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Life on Mars, 2006.
This paper describes man's interest in Mars, with emphasis on the search for life on the planet and recent research.
2,051 words (approx. 8.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper explores man's interest in the planet Mars. The paper begins by taking a historical look at observation and exploration of the planet. Next, the author describes conditions on the planet, and how they are unsuitable for life. Finally, the author concludes that Mars is a beautiful planet, and gives a description of the planet as well as including actual pictures.
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Though there are no live forms, yet there is a meteorite present on Earth which had come down some 13,000 years ago in the Antarctic which is raising a lot of questions. This contains a magnetic compound called magnetite or Fe3O4 and that compound is found easily on earth. It is also used in many products like video and audio tapes which are regularly used in most houses. At the same time, there are only very few bacteria on earth which can produce magnetite in the crystalline form as they are able to assemble magnetite structures which are chemically pure and free from any defects. This type of magnetite crystals were found in the Allan Hills meteorite and that is a 4 billion year old rock which had come down from Mars as described earlier. The crystals of magnetite were present deep inside the rock. There is a belief in the scientists that these crystals had traveled all the way from Mars and were not produced on Earth through contamination by bacteria from the Earth after its arrival. (Life on Mars? The Allan Hills meteorite from Mars is peppered with tiny magnetic crystals that on our planet are made only by bacteria) "
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Black Holes, 2005.
This paper describes the basic types of black holes and their detection.
2,010 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that in the universe, few elements are weirder than black holes, a celestial body made of material so dense that nothing can easily escape its gravitational field, not even light. The author points out, that for decades, theorists considered them mere mathematical constructs, unavoidable consequences of Albert Einstein's theories of relativity; but there is no reason that they cannot exist in nature and, over the last four decades, evidence has mounted that suggests they actually do exist. The paper relates that, although black holes are totally invisible and there is no way to see them directly, they can be detected indirectly (1) by observing the radiation from the bright-burning accretion disks, which radiate on all electromagnetic frequencies especially on the X-ray bands, and (2) by observing their gravitational effects on other objects.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Black Hole Anatomy 101
Surfing the Singularity
From the Paper
"Another important feature possessed by many black holes is an accretion disk, a torus around the event horizon formed by infalling matter as it spirals toward the singularity. Because of the energetic nature of the infall-think of the whirlpool formed as water drains from a bathtub-accretion disks usually emit all sorts of radiation, including visible light. The only other features black holes are reliably theorized to possess are angular momentum (rotation) and occasionally the odd electric charge or magnetic polarity, a consequence of eating too many charged particles"
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The Race to Space, 2006.
An examination of the motivating factor behind the American and Soviet race to space.
1,439 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that before landing on the moon, scientists feared that the astronauts manning a space craft might die and that there was a possibility of lunar microbes causing an epidemic if they found their way into the earth's biosphere. The writer explains that despite this great risk, the Soviets and Americans continued the race to space. The paper suggests reasons for this race to have continued and the writer posits that the only reason for doing so was for one of these nations to prove the dominance of their way of life over the other country's way of life. The writer states that the United States won the race to the moon, and also dominance of the planet, and that the Soviet Union broke apart while America prospered. In conclusion, the writer questions whether the exploration of space will wane without competition and posits that it may become a mission not of fostering competition between nations, but inspiring cooperation.
From the Paper
"While the moon does not have anything to due with proving either of these ways of life superior to the other per se, the conquest of the moon was an important symbolic victory. There was a definite feeling that whoever managed to land on the moon first would prove to be the "superior" society. Astronaut Eugene Cernan clearly illustrates this anxiety to prove America's dominance of the Earth through space travel in his book The Last Man on the Moon. He starts his book recalling the occasion when he and two fellow astronauts were in the middle of testing a space craft when they were interrupted by an important phone call. Interruptions of these tests were rare since they were so difficult to set-up, so terminating the test must mean something very wrong had happened. One of the first thoughts Cernan remembers having when they were called out of their craft was "...maybe it was our worst nightmare come true, and the Russians were on their way to the Moon" (Cernan 5). That turned out not to be the case: in fact, the phone call was to inform them of the deaths of three other American astronauts in an electrical fire while testing another spacecraft. Cernan, of course, was devastated by the loss of his friends and colleagues, but nevertheless, he apparently viewed the idea of the Russians reaching the moon as his "worst nightmare." He writes that after the funerals, he worried that the American space program might be scrapped forever. "From this point on," he writes, "the dream of sending men into orbit and beyond would be viewed through the prism of the sacrifice demanded. It was a dangerous enterprise and we all now clearly understood what President Kennedy meant when he said our country had accepted this challenge not because it was easy, but because it was hard" (Cernan 13). Why, after such a tragedy, was Cernan's first fear that the Russians might beat the Americans to the moon? And why, after the funerals, did he and his fellow astronauts become even more determined to risk their lives for what was, for all practical purposes, a mostly symbolic victory? Risking so much to do something "because it was hard" really isn't a satisfactory answer."
