Abstract
This paper begins with a definition and description of the planets within our solar system and then goes on to discuss extra-solar planets and the ongoing search for them. The paper describes some of the technology and techniques employed in this search, a discovery of an extra-solar planet by scientists at the Geneva Observatory in Switzerland, and recent advances in locating extra-solar planetary objects.

From the Paper
"The word planet means "wanderer" in Greek. It derives from the fact that planets within our solar system seem generally to wander eastward about the so-called fixed stars across the zodiac constellations (Kolb). There is no clear consensus precisely defining what constitutes a planet, as distinguished from brown dwarfs, which are the material remnants of burned out ancient stars whose masses where too small to form white dwarfs or collapse completely, forming black holes in the manner that stars much larger than ten solar masses, or ten times the mass of our sun (Hawking)."

Tags:body, emits, light, energy, orbits, star, reflecting, size, mass, jupiter, mars, pluto, terrestrial

Abstract
This paper is a look in to the improbability of extra-terrestrial life. The writer discusses the nature of extra-terrestrial life, SETI's inability to find any intelligent messages, the improbability of life on other planets outside of our solar system, and the improbability of life on planets within our solar system. This paper is designed to deny the existence of extra-terrestrial life, not affirm it.

From the Paper
"The search for extraterrestrial life has piqued the interest of humans for ages. Scientists have long looked for it, and the U. S. Government funds many searches. However, the only reason that scientists have for their search is probability--there is no hard evidence to support a possibility of life, only supposition. The actuality of extraterrestrial life is minimal for three key reasons: the inability of SETI to find any significant sign of life after years of searching, the improbability of life on planets outside of our solar system, and the improbability of life within our solar system."

Tags:extra, terrestrial, life

Abstract
This paper compares eight planets in the solar system -- Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus and Pluto-- to the planet Earth in terms of structure, atmosphere, chemical composition, and possibility of life at some time.

From the Paper
"The Earth is the third planet and the most massive of the inner planets. (Encrenaz, Bibring and Blanc) Its average density differs from that of the silicates that form most of the superficial rock surface. Seismic measurements and natural volcanic eruptions indicate that the internal structure consists of several distinct layers, a central core with a radius surrounded by a mantle and then a thin crust. There is a discontinuity between the crust lithosphere and the mantle asthenosphere. The mantle is..."

Tags:planetary comparison, planets, Solar, Venus, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, Uranus, Pluto, Earth

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."

Tags:planets, space, science, mercury, plato, venus, earth, mars, uranus, saturn, jupiter, neptune

Abstract
The paper relates that the Earth's solar system is the only known solar system with a planet that has a livable atmosphere for humans or oxygen breathing carbon based life. The paper notes that the Sun is the most abundant source of electromagnetic energy in the solar system while the nearest stellar neighbor to the Sun is another star that is approximately 4.3 light years from the Sun called Proxima Centauri.

From the Paper
"The Earth's solar system is the only known solar system with a planet that has a livable atmosphere for humans or oxygen breathing, carbon based life. The Sun is the most abundant source of electromagnetic energy in the solar system while the nearest stellar neighbor to the Sun is another star that is approximately 4.3 light years from the Sun called Proxima Centauri (Lauerman 112). The Earth's solar system is unique in that it also rests in a galaxy which is itself somewhat unique from its neighbors. The Solar System's galaxy, or mass of stars, is known as the Milky Way and it has two smaller adjacent galaxies which in turn orbit it known as the Large..."

Tags:earth, solar, system

Abstract
This paper examines recent discoveries in the search for extrasolar planets. The author also discusses how this has become a viable area of research in astronomy. This study is divided into six sections. They include: definition of planets, how planets form, methods of detection, properties of extrasolar planets, and future implications of detection. The paper concludes acknowledging how extrasolar planetary research has opened up avenues of thought and possibilities that were seen as impossible just a few decades ago.

Outline:
Introduction and History
Definition of Planets and Extrasolar Planets
How Extrasolar Planets Form
Methods of Detection
Properties of Extrasolar Planets
Future Implications of Detection
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The search for extrasolar planets has a long history. The notion that there might be other worlds existing in the heavens can be demonstrated as far back as ancient Greece. In more modern times, a Catholic monk was condemned for heresy in 1584 for suggesting that the sky was populated by countless suns and countless other Earths ("From Intuition" par. 1). The purpose of this essay is to describe and analyze the current search for extrasolar planets that has produced significant results within the last decade. What was once a fanciful possibility in astronomy has become a viable avenue of research, with new extrasolar planets being discovered every year. The remainder of this study will be divided into six sections. They include: definition of planets, how planets form, methods of detection, properties of extrasolar planets, future implications of detection, and conclusions."

