Ancient Interstellar Cloud May Have Shrunk Sun's Protective Bubble, Impacted Earth's Climate

New research suggests a dense interstellar cloud compressed the heliosphere 2 million years ago, exposing Earth to higher radiation levels and possibly triggering an ice age.

Scientists propose that a cold hydrogen cloud collided with our solar system, shrinking the heliosphere.
This compression exposed Earth to cosmic radiation, potentially affecting climate and contributing to an ice age.
Increased levels of heavy isotopes found in geological records support this theory.
The study used computer models to trace the solar system's path through the Milky Way.
Future research aims to explore past and future encounters with interstellar clouds.