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"The Demon-Haunted World", 2006.
This paper reviews and analyzes "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" written by author and astronomer Carl Sagan.
1,655 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Carl Sagan's clear and lucid style of writing which lends itself well to understanding the diverse number of issues as detailed in ""The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark." This paper discusses the basic theme of Sagan's novel which is the defense of technology as a necessity to improve man's existence on this planet. The writer of this paper also touches on Sagan's provision of figures which communicate the number of people who remain in the dark about matters of science.
From the Paper
"Carl Sagan uses a clear and lucid style of writing which lends itself well to our understanding of the diverse number of issues he discusses. Perhaps the best way that Sagan creates such a clear understanding of his ideas in The Demon Haunted World is his art of using words effectively. From the beginning of the work his explanations are
handled with a sort of empathy so as not to demean the intelligence of true believers. Not once does he ever write anything to suggest that people who believe in the various pseudosciences are asinine. He simply shows the evidence in an unbiased, objective manner."
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Purpose of the Universe, 2006.
A philosophical discussion about the purpose of the universe.
1,121 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
The purpose of the universe has been seen from many angles in human history. The scientific view of the purpose of the universe has fluctuated together with various epochs and the philosophies connected with these epochs. Various philosophies of the purpose of the universe, and whether indeed the universe does have a purpose, are discussed.
From the Paper
"Cosmology, or the study of the universe, originated in Mesopotamia. The philosophy of the time was that the earth was the center of the universe. Main philosophers of the time were Aristotle and Ptolemy. Because of Aristotle's power, this view of the world remained relatively uncontested until 1543. This philosophy also made the idea of the purpose of the universe fairly simple. The universe existed for human beings, who were created at the center of it. The understanding of the world, being simple, was therefore unproblematic. It therefore might be not only Aristotle's power but also the basic human need to feel that there is a purpose to things that perpetuated this view."
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Humans upon Mars, 2005.
Argues that the U.S. should resist the pull of the Red Planet and not aim to send human beings to Mars.
988 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
It is difficult for many Americans to believe that sending human beings into space via the national space program is such an important effort today. This is partly in the light of a reconfigured geopolitical balance between Russia and America, and partly due to the increased costs and perceived risks of the space program. This paper argues these doubts are correct. For although it may become technically possible for humans to travel to Mars, the paper argues that human travel to Mars should not be the primary goal of the American space program.
From the Paper
"For NASA, Mars remains an important long-term goal and a way of establishing political capital in Washington D.C. during a time where even necessary, earthly social services programs are finanically strapped, given the war on terrorism at home, and the reconstruction of Iraq abroad. Its official literature directed towards the public promotes Mars exploration, in the form of the Mars Rover and also in terms of the potential for "making the vision a reality" of manning a spacecraft to the Red Planet. But although refreshing in the breadth of its vision and the beauty of its prose, NASA remains cagey about the financial realities this mission would cost the United States, and working out the details of negotiating a truce or a peace pact regarding finances between the United States and Russia over such a mission. (NASA Official Website, 2005)"
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The Hubble Space Telescope, 2004.
An analysis of the world's first Earth-orbiting reflecting telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
3,346 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the first Earth-orbiting reflecting telescope. The paper examines how the Hubble Space Telescope serves a vital function in increasing our knowledge of the universe. The paper explains that since its launch in 1990, despite several crucial problems, it has revealed a universe full of mysterious bodies, nebula, star systems and galaxies and has expanded the possibilities that humankind is not alone in the universe.
From the Paper
"The first scientific idea for a telescope such as the HST came about in 1946 when Lyman Spitzer issued a proposal for a space telescope with a primary mirror between sixteen and fifty feet in diameter. Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, with the ultraviolet observatories OAO-2, OAO 3 and the IUE in the planning stages, the space telescope remained only a dream, due to the lack of technology. Yet Spitzer did not give up, for by the 1970's he had offered another proposal for a space telescope which would be able to provide images of very faint objects as contrasted to ground-based telescopes which suffer from distortion due to the Earth's atmosphere. According to Spitzer, such a telescope would not "supplement our present ideas of the universe we live in, but rather would uncover new phenomena not yet imagined and perhaps would modify profoundly our basic concepts of space and time" (42)."