Tags:extrasolar, planets, astronomy, stars, galaxies

Abstract
The paper examines the importance of solar energy as a sustainable energy source and a brief discussion of the origins of the current energy crisis and is followed by a discussion concerning how solar energy is collected and used. An assessment of the potential impact of widespread solar energy use in the United States is followed by an analysis of what types of changes will need to take place for this type of alternative energy initiative to succeed. Finally, a discussion of the short- and long-term goals for solar energy is followed by a summary of the research and important findings. The paper includes photographs and a number of diagrams and tables.

Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Why Do We Need Solar Energy?
What Does Solar Energy Do?
How Does Solar Energy Help People, Businesses, Environment, Etc?
What/Who/How Caused The Need For This?
How Do We Go About Getting This Resource?
How Are We Going To Harness This Power?
What Is Going To Happen Once Solar Power Is Widespread?
Are There Other Types Of Energy That Can Be Used?
How Are We Going To Have To Change To Embrace This New Type Of Energy?
What Are The Short Term Goals For This?
What Are the Long Term Goals For This?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Anyone who has purchased a tank of gasoline, a sack of groceries or paid an electric bill in the past few months can readily testify to the need for cheaper and more reliable sources of energy for the United States today. The nation's continuing reliance on fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal have created a dilemma for consumers and businesses alike as energy prices continue to skyrocket and the country's security is threatened by uncertain foreign suppliers that can play havoc with the national economy by reducing production, raising prices, or imposing an embargo. History has shown time and again that the OPEC and like-minded energy producers are not reluctant to use these tactics when they believe the situation calls for them, and the need for alternative energy sources has never been greater than today.
"What does solar energy do?
"Solar energy is responsible for virtually all forms of the life on earth, providing both the power source and warmth needed to sustain life in an otherwise sterile and harsh universe. Solar energy also drives or contributes to global weather systems."

Tags:solar energy, alternative energy, environment

Abstract
This paper provides a full explanation about the way in which solar energy is created. The paper looks at the process in details and then discusses what benefits solar energy may have in the future.

From the Paper
"Solar Energy comes from Solar cells which today are mostly made of silicon, one of the most common elements on Earth. The crystalline silicon solar cell was one of the first types to be developed and it is still the most common type in use today. They do not pollute the atmosphere and they leave behind no harmful waste products. Photovoltaic cells work effectively even in cloudy weather and unlike solar heaters, are more efficient at low temperatures. They do their job silently and there are no moving parts to wear out. It is no wonder that one marvels on how such a device would function. To understand how a solar cell works, it is necessary to go back to some basic atomic concepts. In the simplest model of the atom, electrons orbit a central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons."

Tags:alternative, cells, electricity, energy, fuels, photovoltaic, power, solar

Abstract
This paper examines the difficulties of converting solar energy to useful energy that people can use. The paper begins by discussing the costliness of the process of converting solar energy and then discusses how vast amounts of space are necessary to collect sunlight. The paper also examines the different materials and technology necessary to make the conversion, which are also costly. Lastly the paper addresses the issue of getting people to adjust their lifestyles to accommodate the more energy efficient, solar powered appliances.

From the Paper
"Scientists at General Motors in 1949 were working on ways to turn plant energy into force that could run cars. They wanted to turn solar power into horsepower. The bomb at Hiroshima had been dropped and compared to the research on atomic powered cars, solar energy was much safer and did not require shielding car passengers from the same types of radiation. The scientists estimated that a radiation shield would weigh twenty-five tons, so energy from plants seemed a worthwhile area to investigate. John Campbell, chief of the organic chemistry department at General Motors explained, 'In a single day the average amount of solar energy falling on one acre of ground in the temperate zone is equivalent to 700 gallons of gasoline, or enough to operate the average automobile for a year.' Plants do not absorb much of the solar energy that reaches the earth. Campbell mentions, 'in performing the miracle of photosynthesis, green plants generally absorb less than 1 per cent of the solar energy which strikes their leaves.' C.F. Kettering, also a scientist at General Motors, was working on ways to harness solar energy. Kettering concern was that 'in order to produce significant mechanical power from solar energy, we are going to have to devise greatly improved means of converting solar energy into useful power.'"

Tags:science disadvantages, plant energy, photovoltaic cells, sun, solar power