Abstract This paper discusses the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project and its search for extraterrestriallife via the capture and analysis of radio signals and use of cutting edge technology.
From the Paper "Ever since ancient times, man has wondered about the existence of intelligent life on other planets. Speculation about what that life might be like has fueled the entire science fiction literary genre as well as a substantial number of movies, some of them excellent. Now, in the 21st Century, the search for extraterrestrial life has moved from the realm of science fiction into the realm of real science. New discoveries, new tools and cutting edge technologies have made the search for extraterrestrial life systematic, scholarly,..."
Tags:extraterrestrial, SETI, radio telescope, interferometry, radio signals, SETI@Home
Abstract The paper explains that stars are set up to have planets circling around them and it is on those planets that scientists search to locate other life forms that may exist. The paper reveals that a growing body of scientists believe that there is/was life on Mars. The paper discusses how, with the advances in technology, it may not be long until we find a planet with living beings.
Outline:
Introduction
Stars The Search For Life Conclusion
From the Paper "Man has been working on science since the beginning of time. As the human race continues to evolve, technology become more advanced and the ability to answer questions accurately grows stronger. One of the questions that has continued to stump mankind since the beginning of time is whether or not there is life out there. Songs are written about it, movies depicting aliens abound and books convey the belief that there is life on other planets and in other solar systems, however, to date no scientific evidence has been found that can support that belief. The technological advances that have occurred in recent history have allowed man to provide a more structured research setting to answer the questions about life bearing planets and alien life."
Abstract This paper explains that the search for life beyond this planet must be built on a solid understanding of how life managed to emerge on Earth. The author examines the development of extraterrestrial theories about the origins of life by beginning with an examination of previous theories of origin. The paper then presents current research and the empirical basis for current theories with implications for the search for extraterrestriallife. The author also offers some possible avenues of future research and examination, which could help refine the understanding of the origins of life in the universe.
From the Paper "In fact, the presence of a liquid like water seems to be the only major prerequisite for the development of life. Without a liquid, the complex chemical reactions required for the emergence of life are presumed impossible. But, that's not to say that the liquid in question must be water. Many researchers are exploring the possibility of life developing in more unorthodox liquids, such as methane, ammonia, or even sulfuric acid. Life on earth may have simply developed to take advantage of the very abundant liquid water; water's presence may have only been happenstance."
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 the Big Bang theory, and how the planet Earth is thought to have come about. The author discusses how if life on Earth was created via the Big Bang, could not humans expect to find intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, created in the same manner? The paper looks at whether humans have the technology to discover possible extraterrestriallife.
From the Paper "Should we as humans expect to find intelligent life elsewhere in the universe? There are many reasons for and against this concept, but first we should trace just how our terrestrial life started. The beginning of time and the universe began with the Big Bang. This was an explosion that started the expansion of the universe. In the most basic sense, the standard model is simply the idea that every bit of the matter and energy in the universe was once compressed to an unimaginable density. In the big bang, the material exploded outward into the formation of matter that we see today."
Abstract This paper discusses what the universe is made up of, its age, how stars are formed and what is the future of our solar system. It discusses the history of the exploration of the universe. The author explains how In this century large telescopes are set up, far away from city lights and traffic to gather the best data for studying the skies. A brief overview of the theories on the origin of the universe is also given. The author concludes that although new theories are constantly being proposed and science is constantly to answer the question "Where did we come from"? , until now, no answer has satisfied everyone.
From the Paper "Man's fascination with the heavens is as old as recorded history itself. Astronomers from all civilizations"medieval to the present times"carefully observed the stars and their relative position in the night sky. Even in the medieval times, astronomers universally observed two features: that stars tended to drift westward with each passing night; and, despite this apparent movement, stars were always in a fixed position relative to each other. Anything that man could not explain, ending up fascinating him?as did the stars. It has been stated that when man loses his desire to explore the unknown, the human race will have sounded its own death knell."
Tags: universe, astronomy, stars, westward, observations, fixed, position
Abstract This paper exames the possibility that life does exist in other star systems in this galaxy and argues that it is very likely.
From the Paper "A helpful tool used to estimate the number of technological civilizations that might exist among the stars was developed in 1961 by Dr. Frank Drake. Called the Drake Equation, it identifies specific factors thought to play a role in the development of such civilizations. Some of the things taken into consideration is the rate of formation of suitable stars on which life might exist, the fractions of those stars with planets, the fraction of planets where life develops, and other such things (The Drake Equation)."
Tags: alien, drake, equation, extraterrestrial, galaxy, life, mars
Abstract This paper explains that stars have a life cycle that is simply too long for human life to perceive directly and even too long for all of human history to record. The author points out that astronomers have been able to categorize stars to show the different levels of development reached by different groups of stars. The paper relates that, over billions of years, the star slowly contracts, compensating for the heat and light energy it has lost. The author underscores that, as this contraction continues, the temperature, density and pressure at the core of the star increases. The paper tells that, as the temperature at the core rises and the star contracts, the tension between gravity pulling in and gas pressure pushing out determines the life of the star. The author describes this process through the star's life cycle from protostar to black holes.
From the Paper "At this stage, the star is called a planetary nebula. The core of this star becomes a whiter dwarf, an extremely dense star now the size of a planet. Once the white dwarf uses all its energy, it stops shining and becomes a "black dwarf," or a dead star. Astronomers see this as the final stage for our own Sun. however, for stars with higher masses than the Sun (up to about 40 times greater), the outer layers of the star may be thrown off with much more force in a supernova, an explosion leading to the collapse of the star down to a very compact size, producing what is known as a "neutron star."
