ASTR 112 - Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Institution:

SUNY College at Oneonta

Subject:

Description:

3 s.h. This course examines, at an introductory level, the fundamental physical principles associated with the search for extraterrestrial life. Particular emphasis is placed upon the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life (SETI) which theoretically might be capable of being detected by our current or likely future technology. Basic properties of objects in our solar system are considered along with the minimal conditions required for life as we understand it. The outlook for life on each known planet, several natural satellites, asteroids, and comets is treated. Next, the existence of life in other solar systems is considered by examining the properties of stellar structure and stellar evolution which would permit such life. The effects of stellar ecospheres, stellar timescales, binary and multiple star systems, and stellar populations are examined along with key planetary properties. This leads to an estimate of the number of habitable planets in our Milky Way Galaxy. Then, the nature of hypothetical extraterrestrial life forms, related civilizations, and constraints on the longevity of technological civilizations in the Galaxy and the likely average distances separating such societies. The possibilities for direct contact between alien cultures through interstellar travel by the life forms or by automated probes (Bracewell or von Neumann machines) leads to the question of interstellar colonization and the classical Fermi Paradox. The more feasible alternative of indirect contact through remove communications leads to radio transmissions as the optimum current approach and the course concludes with a survey of such past, current, and potential SETI studies. ( LA)

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.oneonta.edu

Phone Number:

(607) 436-3500

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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