Tag Archives: Solar System

ExploreMoons

Posted on May 12, 2021 by kjackson1456

Jupiter has a total of 53 named moons. That is more than any other planet in our solar system. The four largest moons ( Io, Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede) are called the Galilean Satellites. They were named after the astronomer Galileo who first discovered them. These four each have distinct characteristics that distinguish them fromContinue reading “ExploreMoons” Continue reading →

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Blog 8: My Newly Formed Perspective

Posted on May 5, 2021 by mattj3

It’s weird to think about how this will be the final assignment for our astronomy class. Throughout the semester, my understanding of the vast universe we exist in has deepened, further changing my perspective of our world and humanity’s role within it. In this class, we studied the basic processes of the universe, from itsContinue reading “Blog 8: My Newly Formed Perspective” Continue reading →

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Space Exploration: History, Ethics, and Potentially-Conflicting Interests

Posted on May 4, 2021 by rightascensionanddeclinolan

But why, some say the Moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask, why climb the highest mountian [sic]? Why – 35 years ago – why fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas? We choose to go to the Moon, we choose to go to the Moon in this decadeContinue reading “Space Exploration: History, Ethics, and Potentially-Conflicting Interests” Continue reading →

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Blog 7: Extremophiles

Posted on May 4, 2021 by mattj3

Extremophiles are organisms that thrive within severe abiotic environments while maintaining the ability to grow and reproduce. These organisms inhabit areas of extreme temperature, pressure, salinity, acidity, and radiation, surviving through environmentally defined adaptations. Extremophilic organisms are based within both prokaryotic and eukaryotic life, meaning their existence ranges throughout all domains of life. Through theContinue reading “Blog 7: Extremophiles” Continue reading →

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Life on Earth

Posted on May 4, 2021 by lauryn28

In my last blog post I would like to discuss some of the things I’ve found most interesting in the course of the semester. As this class has come to an end, I’ve found myself more and more astounded by how our Solar System formed than ever before, specifically the ability of Earth to sustainContinue reading “Life on Earth” Continue reading →

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The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter

Posted on May 4, 2021 by lauryn28

According to Kardashev scale, proposed by astronomer Nikolai Kardashev, there are three types of civilizations. Type I has the ability to use the energy of their planet, Type II can use the energy of their host star and Type III can access an amount of power comparable to an entire galaxy. Based on the extremely largeContinue reading “The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter” Continue reading →

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Our Neighbor the Space Octopus

Posted on May 4, 2021 by brandonlipper

While the potential of finding microorganisms on Mars has intrigued us here on Earth for a while now, more advanced life may live on Jupiter’s fourth largest moon: Europa. In fact, Professor Monica Grady has proposed that, not only is life on Europa likely, but said life may include organisms with intelligence similar to thatContinue reading “Our Neighbor the Space Octopus” Continue reading →

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ExploreVenus

Posted on May 3, 2021 by kjackson1456

In astrology, ruling planets are the specifically designated planet for each of the zodiacs. Since there are 12 zodiac signs and only 7 planets, some share the same planet such as Libra and Taurus who are both ruled by the planet Venus. Each planet is said to have a distinct energy that affect us atContinue reading “ExploreVenus” Continue reading →

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Life In The Extremes

Posted on May 2, 2021 by alliefrymire

If there’s anything I’ve learned in my studies of biology over my education, it’s that life is precarious, delicate, and precious. However, now that I’ve learned more about astrobiology through this course, I’ve also come to know that life is hardy and determined. As Ian Malcom so astutely notes in Jurassic Park, “Life finds a … Continue reading Life In The Extremes → Continue reading →

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Reflection on Astronomy 2110

Posted on May 1, 2021 by laineroberts

The biggest thing I will take away from all that I have learned in Astronomy this year is just how small and irrelevant humans are both in comparison to the size and timeline of the universe. I had always heard that the universe was infinitely big but never thought anything of it and didn’t considerContinue reading “Reflection on Astronomy 2110” Continue reading →

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