A new study has examined the possible impact X-rays could have on planets within a certain distance of supernova explosions. Data from Chandra and other telescopes suggest that planets within about 160 light-years could be subjected to an intense wave of X-rays, which may significantly damage their atmospheres. This artist’s illustration shows such an affected planet in the foreground in the months to years after the explosion (seen in the background) after it has been bombarded by X-rays, as well as a second panel that shows the planet just as the supernova goes off. The study suggests that the areas within the Milky Way galaxy where conditions would be conducive for life as we know it would be smaller.

Four of the supernovae in the study (SN 1979C, SN 1987A, SN 2010JL, and SN 1994I) are shown in these images containing Chandra X-ray data.