Abstract This paper explores some theories about the beginning of the universe and focuses on the Big Bang Theory. It explains that depending on whose research you follow, the universe could be anywhere from 9.5 billion to a few trillion years old. This paper introduces and discusses the Big Bang Theory, explaining how, according to the theory, the universe came in being. It then discusses the Redshift critique of the theory.
From the Paper "In 1929, Edwin Hubble decided that because the light coming from most galaxies was redshifted, the universe must be expanding after exploding from an infinitesimal volume of superhot, superdense concentration of matter and energy. The explosion is called the big bang which propelled matter in all directions and at all speeds. According to the big bang theory, the farther away an object is from us, the more redshifted its light. Also, a greater redshift means the object is moving away faster than objects with less redshift. If the universe is not expanding, this cannot be true and the redshift must be due to other causes. An astronomer can tell how old the universe is by the rate of expansion. If the redshift is due to something other than expansion, nothing can be said about the universe's age. The old paradigm of a steady state universe suggests that the universe is a closed system, with matter and energy in a constant flux."
Abstract The space shuttle is the world's first reusable spacecraft. With today's technology, shuttles are capable of withstanding the vacuums of space, the difficulty of re-entry and cosmic and solar radiation. The paper shows that while some scientists believe the space industry will never become commercialized due to the shuttle's outdated complexities, shuttles of today may commercialize the space industry with an old rocket technology that has not been fully realized. Solid rocket engines, an old, yet reliable, space technology, are safe, low cost, provide a high thrust and may be the key to space industry commercialization.
From the Paper "Solid fuel rocket engines are an old technology. While they have changed since their inventions of early China, their simple and non-complicated design remains in tact. It is due to that design that the engines and rockets have remained stable throughout centuries. They are safe, encompassing easy to handle materials, and allowing for long-term storage. They are reliable, consisting of non-machine related parts to limit the possibilities of mechanical failure. They are cost effective, due to their reusability as well as their materials, made from low cost resources."
Abstract This paper attempts to explain the nature of the solar system. Starting with the inner solar system, the paper explores the make-up of the sun, central to the system, followed by Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. The paper then explores what is known as the outer system, beginning with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The paper then offers a three-point conclusion, beginning with the sun and then dividing into the outer and inner solar systems.
From the Paper "Many theories have been formulated by scientists and scholars that help explain the nature and origin of the solar system, which gave birth to the planets in it, which includes the planet Earth. Among these formation theories, the most widely-accepted theory is the Nebular Theory of Solar System Formation. This theory states that the solar system was formed as a result of the collapse of an interstellar cloud, which eventually became the solar system and all the planets and elements within it. This space phenomenon happened 4.7 billion years ago, and as the interstellar cloud collapsed under the force of gravity, it rotates at a fast rate, eventually forming a ball of hot gas and dust, called the protosun."
Abstract As the space shuttle Columbia began its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003, it began to break up. While the exact cause of the shuttle break up is still being investigated, there are many theories being considered, many of which have to do with heating tiles under the shuttle. The paper examines the process of an air-shuttle's re-entry into the atmosphere and shows where things could have gone wrong with Columbia.
From the Paper "In the final stage, the shuttle approaches the upper atmosphere and enters the ionization blackout. In the ionization blackout, hot ionized gases of the atmosphere surround the shuttle. This prevents radio communication with mission control for the about twelve minutes. At this point the shuttle is traveling at 17,000 mph. As the shuttle collides with air molecules, friction is generated which leads to surface temperatures of around 3000 F. The steep angle of re-entry ensures that most of the aerodynamic heating is directed towards the underside of the shuttle where the heat resistant tiles offer the greatest amount of protection. As the atmosphere thickens, the shuttle's thrusters are eventually switched off, at which point the shuttle's aerodynamic flight features kick in, and it can be flown like an airplane."
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about the scientist Edmond Halley. Halley is credited with the naming and discovery of Halley's comet but he was responsible for many other scientific works in addition to the comet. The author takes on a journey through the life of Halley and explains who he was and what his life works were about.
Abstract This paper examines the issue of whether there is a scientific basis for astrology. The author presents a brief history of astrology and then proceeds to analyze the scientific criticisms of astrology.
