Astro 250: Astronomy Bizarre
UNIT IV: LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE
- The Drake Equation -- or, what was the question?
- Conditions for life on Earth, Mars, and elsewhere
- Unique? or Common? The Drake Equation Factors
- Stars like our Sun
- Planetary systems beyond our own
- The concept of the habitable zone - ne
- Liquid water - right distance from Sun
- time to develop and grow
- Biological/sociological factors
- Earth life timeline
- development of intelligence/civilization
- Search Strategies
- Direct travel? Nah
- Radio communication: frequencies, power and technique, message contents
- Probability of success vs. funds and equipment
- What if we do find them?
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Cosmic Catastrophes, the Dinosaurs, and Our Future