I know that gamma ray bursts have mystified scientists for years, but do we have any reason to be afraid one will occur in 2012 close enough to Earth to be catastrophic? How close would we need to be in the first place?
In other words-is there any reason to fear the Earth will cross the path of a dying star in 2012?
I know the Earth's magnetic pole is supposed to have an effect on the longer ones-but still, it makes me nervous. I can find no reference to gamma ray bursts in any of the 2012 lit., and I think it remains the only thing your site has not really managed to reassure me about. NASA's website doesn't say much on the subject either.
Stephen Hawking (a reputable source if I ever saw one) seems to believe that it is extremely unlikely a gamma ray burst will occur close to the Earth in our lifetime, but still, that 20/20 documentary "Last Days" we watched in school featured it, and I can't seem to get it out of my head. Over-active imagination, that's for sure. :/
I have to thank you all for this site, it made me feel a lot better and like I wasn't being silly, even intelligent, educated people were getting scared by this. Now I feel like I can talk about it and get help.
I'd sure appreciate it if somebody would respond to this post, it would really help.
Thanks again!