Re: DINOSAUR CANCER -Reply

[ArtSippo@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-01-26 11:56:36 EST, you write:

<< Gamma rays are strongly absorbed by the atmosphere and probably wouldn't
make it to the earth's surface.  >>

I know that x-rays are strongly absorbed by oxygen causing ionization and
turning the air "opaque" to most EM radiation.  That is why you get a 'double
flash' with atmospheric nuclear detonations.  The initial nuclear flash
causes a sphere of air to become opaque plasma thereby blocking any further
EM transmission (including x-rays) until the firestorm expands beyond the
limbus of the plasma sphere.

Hard gamma rays have a higher frequency than x-rays because they originate
from the atomic nucleus while x-rays originate from the electron shells.  The
smaller diameter of their source causes a smaller wavelength.  These should
be able to penetrate further into our atmosphere than x-rays.  I would assume
that such hard gamma could make it to the earth's surface if it were intense
enough.  Regardless, the overall EM output from a nearby supernova would play
hell with the atmosphere just as you described.  The direct threat from hard
gamma (if any) would probably be the least of our worries.

Art