Gamma-ray bursts may repeatedly wipe out life

Chances of sentient beings on other planets may be lower than thought

sterilizing gamma ray bursts

CHANCE OF LIFE  Because sterilizing gamma ray bursts occur more frequently near centers of galaxies, more-distant planets in the Milky Way have a greater likelihood of evolving life forms, scientists have calculated. 

Courtesy of R. Jimenez, adapted by E. Otwell

Deadly invisible jets of high-energy radiation may short-circuit life throughout the universe.