Life in the Universe (4th Edition)
Life in the Universe (4th Edition)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780134089089
Author: Jeffrey O. Bennett, Seth Shostak
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 3, Problem 1RQ

List three major ideas of astronomy that help frame the context of the search for life in the universe. Describe each one, along with its importance to astrobiology.

Expert Solution & Answer
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To determine

The three major ideas of astronomy that frame the context of the search for life in the universe.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Life can be possible only when the basic requirements of the life are fulfilled on other planets.

Explanation of Solution

The three major ideas of astronomy that frame the context of the search for life in the universe are given below as.

  1. 1. The universe is vast and old:

In the universe, there are a number of planets or worlds in which life is possible. The universe has many galaxies like “Milky way”, planets, moons, stars, and a solar system. The age of the universe is 13.8 billion years old. At present, there are few planets where life is possible. The old age of the universe means it will take plenty of time to begin life.

  1. 2. The elements of life are widespread:

The observation of elements indicates the basic requirements of atmosphere that can make the life possible on the planet in a universe. It means life can also be possible on the other planets if the atmosphere is convenient for the growth of life on it.

  1. 3. The same physical laws that operate on Earth operate throughout the universe:

Some basic law’s which are valid on the earth surface they should also valid in the whole universe then only life can be possible on the other planets.

Conclusion:

Thus, life can be possible only when the basic requirements of the life are fulfilled on other planets.

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Which of the following is least reasonable regarding the difficulty in contacting extraterrestrial life using space flight and radio communication. Group of answer choices Space flight to the nearest star would take thousands of years with current technology.   Even if another intelligent civilization is within a few hundred light-years of us, conversations would be very slow with a turnaround time of decades or even centuries.   The spacecraft that NASA sent to Proxima Centauri a few years ago should be approaching its target within a decade or two, depending on solar wind conditions.   Earth has been broadcasting at radio wavelengths since the 1930's, so any civilization within a radius of about 100 light-years or so could have received the broadcast by now.   Without some major breakthrough, interstellar space flight is totally impractical.
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Chapter 3 Solutions

Life in the Universe (4th Edition)

Ch. 3 - Prob. 11RQCh. 3 - Prob. 12RQCh. 3 - What is the difference between matter in the...Ch. 3 - Define and give examples of kinetic energy,...Ch. 3 - Prob. 15RQCh. 3 - Prob. 16RQCh. 3 - Briefly describe the four major features of our...Ch. 3 - Briefly describe the nebular theory and how it...Ch. 3 - What was the close encounter hypothesis for our...Ch. 3 - How have recent discoveries led scientists to...Ch. 3 - Prob. 21TYUCh. 3 - At a middle school talent show, 14-year-old Sam...Ch. 3 - SETI researchers announced today that if they...Ch. 3 - A noted physicist today announced that he has...Ch. 3 - Prob. 25TYUCh. 3 - Astronomers have discovered a galaxy in the far...Ch. 3 - Inventor John Johnson has patented a device that...Ch. 3 - Prob. 28TYUCh. 3 - Prob. 29TYUCh. 3 - Using new, powerful telescopes, biologists today...Ch. 3 - Prob. 31TYUCh. 3 - Prob. 32TYUCh. 3 - A television advertisement claiming that a product...Ch. 3 - When we say the universe is expanding, we mean...Ch. 3 - Prob. 35TYUCh. 3 - The age of our solar system is about (a) one-third...Ch. 3 - Prob. 37TYUCh. 3 - How many of the planets orbit the Sun in the same...Ch. 3 - Prob. 39TYUCh. 3 - Prob. 40TYUCh. 3 - Explaining the Past. Is it really possible for...Ch. 3 - A Strange Star System. Suppose that we discovered...Ch. 3 - Prob. 44IFCh. 3 - Alien Technology. Some people believe that Earth...Ch. 3 - Atomic Terminology Practice. a. The most common...Ch. 3 - Prob. 49IFCh. 3 - Prob. 50IFCh. 3 - Patterns of Motion. In one or two paragraphs,...Ch. 3 - Two Kinds of Planets. The jovian planets differ...Ch. 3 - Pluto and Eris. How does the nebular theory...Ch. 3 - Rocks from Other Solar Systems. Many leftovers...Ch. 3 - Prob. 55IFCh. 3 - Prob. 56IFCh. 3 - Scale of the Solar System. The real diameters of...Ch. 3 - Prob. 58IFCh. 3 - Prob. 59IFCh. 3 - Prob. 60IFCh. 3 - Prob. 61IFCh. 3 - Prob. 62IFCh. 3 - Prob. 63IFCh. 3 - Prob. 67WPCh. 3 - Tour of the Solar System. Visit one of the many...

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