...Astrobiology Astrobiology is the study of life outside of Earth. Life on other planets has yet to be discovered. However, scientists believe there is life somewhere else in the universe. Before searching for life elsewhere, scientists attempt to discover how life started on Earth. The Earth is truly an optimal location for millions of types of life. The sun is at a seemingly perfect distance from the Earth. Scientists look for rocks to find microbes in fossils. Sedimentary rocks can contain rock formations that date to 3.5 million years ago. Humans are the descendants of star dust. Dust particles contacted each other for millions of years and eventually formed larger particles. These particles clashed against each other for another long period of time. Eventually planets were formed. Scientists still don’t know how non- living matter lead to the first living organism. Scientists do know that all life on Earth has oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon particles inside. Scientists believe Mars was wetter and warmer in the past, so they believe there used to be life on Mars. Mars has polar ice caps, so scientists believe it has water beneath its surface. A heat source and water source are needed for life, and Mars at one time had both. Hydrothermal vents on Earth have an environment like no other. Organisms can survive in this environment without sunlight as an energy source. Many scientists believe these vents are where life on Earth originated. Mars has signs of past volcanoes and...
Words: 517 - Pages: 3
...1. Why are scientists interested in the possibility of life beyond Earth? The discovery of life of any kind beyond Earth would forever change our perspective on how we fit into the universe as a whole, and would teach us much more about life here on Earth. 2. People have long been interested in life beyond Earth. What is different today that makes this possibility seem scientifically reasonable? Today, technology has flourished and is more advanced than it was in the past. We are able to have telescopic and spacecraft photos of planets and large moons, as well as launching missions to further investigate our curiosity. Because of these advances in technology, we know more about the universe than we previously did. 3. What do we mean by a geocentric universe? In general terms, contrast a geocentric view of the universe with our modern view of the universe. Thousands of years ago, many people believed that the Earth was at the centre of the universe; this was the geocentric view. The geocentric view of the universe contrast our modern view of the universe since it is a Sun-centered view. 4. What are extrasolar planets? In what way does their discovery make it seem more reasonable to imagine finding life elsewhere? Extrasolar planets are planets orbiting stars other than our Sun. It is now more reasonable to imagine life elsewhere since many or most stars have planets. Therefore, there may possibly be life living on these planets or moons. 5. What do we mean...
Words: 785 - Pages: 4
...Arthur Conan Doyle was baffled at these photos. Fairies were considered fake on Earth. He sent the photos to his friend, an expert on photos. A few days later he called him. “Hello.” Said Conan. “Hello.” Said the other person on the line. “Do you have the photos I sent you?” Asked Conan. “Why, Yes.” Said the man. “Do you believe they are real?” Interrogated Conan. “These seem real.” Said the man. “They seem?” asked Conan. “I need much more time to say if their real or fake.” Proclaimed The man. “I will leave you to it” Declared Conan. He hung up. Worried, he knew his friend was an expert on photos and deciding if they are real or not.Would he make him look like a fool, and tamper with them. Anxious Conan called again the next week. His friend then explained “They aren’t fake, there is no strings attached to them and they look very realistic.” The photos were sent back to the two girls with a letter. The letter declared “After months of careful examination we know these photos are real like you have explained to us.” The girls with the guilt overcoming them they decided to tell their parents. ”Mom, Dad the photos we took are fake.” The girls then added “Please do not tell them!” The parents shocked yelled at them “After all the trouble and all the people tricked they are fake!?” . “Yes…” Said the older girl. “How could you!” Exclaimed the parents. “How are they flying then?” Interrogated the parents. The girls explained “We pinned them to the trees and made them look like...
Words: 799 - Pages: 4
...Carl Sagan's novel Contact is about a girl named Ellie who has a deep passion for astronomy. Her passion for Science comes from her Father who only encourages her to explore more into the universe. Ellie always believed there to be extraterrestrial life and worked throughout her life to discover it. People don't understand her or believe her determination to find what she's looking for. Until the day she received contact from a star known as Vega and is soon to physically experience this journey for herself. In Contact, Sagan's message is received through the different parts that occur in the book although, in the movie many parts were left out getting away from the point of the idea. In the novel Ellie's father died when she was 10 but her mother was still alive. Ellie's mother soon found a new husband, who wasn't very encouraging to Ellie. Ellie's step-father always told her to not seem so smart since she was a girl in order for her to make more friends and to attend these different schools. This is a big part in the message because Ellie proved him wrong by her discoveries even if she was a girl. In the film, Ellie didn't exactly have any push to prove her full ability, there was no person telling her what to do. She simply did it for her passion as well as she did it in the novel but there was more of a personal determination for it. Her mother was a a huge factor because it showed more of who Ellie was and to help her realize how much time she was putting into this...
