EarthSky News - February 24 - Does Dark Matter Cause Mass Extinctions?

February 24 Does Dark Matter Cause Mass Extinctions?

Does dark matter cause mass extinctions? As we journey around the galaxy, our solar system might regularly interact with dark matter, which might dislodge Oort cloud comets and boost heat in Earth's core, causing mega-eruptions of volcanos. This date in science:  Closest supernova since 1604 Awesome images and insights from Supernova 1987A, a colossal stellar explosion.   Waxing moon in Taurus, heading toward Jupiter Tonight's moon shines near the star Aldebaran and the dipper-shaped Pleiades star cluster. The very bright object in the east is the planet Jupiter. When is the next leap year? No leap year in 2015.  The next one, and reason for leap years, here. Beehive: 1,000 stars in Cancer You might notice it as a smudge in a dark sky, with three times the moon’s diameter.  EarthSky astronomy kits are perfect for beginners Order yours today from the EarthSky store.

TODAY'S IMAGE Barnard's Loop and more in Orion See Orion's three Belt stars?   There's also a vast region of bright and dark clouds here, hidden to the eye. Photo by Max Corneau.