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I'm aware of hard radiations from space can wipe out life but I believe that would also causes the planet to be inhabitable for a period of time. Is there any other kind of energetic astronomical event that could destroy life through a transient pulse of radiation (particles or photons) without any "cool down" needed for new life to develop?

The event could be known or theoretical or just plausible that spans entire galaxy if necessary.

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    $\begingroup$ This question may be better suited to Worldbuilding $\endgroup$
    – Phiteros
    Feb 10, 2017 at 22:02
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for suggestion, I'm going to make a post there as well. $\endgroup$ Feb 10, 2017 at 22:20
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    $\begingroup$ @CuriousSmith Please do not crosspost between different SE sites. The question will be moved there if necessary. $\endgroup$ Feb 10, 2017 at 23:13
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    $\begingroup$ Do you mean uninhabitable—that is, incapable of being inhabited? $\endgroup$
    – Brian Tung
    Feb 11, 2017 at 0:19
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    $\begingroup$ An asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs and any other large animals, but some life did survive. $\endgroup$
    – MaxW
    Feb 11, 2017 at 5:36

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The cockroach and the tardigrade can withstand just about anything. Next, any radiation blast consisting of wavelengths reasonably attenuated with water wouldn't affect, directly at least, all the deep-sea creatures.

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