Words: 688 - Pages: 3
...1. Assuming scientists came in to radio contact with some type of ETI in 2037 and I was personally offered to answer one question from humankind, being a staff member of the United Nations. If to be true, I would ask, “In terms of environmental stability and living, how does your planetary system and biology functions function?” This is an important question for an ETI because it can bring light into the difference habitats compared to Earth. Comparing the two environments may open ways in improving our environment. 2. In my opinion, the single most serious threat to the survival of humankind over the next two centuries is the true to be told fact that life on Earth is growing rapidly, and resulting overpopulation. It is important for us humans to relieve the shortage of natural resources, such as gas and oil. As we might already know, our economy and lifestyles are really dependent on the two. With limited resources, makes life on Earth quite more serious. As time goes, humans must solve this problem before larger problems result the issue. 3. The Fermi Paradox states, “if civilizations are all common, then the galaxy should have been colonized long ago” (Bennett 454). However, one may argue the that the solution to Fermi Paradox is “we are alone and there is no galactic civilization because civilizations are extremely rare- so rare that ours is the first to have arisen on the galactic scene” (Bennett 454) Works Cited * Bennett, Jeffrey O., G. Seth. Shostak...
Words: 268 - Pages: 2
...ASTR 105 Astrobiology Online Professor Annette Lee St. Cloud State University Dept. of Physics, Astronomy and Engineering Science 314 Wick Science Building 720 Fourth Avenue Saint Cloud, MN 56031-4498 Contact Information: Email: aslee@stcloudstate.edu Contacting the instructor: Please post questions related to this course (grades, assignments, drop deadlines, specific homework questions, exams, deadlines, etc.) at the D2L Discussion Board. If you have details you wish to keep private in your question, you may email the instructor at aslee@stcloudstate.edu, but the D2L Discussion Board is the preferred method for asking questions about the course. Office Hours by email as needed daily. Pre-requisites: None, but you will need to do basic arithmetic and algebra in this course. Required Textbooks: 1) Life in the Universe, Bennett, 3rd edition, ISBN-9780321687678. This book is your main instructional resource - be sure to read all of the assigned chapters. ***You do NOT need the access code. You do NOT need the latest edition. Other required materials: Regular and reliable Internet access to complete assignments. Grades: Grades will be determined from scores achieved on TESTS, QUIZZES & ACTIVITIES. The lowest 25 % of Quizzes & Activities will be dropped. Work Percent of Final Grade Best 3 out of 4 Test scores 50% Reading Quizzes (Best 75%) 25% Activity scores (Best 75%) 25% Total 100% The basic grading scale is: 100 –90 A 89 – 80 B 79...
Words: 1177 - Pages: 5
...Stardust is the NASA spacecraft that took samples of the Wild 2 comet. This craft returned samples that showed sampled of glycine, an amino acid used to make proteins. The mission took place in January of 2004 and the data was sent back to Earth in January 2006. These results were the first to prove that there are life ingredients in space. This proof restarts the issue of whether our species was created by a meteor or comet that came to Earth and left these similar samples. It’s perfectly logical to think believe if this one comet had these particles that many more could too. That they could be remnants of other planets or celestial bodies even. Dr. Carl Pilcher, Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute which co-funded the research said, “The discovery of glycine in a comet supports the idea that the fundamental building blocks of life are prevalent in space, and strengthens the argument that life in the universe may be common rather than rare.” This is simply a hint of possibilities for what could be out there. Through this two-year journey much was accomplished. These accomplishments give scientists and astronomers even more of a reason to look into space in search for many things from life to more life ingredients. If our science today can accomplish something like this then the limitations are endless for future scientists and what they can find. Professor Donald E. Brownlee said it best when he said, “The discovery of amino acids in the returned comet sample...
