A. The electromagnetic spectrum -- seeing
GAIA -- THE EARTH SYSTEM
THE EARTH -- A SPECIAL PLACE?
| The universe is approximately 99.99% hydrogen and helium, two very simple elements. The solar system contains a slightly higher percentage of heavier elements, but not much higher. The earth, on the other hand , has relatively little of either of these light gases. Helium is so rare that it was only discovered on Earth after being found to be a major component of the sun. Instead, the earth is about 35% iron, 30 % oxygen, 15% silicon and 13 % magnesium with small amounts of nickel, sulfur, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, aluminum and hydrogen. This difference between the earth and average universe and solar system has led some to propose that the earth is a "SPECIAL PLACE", meaning that it's seemingly unusual chemistry is a result of divine intervention. The first parts of this course will consider this idea in a scientific way, by looking for evidence and explanations that can be used to help us understand how the earth came to be different. |
A. The electromagnetic spectrum -- seeing
B.
Elements
and light
C. Findings
(Deep Space)
Near Space
II. Light as a speedometer
A. Evidence from deep space
B. An expanding Universe
1. Become aware of the procedures and expectations of the course.
2. Explain how light can
be used to determine
chemical
composition of a star.
3. How do scientists explain the
difference between the Iron, Silicon, and Oxygen rich earth and the
Hydrogen and Helium rich universe?