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Earth's Moon, 2005.
A brief explanation on the earth's moon.
1,487 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper briefly describes the functions of the moon. It looks at the magnetic forces and fields and how these impact the solar system. It also discusses the history of the development of knowledge that scientists have about the moon.
From the Paper
"The lunar crust is composed of a variety of primary elements, including uranium, thorium, potassium, oxygen, silicon, magnesium, iron, titanium, calcium, aluminum and hydrogen (Korotev, 2004). When bombarded by cosmic rays, each element bounces back into space its own radiation, in the form of gamma rays. Some elements, such as uranium, thorium and potassium, are radioactive and emit gamma rays on their own. However, regardless of what causes them, gamma rays for each element are all different from one another - each produces a unique spectral "signature", detectable by a spectrometer."
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The Gaia Hypothesis, 2005.
An overview of James E Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis and its plausibility.
2,927 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper examines looks at by James E Lovelock's Gaia hypothesis whose premise is that the entire planet evolves over time because of the interaction of living things with their surrounding environment. It describes the hypothesis in some detail and provides background information. This is followed by a discussion contrasting Lovelock's claims with those of his critics and proffers an approach toward reconciliation.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Background
Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Earth's atmosphere is not in a state of chemical equilibrium. It is full of gases that have an affinity for each other. Oxygen, nitrogen, and methane exist in sizable quantities, and left to their own devices, would quickly interact to form a new atmosphere of inert gases, very much like Mars' atmosphere (Margulis and Lovelock, p. 13(2)). So the persistent presence of uncombined methane, nitrogen, and oxygen in the atmosphere is strong evidence that something is replenishing these gases as fast as they naturally interact."
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Creation Mythology, 2004.
An analysis of the mythology of the origin of the universe.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the creation mythology evident in the book of Genesis and compares it to one of the oldest Japanese myths about creation from "Genji Shibukawa: Tales from the Kojiki compiled in 712 CE" by O No Yasumaro. The paper draws on the similarities between the two stories of the creation of the universe.
From the Paper
"A culture's belief about the beginning of the world is called a creation myth, story or tale. An explanation of the origin of the universe is known as a cosmogony. It is difficult to find any people throughout the world who do not have some explanation for the source of life. One of the most interesting aspects of creation mythology is the similarities that exist among descriptions, whether they are from the Judeo/Christian Bible or from African, Native American, South American, Greek, Japanese or Australian cultures. Common themes are present in both the West and East. From the earliest humans, who painted on the walls of their cave, there has been a need to search for answers and explain the unknown."
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The Planet Mars, 2005.
An overview of the Mars Habitat Control and Monitoring System.
1,116 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the Mars Habitat Control and Monitoring System makes use of robotic, simulation technology to gather data regarding Mars and also understands how the human frame and functions might interact with the planet's circumstances.
Outline
Introduction
Description of the System
Data Acquisition and Storage
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Notification Service
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The current simulation system also retrieves data regarding the planet, not only as it pertains to human life in the future, but about the systems existing upon Mars in general. Currently, the Mars system has a library retrieval system with remote access. The drives in the system that are organized into data banks. These drives contain sensors. The sensors are striped across all the drives in so that lost data can be retrieved using algorithms. The use of such functions increases the reliability of the system and also allows for owner-specified identification. Also, with its built-in security system, a user, after displaying identification, can obtain information on particular tapes."
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Mankind's Relationship with the Universe, 2005.
An analysis of the relevance of physics and cosmology to modern mankind.
1,540 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the implications, relevance, and significance that the current, best theories in physics and cosmology have for the understanding of our lives and our place in the world. In particular, it seeks to determine what our best theories in physics and cosmology, including relativity theory, quantum theory, and big bang cosmology, imply about the nature of the physical world and about the nature of our selves. An overview of these best theories is followed by an analysis of their implications, relevance, and significance today, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper
"According to Bergmann (2004), the general theory of relativity was developed in response to the need to extend the new space and time concepts of the special theory of relativity from the domain of electric and magnetic phenomena to all of physics and, particularly, to the theory of gravitation. Because space and time relations are the foundation of all physical phenomena, researchers recognized the inherent constraints in applying mutually contradictory concepts of space and time to explain different types of interactions, particularly in view of the fact that the same particles may interact with each other in several different ways-electromagnetically, gravitationally, and through the so-called nuclear forces (Bergmann 2004)."
