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 8, Problem 1RQ

Briefly summarize the evidence, both real and imagined, that had led to widespread belief in a martian civilization by the end of the nineteenth century.

Expert Solution & Answer
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To determine

The real and imaginary evidences that led to widespread belief in Martian civilization.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The real evidences included the presence of polar ice caps, canals and days on duration of 24 hours 37 minutes while the use of canals for irrigation suggested by Lowell and presence of inhabitants on mars by Hershel were imaginary claims.

Explanation of Solution

There were multiple real and imaginary theories proposed by the astronomers. The first real theory was proposed by William Hershel that the mars have a day of 24 hours 37 minutes and also noticed that the mars polar caps have ice on them which were discovered by the telescope. All these theory came out to be real evidence regarding mars. However, Hershel’s comment regarding presence of inhabitants on mars came out to be imaginary.

Giovanni Schiaparelli and Percival Lowell suggested presence of canals on the surface of mars. While Lowell’s suggesting the presence of long canals which are used for irrigation near the equator was an imaginary evidences. As a result most of the theories suggested by Lowell were based on his imaginations rather than on facts and observations. Most of the scientists were unable to see any pictures or observation through telescope which could confirm Lowell’s theory.

However, Schiaparelli and Percival Lowell suggesting presence of canals on the surface of mars were real to a great extent.

Conclusion:

Thus, the real evidences included the presence of polar ice caps, canals and days on duration of 24 hours 37 minutes while the use of canals for irrigation suggested by Lowell and presence of inhabitants on mars by Hershel were imaginary claims.

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Chapter 8 Solutions

Life in the Universe (4th Edition)

Ch. 8 - How and why does Marss axis tilt change with time,...Ch. 8 - Based on all the geographic and geological...Ch. 8 - Briefly summarize the Viking experiments and their...Ch. 8 - What is the potential significance of atmospheric...Ch. 8 - Briefly summarize plans for Mars exploration over...Ch. 8 - Discuss the issue of biological contamination in...Ch. 8 - Summarize the scientific pros and cons of sending...Ch. 8 - What do we mean by terraforming Mars? Is it...Ch. 8 - How do we know that ALH84001 really came from...Ch. 8 - Briefly summarize the possible evidence of past...Ch. 8 - The first human explorers on Mars discover that...Ch. 8 - We discover a string of active volcanoes in the...Ch. 8 - We find underground pools of water on the slopes...Ch. 8 - We discover that Mars was subjected to global,...Ch. 8 - A future orbiter finds a plume of volcanic gas...Ch. 8 - We find a lake of liquid water filling a small...Ch. 8 - The first fossils discovered on Mars come from the...Ch. 8 - A sample return mission finds fossil evidence not...Ch. 8 - We discover that the martian polar caps have in...Ch. 8 - We find rocks on Mars showing clearly that the...Ch. 8 - When we say that liquid water is unstable on Mars,...Ch. 8 - Marss seasonal winds are driven primarily by (a)...Ch. 8 - Olympus Mons is (a) a giant volcano; (b) a huge...Ch. 8 - We can recognize the oldest surface regions of...Ch. 8 - Minerals in surface rock studied by the martian...Ch. 8 - Rivers on Mars (a) have never existed; (b) existed...Ch. 8 - Which must be true if Mars was warmer and wetter...Ch. 8 - Which of the following fundamental properties of...Ch. 8 - According to the leading hypothesis, if Mars once...Ch. 8 - The Viking experiments found (a) no evidence of...Ch. 8 - The Role of the Martians. Percival Lowell may have...Ch. 8 - Learning from Past Mistakes. The Viking missions...Ch. 8 - Hold Your Breath. If you held your breath, would...Ch. 8 - Miniature Mars. Suppose Mars were significantly...Ch. 8 - Larger Mars. Suppose Mars were significantly...Ch. 8 - Civilization on Mars. Based on what we can see on...Ch. 8 - Martian Fossil Hunting. On Earth, we cannot find...Ch. 8 - Future Landing Site. Suppose you were in charge of...Ch. 8 - Terraforming Mars. Make a list of the pros and...Ch. 8 - Mars Movie Review. Watch one of the many science...Ch. 8 - Interior Heat. Compare the surface areatovolume...Ch. 8 - Atmospheric Mass of Earth. What is the total mass...Ch. 8 - Atmospheric Mass of Mars. The weaker gravity of...Ch. 8 - Past Gas on Mars. Models suggest that Mars today...Ch. 8 - Lessons from Mars. Discuss the nature of the...Ch. 8 - Human Exploration of Mars. Should we send humans...Ch. 8 - Current Mars Missions. Pick one of the Mars...Ch. 8 - Future Mars Missions. Pick one of the Mars...

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