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| Life in the Universe |
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1. | What is wrong with this logic: We know that intelligent life has evolved around one G2 star (our own) so it is clear that we should concentrate on G2 stars in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. |
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2. | In the Java applet that lets you explore the possibility of a stable planetary orbit in a binary star system, notice how the planetary surface temperature changes as it orbits the two stars. If life requires the presence of liquid water (temperature range 273 - 373 K, or 0 to 100 C), would this be easily possible in a typical binary star system? Set the two stars closer together (initial a smaller) and determine if this makes a stable orbit and the correct temperature range for liquid water more likely or less likely. |
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3. | Can you think of any evidence from the exploration of the Solar System that might allow the possibility for life to evolve outside the standard "habitable zones" for a planetary system? |
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4. | Suppose you could accelerate a spacecraft to 10 percent of light velocity (much faster than any present spacecraft). How long would it take you to get to the Virgo Cluster of galaxies, which lies at a distance of about 18 Mpc and is one of the nearest clusters to us? |
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5. | At a velocity of 10 percent of light velocity, how long would it take to get to the nearest star other than the Sun? |
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6. | At 10 percent of light velocity, how long would it take to cross the visible disk of the Milky Way galaxy? |