What are the reasons that motivate humans to explore space? Curiosity, scientific exploration, military status, and economics have all contributed to the exploration of celestial objects in outer space. The study of objects in space is called astronomy. For millennia, mankind has looked to the night sky and observed stars that make-up constellations, indicate the seasons of the year, and help to navigate the ocean. Although in the past, these observations were made using the naked eye, the use of telescopes have made it easier to use the light emitted from stars to view space, and now space flights can take us to the moon and back. The exploration of outer space has a long history but mankind made incredible discoveries and advances in the 20th Century. Now the world looks to the future with new technologies and the promise of private space exploration.

In your posts this unit answer the following questions:

1. How do telescopes collect and analyze data from stars?
2. What can astronomers see in space using a telescope?
3. What are two targets of space exploration? How has the study of these astronomical objects and human space exploration impacted or improved life on earth?
4. Can we live in space? On the moon or on Mars? Why or why not?
5. Countries across the globe launch satellites and other technology into outer space. Discuss the potential impact of space trash and how Earth can be impacted.
6. What is the future of space exploration? Explain why you would or would not contribute to space tourism by buying a ticket for a trip to space or the moon?

Just response each posted down below # 1 to 2

Posted # 1

Good evening,

Telescopes collect light from distant objects and focuses that light to an image. Astronomers use telescopes with detection devices that are sensitive to wavelengths that our eyes cannot see. Astronomers measure light to determine certain physical characteristics of objects such as temperature, composition and velocity.

Space exploration has been going on for years. Two of the targets of space exploration is the sun and the moon.

No, we cannot live in space, on the moon or Mars. The gravity fields outside of earth is a different experience and your body would be weightless causing your body to float. Without gravity working your body, your bones lose minerals. The fluids in your body with float to your head causing many health issues (NASA, 2018).

Space debris includes both natural and man-made particles. It travels at speeds up to 17, 500 mph which is fast enough for a small piece of debris to damage a satellite or spacecraft or cause a collision. There wouldn’t be much impact to us on Earth because our atmosphere protects us from space debris. There’s more density here on Earth which would cause the object to decelerate before hitting the ground. (NASA, 2013)

The future space exploration could potentially lead to more humans other than astronauts in space and on Mars. I would not contribute to space tourism by buying a ticket. I am not a fan at knowingly putting myself at risk which will cause health issues (i.e. exposure to radiation). Even though there may be more technology in the future to prevent such issues.

Reference

NASA. (2018). The Human Body in Space. Retrieved from: https://www.nasa.gov/hrp.bodyinspace

NASA. (2013). Space Debris and Human Spacecraft. Retrieved from: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/news/orbital_debris.html

Posted 2

• " To collect and analyze radio waves, microwaves, light, and other radiation, astronomers have devised a variety of telescopes, which are devices that focus and concentrate radiation from distant objects." (Trefil, J., & Hazen, R.M., 2016, PG. 308)
• they are able to see more the bigger and better the telescopes are getting. Stars, planets, moon, sun, galaxies.
• the moon and the sun have always been targets of space exploration. I think studying this astronomical objects has taught us what we are capable of and what things we have been doing on earth can affect the atmosphere.
• we cannot live in space there is no oxygen for us to breath. Also our bodies aren't meant for space.
• I would imagine that the space trash affects our satellites
• I think there are a lot of people out there who are open to space exploration. I think eventually they will be selling around space tickets for vacations. but as for me I will never buy a ticket or take a trip to the moon. Google maps works just fine for me 🙂

Reference:

Trefil, J., & Hazen, R.M. (2016). The sciences: An integrated approach.Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.