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The Origins of Life, 2008.
Looks at the origins of life on earth and the implications for the search for extraterrestrial life.
2,010 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 9 sources, APA, AU$ 67.95
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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 extraterrestrial life. 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."
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Science and Religion in the 17th Century, 2008.
An analysis of the interaction between science and religion in the 17th century.
1,523 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the intense interaction between science and religion in the 17th century had an ultimately positive effect on human civilization over the succeeding centuries. The paper explains that these interactions produced played an instrumental role in generating the Enlightenment of the 18th century, which transformed the world, freed humanity from the bonds of religious dogma, and produced long-term benefits ranging from greatly expanded scientific learning to the dramatic emergence and development of democratic systems of government. The paper then points out that religion and science also clashed in the 17th century because they offered incompatible answers to humanity's existence, to the functioning of the universe, and to humanity's place in it. In the context of this discussion, the paper briefly examines the works of philosophers and scientists like Nicolas Copernicus, Johannes Kepler, Galileo and Tycho Brahe.
From the Paper
"After lengthy observations and calculations, Kepler eventually discovered that although Copernicus had correctly concluded that the planets of the solar system all orbited around the sun, he had been mistaken in assuming that planetary orbits were circular instead of elliptical. The most positive contribution of Copernicus was his theory that the earth rotates each day on its axis, that it revolves on an annual basis around the sun, and that other planets also revolve around the sun. Yet as revolutionary as this theory was, it was not proven to be true until Galileo observed the heavens and made some startling discoveries that provided that proof."
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Life Cycle of Stars, 2008.
This paper describes the life cycle of stars, which is a normal progression.
1,185 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 43.95
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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."
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Wormholes, 2008.
A brief analysis of the theoretical proof for the existence of wormholes.
748 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the exotic objects in modern astronomy known as wormholes. It describes the theoretical proof for the existence of the wormholes and shows how it is connected with the theoretical analysis of black holes. The paper also discusses the important developments in the theory of wormholes that have been made over time. Finally, the paper briefly looks at the possibilities that the theoretical prediction of wormholes has raised in science.
From the Paper
"Among these exotic objects are wormholes. Wormholes are the result of the theoretical speculation derived from analysis of Einstein's general theory of relativity. (Kaku, 2005; Holman et al., 1997) So far nobody was successful in observing such an object or proving its existence in any other way. They can be understood as the tunnels that connect two points in space-time in such a way that the travel between the two points might take less time than the travel through the normal space. Like a real tunnel they have two "mouths" connected by a "throat" (Holman et al. 1997). Theoretical predictions of wormhole existence raised many possibilities, which include travel in time (both in the past and in the future), entry to the parallel universes allowed by modern inflation theory etc. These are the center of both scientific and philosophical speculations. (Hawking, 1996)"
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Mars: Not Exactly Home, but Better Than Venus, 2008.
This paper looks at different planets and focuses on Mars as the most preferable option for sustaining human life after planet earth.
1,696 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the solar system is a unique combination of many different types of planets, which has many different things that it can offer to humans. However, the the writer points out, planet Earth offers the most beneficial climate and diversity for human life. The writer notes that many of the other planets are entirely devoid of life. The writer discusses that despite the fact that there are eight planets in our solar system, only Mars (other than Earth) seems to be capable of containing human life at all. The writer maintains that Mars has many of the requisites that are needed to sustain human life, such as the possibility of water, small amounts of oxygen, and a possibility of life. The writer concludes that if humans were to ever colonize another planet in the solar system, Mars would be the most intelligent choice.
From the Paper
"Apart from the cold at its poles (which is far more extreme than Earth's), Mercury shares very little in common with Earth. It would be very difficult for humans to inhabit Mercury. The temperature extremes, the lack of water, and the lack of a protective atmosphere would quickly decimate human life attempting to live there. Current space craft could succeed in landing humans on Mercury, but it is unlikely that there would be a way to maintain proper oxygen levels for survival.
"Venus is another planet that is very inhospitable. Yet, for several reasons, it is known as the sister planet to Earth: Venus is similar to Earth's size (95% its diameter, 80% of its mass. Both planets do not have many craters, which points to young surfaces."
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The Laws of Planetary Motion, 2007.
This paper examines Johannes Kepler and his contributions to the study of astronomy.
2,714 words (approx. 10.9 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 86.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Johannes Kepler, a key figure in the 17th century revolution of astronomy. The paper relates that his greatest accomplishment was the explanation of the laws of planetary motion which codified the rotation and planetary motion that was carefully researched and articulated by Tyco Brahe and Aristotle. The paper explains Kepler's treatment of force and his attempts to explain planetary motion as a result of the interaction between forces.
From the Paper
"Kepler was a German born Lutheran; he principally served as a mathematician, astronomer and astrologer. His breakthrough came as a researcher and assistant for Tycho Brahe, the court mathematician for the Emperor of Austria. Brahe's careful documentation of celestial motion provided the solid data by which Kepler was able to carefully create his law of planetary motion. The reason for Kepler's popularity even in today's society is that his Laws of Planetary Motion are so widely sweeping, it accurately predicted a model that would still be true even in today's age of scientific development."