Abstract This paper discusses what cultural aspects and other consequences would be of detecting extraterrestrial intelligent life. This paper will analyze the roles of the media, the government and the academic establishment that might be or should be played. The effect of sociology, politics and religion will be addressed.
Abstract This paper examines asteroids. This paper examines the history of their discovery and analysis and concludes with consideration of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHA) and asteroid impacts.
Abstract Current theories indicate that there are three types of black holes and each is examined. Theories also may provide information on the creation of galaxies.
Abstract This paper provides three statistical tables that describe planetary temperatures of Earth, Mars, and Mercury. It includes a table that provides vital statistics for each of these three planets and as offers descriptions of the data provided. These descriptions elaborate on the data provided and discuss relations of planet temperature with location, proximity to the sun, rotation cycles and information about planetary axis.
Abstract This paper shall examine comets from a research perspective. It will present a very simplified explanation of the nature of the comet, as well as the role comets have played in human history.
Abstract The paper looks at the role of asteroid impact on the extinction of the dinosaurs and the Great Dying of the Permian period. It looks at direct and indirect physical evidence.
From the Paper "he article under review is titled "Repeated Blows: Did Extraterrestrial Collisions Capable of Causing Widespread Extinctions Pound the Earth Not Once, But Twice-Or Even Several Times." It was published in the March 2002 issue of the Scientific American...."
Abstract This paper looks at how, as Galileo first turned his telescope toward the heavens, he was drastically turning mankind away from its long-accepted view that the Aristotelian view of the heavens was correct. It examines the significance of Galileo's early astronomical observations on the Aristotelian universe by examining Aristotle's theory of the cosmos, pertinent background on Galileo, his discoveries, and the effect they had on Aristotle's universe.
Outline
Introduction
Aristotle's Universe
Galileo Leading Up to His Discoveries
Galileo's Observations and their Significance
The Moon
Jupiter
Venus
Other Important Observations
Toward a Heliocentric Model
Conclusion
From the Paper "The next object Galileo turned his attention to was the planet Jupiter. In January of 1610, he saw three small but bright stars in the area of Jupiter that changed positions with time, but never strayed far from Jupiter. After repeated observations, Galileo concluded that there are three stars in the heavens moving about Jupiter. He later discovered a fourth satellite of Jupiter and he named these moons the Medicean stars. These satellites were seen to orbit Jupiter at various distances and speeds. This was the first time that a planet other than Earth was found to have satellites orbiting it."
Abstract This paper discusses how ignoring one's surroundings can lead to tragedy. It uses examples from "The Martian Chronicles" and other sources to prove this point. Many different characters exemplify the fact that it is necessary to accept the realities of life before dreams can be achieved. Other points touched on include Martians being metaphors for dreams and that every pioneer had his/her own reason for leaving Earth. It also discusses how Mars and Martians reflect back everyone's individual hopes and desires and how Mars is not capable of being turned into Earth.
From the Paper "While the quest to realize dreams is admirable, ignoring the realities of one's world can bring tragic consequences. Dreams can only be achieved when life's realities are accepted. This is one of several themes running throughout Ray Bradbury's novel, The Martian Chronicles, about the colonization of Mars. Through a series of vignettes strung together by the idea that dreams and reality can coexist in life (Bloom 34), Bradbury successfully creates a realistic view of the possible future while expressing a warning, that without acknowledging one's surroundings for what they are, no dreams will ever be fulfilled. In the novel, the settlers of Mars try desperately to re-create Earth into what is familiar to them instead of adjusting to their new surroundings, and therein lies their mistake, and ultimately their downfall."
Abstract This paper explains how there is proof that earth has been bombarded by meteors in the past. These meteors have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, provided iron to jump-started the Iron Age, and caused a crater in Arizona. The possibility of a 1 km-sized meteor striking Earth, or even Duluth for that matter, is slim. This paper discusses the possible ramifications of such an event in the future.
From the Paper "Earth is a target for destruction, but it's not aliens or terrorists who are planning its ruin. Meteors have assaulted the Earth ever since our home planet came into existence, and they continue to bombard the Earth with broken pieces from asteroids and comets. Some of these results have been disastrous, and some have furthered along human development. In my essay, I hope to show that these meteors have crash-landed on Earth in the past, that meteors do pose a threat to Earth, and evidence for the need for protection against them."
