It Was Recently Discovered That the Scorpius-Centaurus OB Association Passed

question 97

Multiple Choice

It was recently discovered that the Scorpius-Centaurus OB association passed within 150 light-years of the solar system perhaps 2 million years ago.What is the significance?

• A) A supernova eruption in the association at that time may have sent shock waves that led to the collapse of a dark dust cloud to form the solar nebular disk.
• B) A supernova eruption in the association at that time may have sent large amounts of radiation that overwhelmed the Earth's protective ozone layer and caused widespread biological extinctions.
• C) The gravitational influence of the association probably caused the migration of the giant planets in our solar system to their present locations.
• D) A supernova eruption in the association at that time may have been the source of the radioactive aluminum isotope that was once part of some meteorites, like the Allende meteorite.

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Definitions:

Primatologists

Scientists who study primates, including monkeys, apes, and humans, focusing on their behavior, biology, and evolution.

Field Research

The collection of raw data and information from the natural environment where phenomena occur, as opposed to controlled environments like laboratories.

Nonhuman Primates

Mammals, excluding humans, that belong to the primate order; includes monkeys, apes, and lemurs.

Ethics

A branch of philosophy dealing with questions of morality and the principles governing right and wrong conduct.