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Pluto, 2007.
This paper discusses why Pluto is no longer considered a planet.
1,521 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 53.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in the not so distant past, schoolchildren all over the world learned that the planet farthest away from the sun in our solar system was Pluto. The writer relates that they learned mnemonic devices to remember the names of all nine planets, made models and mobiles, all with Pluto orbiting at the very end of their dioramas. The writer then describes that in August 2006, after many years of intense debate, astronomers declared that Pluto was officially not a planet. The writer maintains that perhaps the real question about the usefulness of the new definition of planet will not revolve around Pluto, however dearly the old model may still be cherished in our culture, but how the definition is useful in classifying new solar systems. The writer also points out that the question of roundness and what is meant by clearing one's orbit and other points of contention will continue to generate lively debate within the scientific community and in schools, whatever Pluto's official status.
From the Paper
"To say that Pluto is suddenly not a planet though, of course, is somewhat incorrect, as Pluto has remained unchanged, rather it is the scientific definition and astronomer's perceptions (and voting patterns within the organization) that have shifted."
"Surprisingly, until 2006, astronomy textbooks never had a single, universally agreed-upon definition for the word planet, as the IAU had never established exactly what constitutes a planet, and set specific scientific standards. However, defining a planet, or any astronomical body is always extremely difficult, as the definition must be universally applicable, to all solar systems, not just our own."
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The Milky Way, 2007.
An exploration of the Milky Way galaxy.
1,512 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the Milky Way galaxy, named for the hazy band of light that stretches across the dark skies of the night. It looks at how, although this system (usually referred to as a spiral galaxy, much like the Andromeda galaxy) has created much wonder and awe since the beginning of human civilization, it was not until 1610 that its true nature was discovered by Galileo when he turned his small refracting telescope toward the night sky to reveal that the Milky Way was composed of countless individual stars, nebula and other astronomical bodies, many of which remained mysterious and unknown well into the 20th century.
From the Paper
"Looking from the Earth at the Milky Way, one obtains two distinct views--first, in the direction of the poles, the density of the stars decreases dramatically, meaning that at the poles, the stars are far apart and are set against a very dark background. Second, looking along the equatorial plane, the closest stars are situated against a faint but luminous band, being "the blended light of billions of stars in the galaxy's disc. In 1785, astronomer William Herschel, by using a 48-inch reflector telescope of his own construction, counted the stars in more than 600 regions of the sky and concluded that "the majority are concentrated along a plane and that the galaxy is disc-shaped with the Sun at its center" (Parker, 1988, 156). "
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John F. Kennedy and the Apollo Program, 2006.
A review of the role President John F. Kennedy played in the launch and success of the Apollo program.
4,590 words (approx. 18.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 127.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews and discusses President John F. Kennedy's support for the Apollo space program. According to the paper, his interest was not so much focused on space exploration itself, but rather on the political ends to be gained from the success of such a publicly popular endeavor.
Outline:
Political Motivations
After the Decision: Financial and Scheduling Issues
Project Mercury
Project Gemini
Speculation: What if Kennedy had lived?
From the Paper
"On this issue, Kennedy and Webb experienced a serious disagreement during the meeting. Webb, as mentioned above, was concerned about the technical and scientific necessity of key programs at NASA for the success of the Apollo mission. Programs such as the Centaur upper stage and the Surveyor would for example be neglected if Apollo received priority attention above all else. Webb's second concern was his own negotiating position in the face of a clear statement from the president regarding the priority of Apollo. If the president were to clearly state the priority of Apollo above other programs, Webb feared that this might be to the detriment of his position (Garber, 2002)."
"Specifically, the key programs mentioned above were not formally part of the Apollo program. Webb nonetheless believed that their timely completion was crucial to the success of Apollo. Centaur for example was created with the purpose of robotic probes into space, its relevance to the Apollo program lay in its use of liquid hydrogen for a propulsion fuel. Webb felt that the knowledge gained from the use of this fuel was vital to the Apollo program. According to Garber (2002), this was an accurate assessment, as benefits were indeed gained from observing Centaur's use of these fuels."
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Black Holes, 2007.
An analysis of the history and theory of the existence of black holes.
2,823 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper explains the phenomenon of black holes and how the theory of the black hole evolved. It begins by defining black holes and providing a detailed history of them. The paper then discusses whether black holes are just a theory or not and it discusses the evidence that black holes exist even though they cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What Are Black Holes?
History of Black Holes
Are Black Holes Just A Theory?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The authors further explain that at the Schwarzschild radius, the coefficient of the time interval in the Schwarzschild metric is zero (Hawley and Holcomb 1998). As a result, the time interval itself becomes infinite (Hawley and Holcomb 1998). Likewise, radial intervals decrease to zero, which is the definitive length contraction. These effects occur as a result of the choice of coordinates, and these coordinates are not ever absolute even as it relates to Newtonian physics. Nonetheless, the length contraction, time dilation, and other relativistic effects that are dependent upon the metric coefficients, are actual physical occurrences and can be calculated with the right type of instruments (Hawley and Holcomb 1998). In addition the gravitational field in the vicinity of the black hole is more significant at small radius than it is when it is at some distance away, and as a result light moving from near the object endures a gravitational redshift (Hawley and Holcomb 1998)."
