What is the estimated proximity required for a Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) to cause instantaneous death via direct gamma flux on the surface?
Answer
Within about 100 light-years or less
The text establishes a tiered risk assessment for Gamma-Ray Bursts based on distance. While distances up to several thousand light-years can cause global ecological damage via ozone depletion, the threshold for immediate, surface-level lethality due to the direct, overwhelming flux of gamma rays striking the ground is drastically smaller. Experts estimate this proximity to be within approximately 100 light-years or even closer, depending on the inherent power of the specific GRB. At this range, the energy deposited exceeds any survivable ARS threshold, causing virtually instantaneous molecular disintegration across critical organs.
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