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Time Travel, 2005.
An examination of the meaning and possibilities of time travel.
969 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of time travel. The paper contends that time travel is possible if it is defined as travel through time zones or on the basis of theories. The paper briefly outlines the theories of Albert Einstein and Kurt Godel regarding this concept. The paper claims that, theoretically speaking, time travel is possible, and within certain limits, we have been able to employ technology to move us between time zones. Whether or not traveling through history is possible is another issue altogether. Its possibilities or impossibilities cannot be judged on the basis of our current technological capacities.
From the Paper
"Time travel is an interesting concept that has inspired numerous science fiction novels, films and television serials. People are always imagining the opportunities that time travel, if ever successfully accomplished, could provide for them, whether financially or intellectually. Were we ever able to travel through time, we could visit ancient lands, collect a few artifacts and then travel back to our time and sell them or, if such travel was possible, we could go back in history and acquire a more accurate understanding of the past, for the sake of academic knowledge. The point is that the very idea of time travel, leads one to think of its numerous applications and positive outcomes. At the same time, few of us actually believe that time travel is possible or that it would ever exist anywhere except in science fiction books, movies and television serials. However, the fact of the matter is that time travel is not necessarily possible or impossible. Our consideration of it as possible or impossible ultimately depends upon our definition of time travel."
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The Time to Come for NASA, 2005.
The future of NASA and the space program of the United States.
2,930 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the history of NASA, starting with the Kennedy administration. It briefly explains the 'firsts' of space exploration: Apollo and Skylab. The writer then discusses the disasters of NASA: Challenger, Columbia, and some Mars missions. It looks at the accomplishments of NASA with technology and at home and ends with the future of NASA with George Bush's Space Boost plan and a conclusion.
From the Paper
"Human curiosity about space has been with man as far back as we can go. Native Americans made names for the constellations. Greece created Gods from them. The technology to get to space was just created in the past fifty years. Some consider Americans lucky to live in a nation, where man can touch the surface of the moon. This feat is mostly thanks to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and their advancements. However, recent polls have shown that interest for NASA is down the list of people's concerns, below crime, energy, and the environment for example. Interest has changed since the Kennedy administration, where shortly after, twelve men walked on the moon in a three and a half year period. NASA is still making advancements, however, in the areas of science, math, astrology, and it's new findings in space. Nevertheless, the public remembers Columbia and Challenger. They also know about the millions of tax dollars being spent each year. Because of this, does NASA have a future? Will it still be around in twenty years? Will our children and their children, still dream of becoming astronauts?"
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Halley's Comet, 2005.
Provides background information about the most well-known comet, Halley's Comet.
1,370 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a discussion about the astronomer who first identified Halley's comet, Edmond Halley, and how he was able to make his observations and identification of the comet. The paper then continues with a look at when Haley's comet was first observed and photographed, a look at how long the comet has been in existence, and a brief discussion of NASA's involvement in studying the comet. The paper concludes with a description of the comet's appearance, composition, density, and orbit.
From the Paper
"A comet is " a small celestial body consisting mostly of dust and gases that moves in an elongated elliptical or nearly parabolic orbit around the sun" (Encyclopedia.com). Comets are rarely visible from the earth, but when they can be seen, their visibility can last anywhere from a few days to a few months (Columbia Encyclopedia). Most comets are invisible to us on earth except when they are near the sun and comets are usually only visible at sunrise or sunset. There have been many comets discovered by astronomers throughout time, but the most well known is "Halley's Comet", also known as Comet Halley."
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Asteroids, 2005.
This paper discusses the argument that asteroids pose the largest threat to human existence.
1,130 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that asteroids are the most significant threat to the human race, not population growth, because asteroids are powerful enough to devastate, if not destroy, all advanced life on the planet in a single blow, and our knowledge and ability to detect these space bullets are limited both in ability and in funding. The author points out that the risk of a catastrophic event occurring because of an outer space object is much higher than many of us would like to believe; asteroids pose a greater probability of occurring on a smaller scale than many other natural disasters like volcano eruptions or hurricanes. The paper stresses the claim that population growth will destroy the human race is mostly unwarranted because of the many internal checks against this growth, such as the decreasing birth rates in many industrialized nations, AIDS, and advancing science and political ideas.
From the Paper
"Approximately 65 million years ago, an asteroid 10 kilometers across caused an impact releasing more energy than a million H-bombs. This impact resulted in the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico and was supposed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. It wouldn't take anything larger to cause similar extinction of the human race. Asteroids could potentially produce more destruction to our planet than any amount of nuclear devices we could detonate. Even asteroids that are too small to make it through our atmosphere could cause major damage in populated areas. The Tunguska meteorite exploded and vaporized in the upper atmosphere over Siberia, but the speed of the meteorite caused the explosion to devastate thousands of square kilometers of forest. If that meteorite were aimed at Beijing or New York there could have been millions killed without effective evacuation measures."
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Navstar Global Positioning System, 2003.
