Cosmic wave may have influenced Earth's cooling

Scientists have found that the Solar System passed through the Radcliffe Wave, a massive gas cloud, between 18 and 11 million years ago. This event coincided with a significant climate shift on Earth, suggesting a possible link. The Radcliffe Wave is a dense structure in the Milky Way that may have affected the Sun's protective bubble, allowing more interstellar dust and cosmic radiation to reach Earth. This could have contributed to global cooling during a transition to a cooler climate. Researchers are investigating geological evidence, such as iron-60 deposits, to confirm this connection. While some experts remain skeptical, the study highlights the potential influence of cosmic events on Earth's history.