Words: 263 - Pages: 2
...chosen a research paper titled “Assessing the Plausibility Of Life on Other Worlds”. I have always been extremely intrigued by the possibility of life on other planets and humanity’s’ quest to discover our place in the universe. Previously I believed that these ideas belonged under the disciplines of Astrophysics, Space Exploration or Astronomy but was surprised to find there is a very specific discipline of science called Astrobiology in which this article falls under. Astrobiology is distinct from other space disciplines as it focuses on the actual biology and presence of life and is entirely devoted to studying the origin, distribution, evolution and future of life within our universe. The article is from the peer reviewed journal “Astrobiology” published by Mary Ann Liebert Inc. and has a global audience spanning over 170 countries since 2001. It is published in a monthly style releasing 12 issues annually and targeting an audience consisting of Microbiologists, chemists, astronomers etc. In terms of what ultimately goes into an issue, Astrobiology is under the editorial leadership of Editor-in-Chief Sherry L. Cady (PhD in Geology) who has the final responsibility for all operations and policies but also employs a Managing editor and Deputy Editor who are also senior members with significant input. Apart from this the editorial board comprises of an Australian editor, Asian editor, European editor, sixteen senior editors and forty four general editors all of whom are highly...
Words: 649 - Pages: 3
...Chapter #1: A Universe of Life? 1.1 The Possibility of Life Beyond Earth What are we searching for? * What are we looking for exactly? * Is it: intelligent life portrayed in sci-fi, more akin to the plants and animals we see in parks or zoos, or is it tiny bacteria-like microbes? * The simple answer to this question is “all of the above” * Extraterrestrial life: Life beyond Earth, we are looking for any sign of life, be it simple, complex, or even intelligent * We have a general definition of what life is, but for now it should be clear that this is a complicated question that affects how we search for life in the universe * Because of the definitional difficulty, the scientific search for extraterrestrial life in the universe generally presumes a search for life that is at least somewhat Earth-like and that we could therefore recognize based on what we know from studying life on Earth Is it reasonable to imagine life beyond Earth? * Prior to the 20th century, for example, some scientists guessed that Venus might harbor a tropical paradise -> this guess was based on little more than the fact that Venus is covered by clouds and closer than Earth to the Sun * Mars was the subject of even more intense debate, largely because a handful of scientists thought they saw long, straight canals on the surface * These canals, which don’t actually exist, were cited as evidence of a Martian civilization * Why has...
Words: 2026 - Pages: 9
...Chapter 1: A Universe of Life? 1. | The portrayal of nearly all aliens in movies and on TV as being humanoid is | A) | based on the fact that it would be impossible for us to understand anything that wasn't very similar to a human | B) | realistic because the human form has several unique qualities that make it a good choice for any advanced civilization | C) | based on the fact that the human form is the only possible form for an advanced civilization | D) | probably unrealistic because the human form is most likely a result of the particular conditions and events that occurred on the Earth | 2. | Extraterrestrial life elsewhere in the universe | A) | will be unrecognizable | B) | could be similar to life on Earth or might be completely different | C) | will be identical to life on Earth | D) | will be completely different than life on Earth | 3. | Extraterrestrial life is defined to be | A) | life found beyond the Earth which is based on the same biology and chemistry as life on Earth | B) | advanced life forms that have visited the Earth | C) | any kind of life found beyond the Earth | D) | advanced life found on Earth-like planets around other stars | 4. | If life is eventually found in the solar system, it will most likely be in the form of | A) | microbes | B) | plants | C) | animals | D) | little green men and women | 5. | Recently astronomers have gained concrete evidence that, in addition to being full of stars...
Words: 1117 - Pages: 5
...Panspermia The answer to the question: “where did we come from?” has been sought after by mankind for ages. Many different hypotheses have been crafted over the centuries and have been topics of debate for thousands of years; however we still do not have a definitive answer. Types of theories range from those based on religious doctrine to those which take a strictly scientific approach. One possibility that leans towards the latter is the panspermia theory which suggests that life did not originate on earth; but rather came to earth from somewhere else in the universe. It is the idea that the ingredients for life are found throughout the universe and are able to initiate life given a habitable environment. While this theory may seem improbable to some, increasing evidence suggests that this idea may have more truth to it than some may believe. In order for life to have come to earth from somewhere else in the universe, it would have had to survive the harshest environment we know of; space. These organisms would have been exposed to massive amounts of radiation, extremely cold temperatures (nearly -273.15ºC), and extreme atmospheric pressure1. When we think of organisms that thrive in the harshest environments on earth we think of extremophiles, and perhaps the most renowned and complex extremophile is the tardigrade. These dry aquatic invertebrates are known to be one of the most resilient species on earth and have received a lot of attention from researchers regarding...
