At least two mass extinction events in Earth's history were likely caused by the "devastating" effects of nearby supernova explosions, a new study suggests.

Exploding stars in near-solar space may have triggered at least two mass extinction events in Earth’s history. A new study led by astrophysicist Alexis Quintana from the University of Alicante suggests that supernovae—the violent deaths of massive stars—could be responsible for the Late Ordovician and Late Devonian extinction events.

The rate of stars going supernova near Earth appears to match two mass extinctions -- 372 million years ago and 445 million years ago.