Final, June 14, 2017<br>
Astronomy 123</br>
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<a href="astr123_sample.pdf">Sample Questions (exam)</a>
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Life in the Universe: Drake Equation & Fermi Paradox 
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<ul>
<li> CETI and SETI. Describe the Arecibo message to M13? 
How was it sent and
how was it to be interpreted? What are the problems
in formulating our attempts to communicate with extraterrestrials? Do we want
to communicate with extraterrestrials? Do you think the Voyager plaques (and
the earlier Pioneer plaques) are useful? Why or why not.
<li>Venus, Earth, and Mars were likely quite similar at birth and yet, 
today, they have grossly different atmospheres and surface conditions. 
Briefly sketch the atmospheric evolution of the Earth and then point out why Venus, Earth, and Mars turned out so differently.
<li>What evidence is that there Mars once had a much more lush environment
in the past than today (that is, what is the evidence for water on Mars?
<li> Describe the Greenhouse Effect.
<li> What is the Faint Young Sun Problem? What is the likely solution to 
the Faint Young Sun Problem? What is meant by equilibrium temperature?
<li> What is the water trap?
<li> Describe the Viking biology experiments. Describe the outcome of the
Viking biology experiments. What is the current take on the results of the
Viking life experiments? How did the idea of LAWKI influence the design of
the Viking experiments?
<li> Describe ALH84001. Describe the outcome of the
study of ALH84001. What is the current take on the results of the
study of ALH84001?
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