Effect of Supernovae on the Local Interstellar Material
  A range of astronomical data indicates that ancient supernovae created the
galactic environment of the Sun and sculpted the physical properties of the
interstellar medium near the heliosphere. In this paper we review the
characteristics of the local interstellar medium that have been affected by
supernovae. The kinematics, magnetic field, elemental abundances, and
configuration of the nearest interstellar material support the view that the
Sun is at the edge of the Loop I superbubble, which has merged into the low
density Local Bubble. The energy source for the higher temperature X-ray
emitting plasma pervading the Local Bubble is uncertain. Winds from massive
stars and nearby supernovae, perhaps from the Sco-Cen Association, may have
contributed radioisotopes found in the geologic record and galactic cosmic ray
population. Nested supernova shells in the Orion and Sco-Cen regions suggest
spatially distinct sites of episodic star formation. The heliosphere properties
vary with the pressure of the surrounding interstellar cloud. A nearby
supernova would modify this pressure equilibrium and thereby severely disrupt
the heliosphere as well as the local interstellar medium.