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Lunar Effects on Behavior, 2006.
A discussion regarding the influence of the moon on the earth.
1,084 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the influence of the moon on the earth and how it has fascinated mankind throughout history. According to the paper, prior to the present scientific age the moon was considered to have strange and occult powers that could influence human behavior and events in a multitude of different ways.
From the Paper
"The question therefore arises as to why certain behaviors have been ascribed to the phases and changes of the moon. The answer to this question in fact reveals the falsity of many lunar myths. One answer is that these myths have their origins in ancient folklore and legends that have been continued in various forms to the present time. For example, the myth about the way that the moon can influence human birth rates can be traced back to the ancient Assyrian and Babylonian beliefs which state that, "A woman is fertile according to the moon." (Carroll R. T. 2005) These views are therefore based on unsubstantiated and pre-scientific opinions of the world and nature and can therefore be seen in the same context as the belief that the world was flat and not round. "
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Teaching Science, 2006.
This paper examines the need to correct some common misconceptions about the solar system, which often are found among 11-14 year old students.
890 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 11 sources, APA, AU$ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that significant advances in scientific knowledge has refuted many misconceptions about the solar system but these mistaken beliefs persist especially among students between the ages of 11 and 14. The author stresses the importance of correcting their misconceptions as they advance through school so that they can be prepared for the more advanced high school and college science and astronomy courses. The paper indicates that using lab studies, experiments and continued learning outside of the classroom are all measures that can prove useful in replacing misconceptions about the solar system with fact.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Some of the Misconceptions
Literature Review
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Concepts related to the force of gravity were demonstrated with hands-on activities utilizing a rubber sheet to represent the "fabric" of space and spherical objects to represent various celestial bodies. Demonstrations of planetary motions, both revolutions and rotations, involved the hands-on use of Styrofoam planets and moons, as well as a stationary light bulb to represent the sun. The students went through a five day class to refute the misconceptions and then the same questions were asked to determine if they held onto the misconceptions or replaced the knowledge in their minds with scientific facts."
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Uranus, 2006.
A look at the planet, Uranus.
2,437 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, AU$ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Uranus, the third largest planet in the solar system. According to the paper, Uranus is approximately 15 times as massive as the Earth. The paper reports that it is believed that Uranus was discovered in 1781 by William Herschel, but actually, John Flamsteed first recorded it in 1690. Flamsteed called the planet 34 Tauri.
From the Paper
"There are 11 known rings, all very faint; the brightest is known as the Epsilon ring." (Arnett, 2004). By far the largest ring is 1986U2R, which is 2,500 kilometers wide, and approximately 38,000 kilometers from Uranus' center. Ring 6 is 1-3 kilometers wide and approximately 41,840 kilometers from the center of Uranus. Ring 5 is 2-3 kilometers wide and is approximately 42,230 kilometers from the center. Ring 4 is also 2-3 kilometers wide, and is located just past ring 5. Alpha is 7-12 kilometers wide and is 44,720 kilometers from the center. Beta is 7-12 kilometers wide and is 45,670 kilometers from the center. Eta is 0-2 kilometers wide and is 47,190 kilometers from the center. Gamma is 1-4 kilometers wide and is 47,630 kilometers from the center. Delta is 1-4 kilometers wide and is located 48,290 kilometers from the center. 1986U1R is 1-2 kilometers wide and is located 48,290 kilometers from the center. Epsilon, the most visible of the rings from the surface of the Earth, is 20-100 kilometers wide and is located approximately 51,140 kilometers from the center of Uranus. Epsilon is the probably the most visible because it is the outer ring and is much larger than most of the other rings."
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Astronomy, Stars and Extraterrestrial Life, 2007.
This paper explores life-supporting stars and the search for extraterrestrial life.
922 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 34.95
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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."
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Stars, 2007.
An overview of the structure and characteristics of stars.
996 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how a star is a huge, shining ball in space that produces a tremendous amount of light and other forms of energy. It looks at their physical makeup, the different types, and the recycling effect of star evolution on the rest of the universe.
From the Paper
"Stars have many variants such as age, size, mass, and luminosity, but one thing they have in common is that "about 75 percent of all stars are members of a binary system, a pair of closely spaced stars that orbit each other" (Green, 2005, p. 1). Stars are also grouped together in galaxies such as the Milky Way which hosts more than 100 billion stars. "Three-dimensional computer models of star formation predict that the spinning clouds of dust may break up into two or three blobs; if true, this would explain why the majority of the stars in the Milky Way are paired or in groups of multiple stars" (science@nasa, p.1). Clearly, the structure and formation of individual stars mimics the structure of other important elements of the universe."
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Extrasolar Planets, 2007.
This paper describes and analyzes the search for extrasolar planets within the last decade.
2,578 words (approx. 10.3 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 82.95
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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."
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