Abstract This paper is on Edwin Hubble's life and the important steps he made in the observation in astronomy. There is no doubt that Edwin Hubble played an important role in the learning process concerning the universe.
Abstract This essay discusses the life of Maria Mitchell and examines how she became the first woman astronomer in the United States. The paper tells of where she grew up. The writer looks at how she climbed the ranks to achieve her goals. Further the writer discusses how she came into discovering her true passion of astronomy. By describing the events that made this courageous woman, the writer shows clearly how she set an example for her gender in the nineteenth century.
Abstract This paper will look at the topic about the Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and will analyze it in terms of the famed Drake equation that has come to define this quest for life elsewhere in the cosmos. An attempt will also be made to put forward the writer's opinion about the dynamics of this equation.
Abstract This six-page graduate-level paper examines and analyzes manned missions to Mars, and concludes that sending human crews to explore our neighboring planet would not be a wise choice at this time. There are better alternatives, such as establishing a commercial presence in near-earth orbit and the Moon, and exploring Mars with unmanned probes.
Abstract This undergraduate essay discusses several recent findings and discoveries in the world of astronomy in 2003. The author examines the discoveries of a new galaxy thirteen-billion light years away, the finding of an unsuspected neighboring star of earth's sun, and several other new developments.
Abstract Various governments and scientific institutions for over forty years have funded the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI). Continued public funding is currently under debate. This paper outlines the theoretical paradigm of SETI and current SETI research. It concludes by assessing the current state of the field and concludes that, while there is no evidence of extra-terrestrial intelligence (ETI), there is also no evidence against it. Therefore, it concludes, SETI research is an incredibly important and legitimate field of scientific inquiry that must be funded and pursued.
Abstract This paper primarily takes a look at how astronomy has been revolutionized by Einstein's relativity theory. It discusses the different methods of space travel and celestial observations and looks at the three basic parts of Einstein's relativity: time dilation, relativity of mass, and length contraction, as well as dealing with the implications these ideas have had on the macroworld, namely astronomy, and the microworld, often on the submolecular level.
From the Paper "Special relativity, which is described first here, is more applicable to microscopic physics and situations that involve inertial frames of reference. Inertial frames of reference are scenarios where on object remains at rest in one frame and another object in a different frame moves at a constant velocity with respect to the first object. The three major tenets of Einstein's special relativity are time dilation, relativity of mass, and length contraction. The equations that sprung from the concepts Einstein discussed in these three topics bridged Newtonian physics, or more accurately, refined it to the modern physics that is used today. However, because the physical concepts that Newton developed are applicable in most "everyday" situations, it is still widely used in most areas of science."
Abstract Discusses Dante's use of astronomy and astrology to explain the cosmos, the themes in his epic poem "The Divine Comedy", which includes "Inferno," "Purgatorio," "Paradisio" and the view of Earth as the center of he universe.
From the Paper "Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was the author of several important works that Harold Bloom (p. 7) considers to be essential in the Western Canon of literature. A man interested in many different topics, ranging from love and ..."
Abstract Examines the traditional crediting of Europe and Copernicus with the development of the Scientific Revolution. Contends that scientific advances in China and the Arabic world were largely responsible for the development.
From the Paper "Generally, scholars date the beginning of the Scientific Revolution at the 1543 publication of Nicolas Copernicus's "De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium," in which he challenged the Ptolemiac universe and argued instead that the..."
Abstract This paper focuses on the issues surrounding the discovery and refinement of the astronomical distance ladder, beginning with a brief account and definition of the ladder itself before moving onto a definition and discussion of the insights of Edwin Hubble. After considering Hubble's contributions, it then discusses the developments offered by new scientists attempting to pin down the Hubble Constant in their work. The astronomical distance ladder is a device used by astronomers to measure distances between objects in space. The basic premise of the ladder is that, since we cannot measure distances directly, we make our distance observations based on distances that are already known.
From the Paper "As regards the Astronomical Distance Ladder, this was a huge and important step in the direction of the debate. Previous understandings of distance were based largely on the intensity of objects, and the nineteenth century standard generally held to the idea that ?faintness means farness,? but the Hubble constant and its revelation of a constantly expanding Universe opened the door to a wide variety of debates about the way distances are measured (Gingerich 1071). Indeed, then the current debate has largely settled around more specific elements of Hubbles view, rather than a whole-scale rejection of his system or some other form of innovation. Indeed, the large and greater portion of debates relating to the astronomical distance ladder focus ?on recently determined and still controversial values of the Hubble constant.? "
Abstract This paper presents an overview of the life of Omar Khayyam, born on 18 May 1048 at Nishapur, the provincial capital of Khurasan. The writer explores all aspects of his amazing life, as painter, mathematician, musician, writer and philosopher. The paper begins with his early life in Persia through to his death in Nishapur on 4th December 1131. The writer believes that Omar Khayyam was an outstanding astronomer and astrologer and his contributions to this field are invaluable still today. The paper includes a number of drawings of the man and examples of his writing.
