Question 1

Which of the following best describes how the Drake equation is useful?

Accepted Answer

The Drake equation helps us understand what factors we need to consider in order to estimate the likelihood of finding other civilizations. It takes into account factors such as the rate of star formation and the likelihood of habitable planets, which are important to consider in the search for extraterrestrial life. However, it does not allow us to determine the exact number of civilizations in the Milky Way.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about matter-antimatter engines is not true?

Accepted Answer

This statement is not true. Antimatter has been observed and studied in experiments, but it is still challenging to produce and store in sufficient quantities for use in engines.

Question 3

In the Drake equation (Number of Civilizations = NHP × ( f )life × fcᵢᵥ × fnₒw),we expect the term fcᵢᵥ to be small if

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the Drake equation (Number of Civilizations...

Question 4

Suppose we discover a "super-Earth" at a distance of 10AU from its star.Should we consider it to be potentially habitable?

Accepted Answer

The presence of substantial amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere of a super-Earth at a distance of 10AU from its star can keep the planet warm beyond the usual boundaries assumed for habitable zones. This means that it could potentially be habitable. Option B is incorrect as the size of the star does not determine the habitability of the planet. Option C is also incorrect as it is possible for planets beyond 1AU to be habitable. Option D is incorrect as greenhouse gases do not freeze out at that distance but may be present in significant amounts.

Question 5

Why is Titan considered a good candidate for life?

Accepted Answer

Titan is considered a good candidate for life because it has lakes and rivers of liquid methane and ethane on its surface, Cassini measurements suggest an ocean of liquid water beneath its surface, and there is evidence for volcanic cones that likely erupt liquid water, indicating a variety of environments where life as we know it or in an exotic form could potentially exist.

Question 6

Which of the following is not considered a potential solution to the question of why we lack any evidence of a galactic civilization?

Accepted Answer

The idea that a galactic civilization operates under different laws of physics from the ones we know is not considered a potential solution because it contradicts our current understanding of the universality of physical laws. The other options (A, C, D) are all considered potential explanations within the framework of the Fermi Paradox and discussions about the absence of evidence for extraterrestrial civilizations.

Question 7

Suppose it turns out that one in 1 million stars has a planet that at some point in its history is home to an advanced civilization.Then the total number of civilizations that have arisen in our galaxy would be closest to

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suppose it turns out that one in...

Question 8

Which of the following describes a major danger of interstellar travel at near-light speed?

Accepted Answer

At near-light speed, a fast-moving spacecraft will encounter an increased number of atoms and ions in interstellar space, which can have a damaging impact on the crew and equipment. These high-energy particles can cause damage to a spacecraft's electronics and biological organisms, including radiation sickness and increased cancer risk.

Quiz 24: Life in the Universe