This paper discusses the Navstar Global Positioning System, a space-based radio navigation system.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS), created in 1973 by the United States of America's Department of Defense and now operated by the U.S. Air Force, is a highly effective way to calculate, by using twenty-four space satellites in six different orbits, the exact location of a point on the earth. The author points out that, although the GPS was first invented and used mainly by the military, it is now used for nonmilitary applications from routing police and fire trucks on 911 emergency calls to finding directions for private automobile drivers. The paper relates that, over the past ten years, the price has decreased by up to 20 percent each year and continues to drop as the merchandise becomes more and more precise.
From the Paper
"In 1978, when the first round of satellites were launched, the results were less than perfect, but today the system works the exact same way with almost terrifying accuracy. Even though the results have improved, the concept is the same. GPS, which is comparable to GLONASS, a similar system developed by the Soviet Union, is made up of three segments: the space, user, and control segments. The space segment, as previously stated, consists of twenty-four satellites (3 spares) that are located 20, 190 kilometers above the earth's surface in six orbital planes that cover the sphere of the earth evenly. They orbit in 12 hours; providing every place on earth with visibility to at least the four necessary satellites for the system to work. Also, for the polar areas to be viewed completely, the satellites are at a 55o angle to the equator."
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Human Physiology in Space, 2004.
An examination of the human body's reaction to a space environment.
1,000 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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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."
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Mars Pathfinder, 2004.
An overview of the 1996 Mars Pathfinder mission.
5,162 words (approx. 20.6 pages), 22 sources, MLA, $ 129.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a mission overview of the Mars Pathfinder mission ,launched in December 1996 as part of an ongoing series of Mars missions to prepare for the landing of a man on the 'red planet' in the next century. It gives a brief mission summary, followed by a scientific description focusing on how Pathfinder made it to Mars and how it surveyed Mars's atmosphere and Mars's surface. It looks at how Mars Pathfinder was not only a huge scientific success, but also gave the public, via Internet, the opportunity to participate at a space mission at a level never experienced before.
Outline
Title
Abstract
Chapter
Introduction
Mission Summary
Science Description
Spacecraft Description
Development and Manufacturing Structure
Launch Vehicle
Mission Costs
Summary
From the Paper
"On December 4, 1996 the pathfinder mission was launched on a Delta II-7925 launch vehicle out of Cape Canaveral Air Station. After 211 days in space and a distance traveled of almost 300 million miles the spacecraft landed on July 4, 1997 at its destination (DLR, 2003). In order to fine-tune the flight path a series of four-trajectory correction maneuvers (TCMs) were performed throughout the journey. NASA used the Deep Space Network (DSN) for tracking, telemetry, and command operations. DSN is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions by using giant dish antennas (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2004)."
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Cosmic Impacts, 2004.
A discussion of the result of meteor strikes on earth, the possibility of a 1 km meteor striking earth, and the effects the meteor would have.
888 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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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."
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"The Martian Chronicles", 2004.
A discussion of the theme of dreams in Ray Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles".
1,476 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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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."
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The Big Bang Theory, 2004.
An overview of the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe.
2,736 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the Big Bang theory is considered by many to be the most plausible model concerning creation and how modern educational institutions, especially from elementary school to undergraduate university level, continue to teach the Big Bang without question or qualification. It provides an overview of the physics of the theory and also looks at other theories, such as the Steady State theory, which have departed form the original model.
From the Paper
"From the beginning of the recording of human consciousness, man has looked up to the skies of heaven and pondered the creation of the universe. The earliest recorded writings on the subject addressed the universe, and its nature, from the most basic origins. These writings included the questions of whether a "higher power/omniscient being" was responsible for its creation, if the universe was based on a singular "event" that resulted in its evolution, to the most basic, and seemingly logical idea (to many ancient sources, anyway) that the universe was simply infinite, uncreated, and forever unchanging."
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Galileo's Astronomical Observations, 2004.
An analysis of the significance of Galileo's early astronomical observations on the Aristotelian theory of the universe.
2,145 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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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."
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Living on Mars, 2004.
Discusses options for making Mars habitable for human beings.
1,367 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
Of all the planets in our solar system, Mars has long seemed to be the most habitable besides Earth. Many scientists believe Mars may have had oceans of water, a warmer climate, and rich vegetation billions of years ago. This paper examines the hazards that inhabitants would face if Mars was to be made habitable again and some of the solutions that scientists are working on to reduce problems of living on the Red Planet.
From the Paper
"Mars' atmosphere is so thin, there is little protection from the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun, and this would pose yet another hazard to anyone who wanted to live on the planet. Anyone living on the planet would have to be protected from the constant radiation by either a space suit, or living inside a protective habitat. Clearly, colonizing Mars would be an extremely expensive endeavor, and until the first person actually steps on the planet, it is impossible to tell exactly what the conditions are like, and what threats they pose."
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The Stars, 2004.
This paper discusses the composition of stars and the method of studying this composition.
1,445 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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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."
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Omar Khayyam, 2003.
A description of the life and works of the famous Persian Omar Khayyam.
2,505 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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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!"."
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Astronomical Distance Ladder, 2004.
An insight into the theory and development of the astronomical distance ladder.
885 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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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." "
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