Astronomy 110
Fall 2017
Assignment # 7
Introduction
The possibility of living on other worlds is the dream of many people. The reality is that for the planets of our solar system, the conditions are not suitable for life as it exists on earth. This assignment is to have you explore a concept known as “terraforming”.
Task
1. Research and answer the following: a. What is ‘terraforming”? [Definition] b. How does terraforming work? c. Is ‘terraforming” a reality or not [provide supporting evidence] d. Who are the leaders [people] in the push of terraforming ideas? e. Which planets would most likely be used for terraforming? f. What is the name of at least one science fiction book or movie that uses the idea of terraforming?
Requirements:
** All references [minimum of 2 sources] used must be documented.
1. Must be typed
2. Include: your name and assignment number
3. All pages [more than 1] –stapled
Due:
November 28, 2017 [Tuesday]
Points: 10
1.
What is ‘terraforming”?
Terraforming of a planet, moon, or other body is the hypothetical process of deliberately modifying its atmosphere, temperature, surface topography or ecology to be similar to the environment of Earth to make it habitable by Earthlike life.
2.
How does terraforming work?
Terraforming is the process whereby a hostile environment (i.e. a planet that is too cold, too hot, and/or has an unbreathable atmosphere) is altered in order to be suitable for human life. This could involve modifying the temperature, atmosphere, surface topography, ecology – or all of the above – in order to make a planet or moon more “Earth-like”.
3.
Is ‘terraforming” a reality or not [provide supporting evidence]
It is possible to perform terraforming but it would be a very long process.
4.
Who are the leaders [people] in the push of terraforming ideas?
Carrel Sagan purposed the planetary engineering in 1961
5.
Which planets would most likely be used for terraforming?
Mars would be a most likely used planet to perform terraforming.
6.
What is the name of at least one science fiction book or movie that uses the idea of terraforming?
A movie called Terra Formars written by Yū Saugus, in an attempt to colonize
Mars, 21st century scientists were tasked with warming up the planet so that humans could survive on its surface.
References
https://www.universetoday.com/127311/guide-to-terraforming/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terraforming