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Space Telescopes, 2005.
A comparison of the cost effectiveness of two different space telescopes.
1,069 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper compares the Hubble Space Telescope to its potential successor, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), in terms of their cost effectiveness. The paper looks at the technology of both telescopes to see which will bring continue to bring back the most valuable information, their respective missions, the cost of deploying and maintaining them in orbit, and the cost of repairs, if any, of the telescopes to determine the cost effectiveness of the telescopes.
From the Paper
"Ever since its launch in 1990, the Hubble telescope has been orbiting the Earth at 600 kilometers above, bringing valuable information and photos from space. Its history goes back to 1977, when the Congress approved the project funds. However, operations didn't take off until 1981, when the Space Telescope Science Institute was founded, designed especially for the production and research of the Hubble Space Telescope."
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NASA Disasters and Policy, 2005.
A discussion about how NASA space disasters have been a result of flawed decision-making policies.
1,192 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in order to keep the shuttle program an effective vehicle for space exploration, safety of the astronauts must always be the first concern. It explains how deadlines must always be flexible and based on the ability of NASA to make a launch that is as safe as possible. It also discusses how final votes on decisions must be made anonymously to eliminate the influence of group pressure for a goal inappropriate for such a risky endeavor.
From the Paper
"The Rodgers Commission, in addition to making numerous suggestions about how to improve the structure of shuttles and ways to increase safety for the astronauts, noted the management decisions that contributed so significantly to the disaster. They particularly noted that decision makers were under considerable pressure to maintain ambitious flight schedules (Harwood, 1986). This pressure stemmed from both political and economic forces. NASA will have to decide whether its goals are one of scientific inquiry or of making money through space exploration. When it is recognized that these two goals are incompatible, they will have to be prioritized. Given the inherently danger to space exploration, it will be clear that safety, based on the best science available, will have to be the overriding concern. In decision meetings, the structural dynamic must support real inquiry, not simply support a predetermined and preferred outcome."
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Geothermal Energy, 2004.
An analysis of the earth's geothermal energy.
867 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the earth's geothermal energy. The paper contends that geothermal energy cannot be trusted to supply all of the world?s energy needs as there are simply not enough geothermal reservoirs near the surface of the earth. The paper explores the optimism expressed by some geologists who believe that, as drilling technology improves, humans will be able to reach enough geothermal reservoirs to accommodate a large percentage of the world?s energy demands.
From the Paper
"The earth formed approximately 4.5 billion years ago. Our planet?s geothermal heat originates from the energetic remnants of that coalescence. Over time, the interior of the earth ?became differentiated into several distinct compositional zones: a large, iron rich core; a thick surrounding mantle; and at the surface, a thin, low density crust.? (Montgomery 10). This fact contributed to a number of important attributes of the earth, including the formation of the atmosphere?which came into existence thanks to gases escaping from the hot interior."
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Aristotle's Astronomy, 2004.
An analysis of Aristotle's astronomy.
1,174 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper presents a brief overview of Aristotle?s life and accomplishments. The paper examines Aristotle's education under Plato. The paper states that Aristotle had studied in depth and written about almost every subject that was in existence at the time, including anatomy, astronomy, physics, geology, zoology, aesthetics, rhetoric, logic, ethics, metaphysics, psychology, and literature. This paper focuses on his works regarding astronomy.
From the Paper
"Aristotle (384-322 BCE) is one of the three most famous ancient philosophers whose work have left an indelible mark on the Western Civilization. Aristotle was born in Macedonia where his father was a physician in the royal court. He went to study in Plato?s Academy at the age of 17 where he stayed for 20 years and was Plato?s most distinguished pupil. After Plato died in 347 BC, he moved to Assos, a city in Asia Minor, and married the ruler (Hermias)?s adopted daughter. After Hermias? was captured and killed by the Persians a few years later, Aristotle was invited by the King of Macedonia to his court. There, he became a tutor to the King?s son Alexander?who was later to earn fame in history as Alexander the Great. In 335 BC, when Alexander became king, Aristotle returned to Athens and established his own school, the Lyceum. It was during the 13 years at Lyceum that most of Aristotle?s works were written. When Alexander the Great died in 325 BC, anti-Macedonian feelings in Athens forced Aristotle to retreat to a family estate in Euboea, where he died the following year."