Words: 1345 - Pages: 6
...LIFE IN THE WORLD 3.1. The nature of life according to Christianity Christianity teaches that the universe was created through love by an intelligent power, namely the God of the Bible. Creation was purposeful, not arbitrary, and therefore the universe is not morally neutral, but fundamentally good. In this purposeful creation, everything and everyone are intrinsically valuable. God's design or purpose for creation reflects God's intention that all creatures enjoy perfect love and justice. God works in human history to fulfil that purpose. God created human beings in the divine image, enabling humans to have some understanding of God and of God's vast and complex design. The purpose of life is to love and serve God in order to help bring about God's glorious plan for creation. Reason is a unique gift bestowed by God on humans and enables them to reflect on their own nature and conscience, and from that derive knowledge of God's will for creation. But a complete understanding is beyond human reach. To fulfil the goal of wholeness in an existence perfected by both justice and love, something more is needed. Humans are not expected to accomplish the divine plan alone. The fulfilment of God's purpose depends on God's grace. For Christians, grace is God's freely-given favour and love. Reason is a good gift, sometimes misused for selfish, wilful, or prideful purposes. The substitution of selfish ambition for God's will is a condition that Christians call sin, meaning separation...
Words: 2321 - Pages: 10
...Dinosaurs and the Bible There is widespread controversy about dinosaurs: When did they roam the earth? Did they coexist with humans? Why did they go extinct? These are common questions that evolutionists and creationists alike try to explain. In the article “Dinosaurs and the Bible” Ken Ham tries to explain biblically these common questions about dinosaurs. He explains that in the school systems today, we are taught that dinosaurs lived millions of year ago and went extinct before humans were even on the earth. Ham then refutes this by explaining that dinosaurs did in fact exist with humans, and using the bible as his reference proves his point. According to the language of this article, it seems that this article is aimed at a reader who isn’t knowledgeable on the subject. He uses simple language, and gives additional explanations for certain concepts of evolution, and ideas that he uses. This aids in the comprehension of the beliefs that Ham proposes. Ham certainly proves his credibility throughout by giving multiple scripture passages, and using the evolutionist theories to strengthen his statements. He clearly explains his beliefs in a convincing way. He also raises many common questions, and then gives a logical answer that fits perfectly with his ideas. However, there could have been more counter arguments to further back up the statements made by Ham. In the conclusion of the article, Ham gives the gospel message, which could possibly be viewed...
Words: 626 - Pages: 3
...EARTH PERSPECTIVES The biological and geological future of the Earth can be extrapolated based upon the estimated effects of several long-term influences. These include the chemistry at the Earth's surface, the rate of cooling of the planet's interior, the gravitational interactions with other objects in the Solar System, and a steady increase in the Sun's luminosity. An uncertain factor in this extrapolation is the ongoing influence of technology introduced by humans, such as geoengineering, which could cause significant changes to the planet. The current biotic crisis is being caused by technology and the effects may last for up to five million years. In turn, technology may result in the extinction of humanity, leaving the planet to gradually return to a slower evolutionary pace resulting solely from long-term natural processes. Hawking: How Humankind Will Survive the Future Listen, people of Earth: Everything's going to be fine. All we have to do is survive another century or two without self-destructing as a species. Then we'll get off this rock, spread throughout space, and everything will be all right. If this is not your idea of "optimism," then you are not Stephen Hawking. The esteemed physicist garnered headlines, and some eye-rolls, after telling Big Think last week that humanity needs to leave the Earth in the future or face extinction. As The Atlantic noted: He's not knocking climate scientists' attempts to figure things out on Earth-he's just thinking long...
Words: 3800 - Pages: 16
...Goldilocks Zone The Goldilocks planet or 'Goldilocks effect' is that something must be within limits: "not too hot, not too cold, but just right". It is taken from a children's story "The Three Bears" in which a little girl named Goldilocks finds a house owned by three bears. Each bear has their own preference of food, beds, etc. After testing each of the three items, Goldilocks determines that one of them is always too much in one extreme (too hot, too large, etc.), one is too much in the opposite extreme (too cold, too small, etc.), and one is "just right". In astrobiology, the Goldilocks zone refers to the habitable zone around a star. A planet must neither be too far away from, nor too close to a star and galactic centre to support life. Either extreme would prevent a planet evolving life. Such a planet is colloquially called a "Goldilocks planet". Fermi paradox The Fermi paradox (or Fermi's paradox) is the apparent contradiction between high estimates of the probability of the existence of extraterrestrial civilization and humanity’s lack of contact with, or evidence for, such civilizations.[1] The basic points of the argument, made by physicists Enrico Fermi and Michael H. Hart, are: * The Sun is a typical star, and relatively young. There are billions of stars in the galaxy that are billions of years older. * Almost surely, some of these stars will have Earth-like planets.[2] Assuming the Earth is typical, some of these planets may develop intelligent life...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
