EPS SCI 3 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Joshua Lederberg, Terrestrial Planet, Atomic Radius
17 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Astrobiology (exobiology, exopaleontology, bioastronomy): coined by joshua lederberg and means the study of life beyond earth. Some people say it"s a subject with no subject matter (no life beyond earth). Exobiology = search for life elsewhere like mars, satellites of jupiter, in other solar systems. Mantras of astrobiology: traditional search: water. Habitable zone (hz): theoretical shell surrounding a start in which that planet would have liquid water on its surface: new suggestions: nitrogen, energy. Follow nitrogen: hard to track in the atmosphere. Energy: universal need and is a common descriptor for life (universally applicable constraint on habitability) Energy requirements consist of two components: 1. Power (energy per unit of time: 2. Voltage (energy delivered per unit event: life is based on carbon chemistry, sun-like stars provide energy. Astronomy/astrophysics: goals: detect earth-sized planets and determine the basic composition of an extrasolar planet"s atmosphere/surface. Biology: main targets of biological studies are extreme environments, origin of life, evolution of life.