Tags: protostar, black holes, white dwarf, infrared satellites, supernova
Abstract This paper examines the history of science in terms of changes in astronomy from the time of Ptolemy to Galileo, based on the book "Science without Limits" by James Perlman. The writer notes how the ancients saw science as a form of philosophy, while by the time of Galileo, observation was being joined with experimentation to examine concepts and find the truth.
From the Paper "The history of astronomy shows the development of science as a discipline from the ancient world to the Renaissance, from the time of Ptolemy to the time of Galileo. Over that period, astronomy began to shift from a philosophy to a science. Science in the ancient world was not created out of whole cloth and was based on observations and the application of reason. Mathematics were also used to develop ideas about the universe. Mathematics is itself an application of reason, though aspects of mathematics have also been developed through observation and testing. By the time of Galileo, however, science was gaining a more experimental structure, and Galileo himself tested many ideas directly. His astronomy was also based on observations, but he was able to observe more directly and closely with the telescope. Perlman notes that "science in large part . . . is a matter of testing assumptions"."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of the main ideas of Sigmund Freud and how those ideas can be applied to the life of the "Star Wars" character, Darth Vader. The writer looks at some of the actions taken by the character and holds them against the theories of Sigmund Freud to explain Vader's personality and actions.
From the Paper "The id, the ego and the superego were perhaps the most famous theories of Freud. Darth Vader demonstrates all three concepts in the movie series throughout his life. The id is demonstrated when he displays the instincts to love his son. He displays a sliver of good and right when he doesn't want to kill his own son. A seeming evil being with no feelings whatsoever suddenly develops the instinct to protect that son. It is human instinct and one he was born with which comes from Id."
Tags: Galactic, Empire, Palpatine, Princess, Leia, Death, Star
Abstract This paper looks at literary and scientific documentation to assess whether the possibility exists that there is both life and an existing civilization in Mars and whether Mars is able to support human (or at least similar to the elements needed to support human living) life.
Outline
Introduction
Graham Hancock's "The Mars Mystery"
Summary of Scientific Speculations
List of Similarities between Mars and Earth
Evidence Supporting Life on Mars
Physical Structure and Composition of Mars
Chemical, Biological and Atmospheric Composition of Mars
Life is Possible on Mars
Civilization Existed on Mars
Space Missions and Probes
Space Mission/Programs Funded by Various Nations
Disqualification of Claims of Civilization on Mars
Conclusion
From the Paper "These space probes and explorations about Mars brought about numerous information and even pictures of the planet's surface. However, it is difficult to obtain quality shots of the planet's surface because of its distance from the Earth, and accuracy and precision was sacrificed when information brought by these probes came into existence and knowledge of scientists and astronomers. One speculation that resulted from these studies and explorations is that aside from the possibility that Mars is capable of cultivating human life, there has been evidence supporting some scientists? claim that there existed a form of civilization in Mars."
Tags: civilization, human, beings, astronomy, solar, system, sun
Abstract This is a review of "Star Trek and Sacred Ground". The "Star Trek" series and films are marked by an evolutionary process whereby by religion as irrational and mere superstition is displaced by religion with meaning and possible value. Above all, the portrayal of religion reflects Roddenberry's "guiding values: a love of humanity and an optimism concerning the human prospect".
Abstract A paper on the movie "The Lone Star" based on the thesis that through his montage of the past and present and his editing techniques, Sayles managed to focus on various different themes without over burdening the audience with excessive emotion. The paper shows how the main focus remained the corruption of the law in view of complete power.
Abstract This paper discusses the philosophy of good life given by the great thinker Aristotle. It looks at Aristotle's view that there are certain external and internal goods available to man, and it is through the attainment of internal goods that man is able to live a life that can be identified as a ?good life?.
From the Paper "Aristotle was the prized student of Socrates and his works though are not widely available are still considered to be of great significant to the world of euphemism. The philosophical thought is incomplete without the works of Aristotle as his contribution is huge and some of his views are studies even today by the students of philosophy. Aristotle's theory of a good life is based one certain actions and virtues which fall in the realm of ethics. It was the view of Aristotle that good life means a man should act while in possession of certain external goods. By this it means that one should possess all moral and intellectual virtues in order to qualify as someone with a good life. The moral virtues to him were prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. All these virtues are based on reason and it was the Aristotelian view that reason and logic should be given precedence over passion. Intellectual virtues are based on pure theoretical contemplation and they cannot be considered very practical as they seem to arise from Aristotle's views on logic and a Stoic philosophy which meant that man must first not act purely on impulse or passion but should think carefully before acting."
Abstract This paper takes a critical look at the book "Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe", by Peter Ward and Donald Brownlee. It discusses their theories of the beginning of life on Earth and additional theories to life on other planets. It challenges their research and data and offers other explanations and theories.
From the Paper "Was the occurrence of complex life on the planet Earth an isolated event or simply the next logical step in evolution? Ward and Brownlee seem to believe complex life is unique to our home world or at least extremely scarce in the Universe.1 In addition to the factors in their Rare Earth equation, mentioned in their book are some specific factors peculiar to Earth that may have affected the development of complex life. Beginning with the planet Mars, W&B argue that the fossil record shows that the cooling Earth developed bacterial life as soon as conditions permitted. They suggest that this may be because the bacteria first developed on Mars, which cooled earlier, and that perhaps Earth was then seeded with these bacteria carried by meteorites reaching our planet after having been ejected from Mars by asteroid impacts. The low gravity of Mars makes this more likely, and it is estimated that ten percent of meteors ejected from Mars may impact Earth. A system lacking a Mars-like planetary companion might have been slower to develop bacterial life."
