Category Archives: Class

The Great Filter

A lesser-known cousin of the Fermi Paradox is “The Great Filter.” The filter refers to a point in a species’ development that destroys most, if not all life. Essentially, the reason that the paradox exists must be because something is stopping other civilizations– all other civilizations. For us Earthlings, there are two possibilities: the filter … Continue reading The Great Filter Continue reading

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From Blink-182 to Alien Hunting

Ex-Blink-182 member Tom DeLonge quit the band back in 2015 to get serious about his search for extraterrestrial life. While this may sound ridiculous, this dude is actually supported by more than just his mom. He started a new institution called the “To the Stars Academy of Arts and Science” and works alongside former Deputy Assistant Secretary … Continue reading From Blink-182 to Alien Hunting Continue reading

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Unusual Extremophiles

We’ve discussed the various types of extremophiles and brainstormed some potential habitats for these microbes, but there are some examples that I think are worth hearing. Snottites are these cave-dwelling microbes that ingest volcanic sulfur and excrete acidic compounds. Their name comes from the fact that colonies of snottites actually appear slimy and almost snot-like. The … Continue reading Unusual Extremophiles Continue reading

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Astronomy’s Lasting Influence on Human Thought

If my short study of Astronomy has taught one thing, it is how influential Astronomy has been on our way of thinking as a species. This influence can be seen in ancient times, when civilizations such as in Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, Egypt, China, India, and Greece placed Astronomy and Astrology at the centers of their ideology, […] Continue reading

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Did the U.S. Navy detect Alien Aircraft?

The Fermi Paradox is a fundamental piece of where human civilization currently stands concerning the question of life on other planets: if the probability of life in the universe is so high, why have we not interacted with this life before? One of the answers to this is question is simple: life from other worlds […] Continue reading

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Could Ultraviolet rays emitted by stars make planets uninhabitable?

We know that astronomers look to low-mass star systems for signs of life.  But new research from NASA has indicated that these low-mass stars may emit substantial amounts of ultraviolet radiation during their lifetime, hindering if not eliminating the possibility of life on orbiting planets. Of course, astronomers look at terrestrial worlds that lie in … Continue reading Could Ultraviolet rays emitted by stars make planets uninhabitable? Continue reading

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Could Ultraviolet rays emitted by stars make planets uninhabitable?

We know that astronomers look to low-mass star systems for signs of life.  But new research from NASA has indicated that these low-mass stars may emit substantial amounts of ultraviolet radiation during their lifetime, hindering if not eliminating the possibility of life on orbiting planets. Of course, astronomers look at terrestrial worlds that lie in … Continue reading Could Ultraviolet rays emitted by stars make planets uninhabitable? Continue reading

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The Olber Paradox

My appreciation for astronomy and astrological theorization and examination has increased significantly throughout this course.  From the periphery, astronomy seems overwhelmingly complex and unimaginable.  But, when you venture into the weeds and examine closely, it is remarkably intuitive and fundamental.  Still, certain phenomena have yielded contradictory conclusions that befuddle some of the brightest of minds.  … Continue reading The Olber Paradox Continue reading

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The Olber Paradox

My appreciation for astronomy and astrological theorization and examination has increased significantly throughout this course.  From the periphery, astronomy seems overwhelmingly complex and unimaginable.  But, when you venture into the weeds and examine closely, it is remarkably intuitive and fundamental.  Still, certain phenomena have yielded contradictory conclusions that befuddle some of the brightest of minds.  … Continue reading The Olber Paradox Continue reading

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Extremophiles

Incredibly species of microorganism and microbes have tested the limits of evolutionary theory as they have been discovered to survive an incredible range of extreme conditions.  These microbes, called extremophiles can survive in various extremes: incredibly high temperatures, near-vacuum condition of space, and in the freezing cold.  In fact, scientists have discovered microbes within the … Continue reading Extremophiles Continue reading

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