ASTRONOMY 305V - SEARCH FOR LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE R. Walterbos
POLL RESULTS
2. Have you taken an astronomy course(s) before?
YES 30
NO 44
3. We will discuss various topics that enter into the discussion of possible life outside earth. Circle the topics that interest you most:
a. Origin and evolution of life on earth. 37
b. Formation of Universe and solar system. 44
c. Astronomical events in the solar system that likely affected
and affect life on Earth. 38
d. Conditions elsewhere in solar system and their relevance to
existence of life. 44
e. Planets around other stars and most likely locations of life. 53
f. Evolution of stars and relevance to development and
evolution of life. 31
g. Searching for intelligent life in the universe. 63
h. Space travel both "local" and "interstellar"? 52
i. other, namely:
- Is space travel impossible?
- Nebulas!
- Aliens
- More info on the Drake equation
- Black holes
- The geology or element composition of other planets
- Planetary atmospheric materials, nebulas
- Role of time in space
- Fermi paradox and transhuman right (?) social development
- Discovery of new materials/elements
4. Please assign a score from 1 to 5 to topics a) through d) below. according to your current knowledge, or personal beliefs: 1 indicates "I disagree strongly", while 5 indicates "I agree strongly". Please write the number ranking behind each statement.
a. It is likely that some form of life exists elsewhere in our solar system.
b. It is likely that some form of life exists on planets around other stars.
c It is likely that intelligent life exists elsewhere in our galaxy.
d. It is likely that the Earth has already been visited by alien civilizations.
|
choice\ question |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
|
a. |
4 |
14 |
14 |
6 |
34 |
|
b. |
1 |
3 |
11 |
12 |
46 |
|
c. |
5 |
3 |
12 |
9 |
43 |
|
d. |
15 |
16 |
17 |
10 |
15 |
5. Do you consider the following statement likely true or likely false: "If contact with an alien civilization would be established, or evidence for alien civilizations would be found, the government would try to hide this from us"
Circle one:
likely true 61 (?!?!?!?!?!)
likely false 11
6. Please try to answer the following questions, which relate to how astronomical research is funded.
a. Approximately how large a fraction of the total annual federal US budget - so including defense, housing, education, social security, debt payments - etc, goes to astronomy and space research, including shuttle flights, space station, ground-based observatories, research grants, etc.
a. 1% b. 5% c. 10% d. 20%
28 27 16 4
b. The cost for astronomy and space research per US resident, per day, is of order:
a. $0.25 b. $2.50 c. $25 d. $250
51 16 6 2