's atmosphere shield us in some way? It's interesting to consider how far away a supernova would need to be for its effects to be harmless, and what parts of our atmosphere might protect us from the intense radiation. | The Brain