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Star Formation, 2004.
A look at the processes that cause the birth and life of stars.
1,515 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The process of star formation is a complex one that takes millions of years to complete. While there are many types and sizes of stars, all come from the same basic properties. From clouds of gas and dust to protostars to the Main Sequence, star birth is a process dependent upon many factors. This paper examines how stars are formed and the reasons behind the various colors of stars.
From the Paper
"Stars use nuclear fusion to convert, generally, hydrogen to helium, a process called nucleosynthesis. Nucleosynthesis is the production of new elements via nuclear reactions. The mass of the star at the time of the nuclear fusion determines what types of nucleosynthesis are needed. For smaller stars, hydrogen is converted to helium. For mid sized stars, like the sun, helium is turned to oxygen and carbon, as the hydrogen supply burns out. For massive stars, as hydrogen becomes depleted, helium is turned to carbon and oxygen, which are then turned to neon, sodium, magnesium, sulfur and silicon. Later, those elements are transformed to elements like calcium, iron, nickel, chromium, copper, and other elements. It is this process of nuclear fusion and nucleosynthesis that allow stars, even massive, old stars, to continue to exist. It is this stage that is called the Main Sequence for a star (Enchanted Learning, 100)."
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Why We Can Only Live on Earth, 2005.
A look at why Earth, as far as our technology can determine, is the only planet that can sustain human life.
1,157 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This essay looks at why life forms on Earth can live on the Earth but cannot survive on other planets. In exploring this fact, this essay discusses scientific theories about the creation of the universe, how conditions on Earth support life, and how the conditions on other planets are hostile to it.
From the Paper
"The current scientific theory about the creation of the universe states that at one time all the matter and energy in the universe was condensed in a very small and infinitely hot mass. About 10 and 15 billion years ago, a huge explosion, termed the ?Big Bang,? took place that sent matter and energy expanding in all directions, and the universe was born. The formation of the stars (including our sun), the galaxies, and the planets are all explained by the Big Bang theory. This hypothesis about the creation of the universe was developed following the observation by an American astronomer, Edwin Hubble, in the late 1920s that distant stars and galaxies are receding from Earth in every direction?indicating that the universe was expanding."
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Global Warming Theories, 2004.
An examination of various theories about the reason for the phenomenon of global warming.
2,215 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper addresses several theories addressing why Earth has experienced increases in its global temperature over the years. This phenomenon is also known as global warming. It focuses on the studies of Milutin Milankovitch, who proposed a theory of planetary motion that attempted to explain the Earth?s periods of warming and cooling.
From the Paper
"Global warming is one of today?s most pressing issues. Though some dispute its existence, the great majority of individuals ? scientists and lay people ? do believe that the Earth is undergoing an unnatural warming. Hot summers, freak storms, melting glaciers, and other signs all seem to point toward a shift in the kind of weather enjoyed by many regions of the globe. Much of this change has occurred suddenly and rapidly, over the course of the last generation or so. Scientists know that there have been periods of climatic change in the Earth?s past. The fossil and geological records bear witness to these fluctuations. Areas of the world that are today desert were once lush grasslands. Regions now frozen in the grip of perpetual winter were at one time home to tropical rainforests. Seas were to be found where at the present time there is only dry land. Various animal species came and went as the environments to which they had been adapted disappeared. Perhaps most graphic of all the great climatic changes to which the Earth has been subjected during its long history, were the series of ice ages that covered much of the globe in glaciers. Vast sections of Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia were buried beneath miles of ice and snow, the home of specially-adapted animals such as the wooly mammoth and rhinoceros. These great ice sheets retreated only in the geologically recent past. The planet warmed up again only a few thousand years before human beings first began to plant crops and to build cities. As well, there have been minor fluctuations in temperature over the past several millennia. It was a few degrees warmer during much of the Middle Ages, and a few degrees cooler than it is today for the ensuing five centuries or so. But what most disturbs today?s scientists, environmentalists, and politicians, are the sudden changes of the past third of a century. Are we humans at fault? Are the greenhouse gases emitted by our cars and factories are rapidly smothering the Earth? Or is it the fault of the Earth itself ? the result of fluctuations in the planet?s motions and orbit, as hypothesized by the great Serbian scientist Milutin Milankovitch?"
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