When The Center Of The Milky Way Exploded

Posted: 10/7/2019

This enormous event happened only about 3.5 million years ago and lasted for about 300,000 years. “The phenomenon, known as a Seyfert flare, created two enormous 'ionization cones' that sliced through the Milky Way—beginning with a relatively small diameter close to the black hole, and expanding vastly as they exited the Galaxy.”(S1) These flares stretched out about 200,000 light years from the center. ““… This shows that the center of the Milky Way is a much more dynamic [dangerous] place than we had previously thought. It is lucky we're not residing there!"”(S1; emphasis added)

Unfortunately, the article does not say anything on the possible impact on planet Earth. Earth is only about 25,000 light years away from the center of the galaxy. About 3 million years ago the first hominids appeared on Earth like the Australopithecus.

Sources (S):

1. Not long ago, the center of the Milky Way exploded