New Supernova paper

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As I recall, the recent S&L/K-T/CL/A&P/etc. started with a query about a
new paper on supernovas and extinctions.  I think I've found that paper.
It's covered as a news item in this week's New Scientist (p. 15) under the
headline "Did Deathrays Destroy Species."  The reference is Ellis and
Schramm (1995, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 92:235). who
evidently offer the same old theory of cosmic rays destroying the ozone
layer and solar UV taking out the fauna (see my previous posting of
supernova references for previous descriptions of this hypothesis).  These
authors suggests that Earth should encounter a killer supernovae (KS) once
every 240 million years.  Thus, they feel that one of the big 5 must be due
to the KS.  Guess which one?  Yes, sold to the man with the slightly dazed
expression on his face.  Doug, it's all yours.  Just how do we test this
hypothesis.  Ellis says rocks formed at the time of the P-T extinction may
contain "unusual isotopes" of common elements.  Got to add those to your
list Erwin.  Some guys just have all the luck!  ;)

Norm MacLeod


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Norman MacLeod
Senior Research Fellow
N.MacLeod@nhm.ac.uk (Internet)
N.MacLeod@uk.ac.nhm (Janet)

Address: Dept. of Palaeontology, The Natural History Museum,
                     Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Office Phone: 071-938-9006
Dept. FAX:  071-938-9277
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