From the Paper "Omar Khayyam was well known as a poet, philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and physician. His full name was Ghiyath al-Din Abu?l-Fath Omar ibn Ibrahim Al-Nishapuri al-Khayyami. A literal translation of the name al-Khayyami means "tent maker" which maybe derived from his father's trade or he may have practiced this skill at one time. Khayyam played on the meaning of his own name when he wrote; ?Khayyam, who stitched the tents of science, Has fallen in grief's furnace and been suddenly burned, The shears of Fate have cut the tent ropes of his life, And the broker of Hope has sold him for nothing!?."
Abstract This paper explains that spectroscopy, the study of the spectral lines of the different atomic constituents, has been one of the oldest and most trusted methods of studying the elemental analysis of stars and other luminous heavenly objects. The author states that, by using spectroscopic observations, the radial velocities and the elemental abundances of the extra galactic objects has successfully been established. The paper reports that the availability of specific spectroscopy software has further hastened the study of the molecular mechanics and quantum mechanics.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Spectroscopy and Study of Stars
Spectral Lines (Elemental Abundance)
Classification according to Spectra
Spectroscopy Software
Conclusion
From the Paper "The availability of spectroscopic software has allowed the possibility of quick and accurate study of quantum study of the spectral elements. GAMESS is one such software that can be used to calculate the SCF wave functions, perform automatic search for transition states, geometrical orientation and in analyzing the vibrational frequencies. GAMESS (General Atomic and Molecular Electronic Structure System) allows us to integrate quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics, which is essential for our understanding of the complex astronomical science. The software allows us to study chemical functions like dipole movements and to perform complex computations."
Abstract The research questions upon which the study is based ask whether or not NASA's organizational structure had an effect on the amount of communication effort expended during preparation for the Columbia shuttle's takeoff and whether it ultimately caused the demise of the shuttle and its passengers. Based on the review of the literature, this study answers the following research questions. Has NASA's organizational culture changed since the Challenger shuttle accident in 1986, which was largely the result of gaps in communication? What aspects of NASA as an agency may have been partially to blame for the Columbia accident? What do independent parties believe caused the accident? What must NASA do to improve the agency before sending more shuttles to space?
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Research Methodology and Importance
Literature Review
Research Issue #1
Research Issue #2
Research Issue #3
Research Issue #4
Research Issue #5
Research Issue #6
Research Issue #7
Research Issue #8
Research Summary
References
From the Paper "After nearly seven months of investigation, the Board released a series of findings and recommendations aimed at significantly reducing the chances of further accidents. Their aim has been to improve shuttle safety by multiple means, not just by correcting the specific faults that caused the Columbia disaster. With this in mind, the Board conducted an investigation of what happened in Columbia, as well as what conditions allowed the accident to occur. During this process, the Board identified numerous factors, which they have grouped into three categories: physical failures that were directly responsible for Columbia's destruction; underlying weaknesses, revealed in NASA's organization and history, that may end in catastrophic failure; and additional observations made during the course of investigation."
Abstract Just a few decades ago, the question of weapons in space was largely the realm of science fiction writers. However, the dawn of the 21st century has witnessed a permanent presence in space for mankind in the International Space Station. The increasingly internationalized nature of space has caused many observers to call for the United States to assume control to ensure that continued access to this vital and strategic region continues in the future. However, critics of such proposals assert that as the "last peaceful frontier", there is no room for weapons in an otherwise free outer space. This paper provides an overview of the issues, the controlling legislation, and relevant international treaties, followed by an examination of the position of the space militarization advocates and those of its critics. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Accordingly, the Space Commission cautions that there has been an insufficient amount of attention paid to the threat and, as a result, "the U.S. is an attractive candidate for a 'Space Pearl Harbor'" (Pena 16). The fact of the matter is, though, that the United States relies more on space than any other country and that the American military in particular is becoming increasingly reliant on space-based systems; in addition, these space systems are currently undefended and are potentially vulnerable to attack."
Abstract This paper discusses the physiological changes to the human body during space travel. Early predictions of the response of humans to spaceflight assumed that space adaptation would be analogous to human disease processes rather than to normal physiology. Through studies of bed-rested healthy adults and medical examinations of crews returning from space, we now recognize the adaptive nature of the responses to spaceflight or its ground-based models. e are also aware of the necessity to minimize the flight-induced changes so that crews maintain their Earth-readiness and avoid injury on landing. Lack of gravitational loading affects multiple physiological systems, especially support structures that are particularly vulnerable to injury during reentry and renewed exposure to gravitational forces. Thus, most crew members exercise extensively during flight. Although many physiological systems appear to be affected by spaceflight, only the cardiovascular, neurovestibular, and musculoskeletal systems are covered in this paper.
The paper includes illustrations.
Table of Contents
Table of Illustrations
Introduction
The Cardiovascular System
The Neurovestibular System
The Musculoskeletal System
Summary
Bibliography
From the Paper "As soon as they switch to an internal alignment and use the feet to signal down, they are able to function normally. Upon return to Earth, the brain is confused once again as gravity is now available for orientation. This confusion creates postural instability that is compounded with the cardiovascular difficulty in standing. Also, reflexes associated with posture are slowed even on short-duration missions. With long-duration flights, changes in reflexes may become a major issue."
