Premium Essay

Asteroids Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 1801
Pages 8
Asteroids are airless and rocky bodies that revolve around the Sun but are too small to be classified as planets. Within the inner Solar System, there are more than 150 million asteroids whose diameters are longer than 100 metres. But the number is much larger if smaller ones are counted. In fact, thanks to the advanced telescopes, around 5000 new asteroids are discovered by astronomers per month. Asteroids come in various compositions, shapes and sizes. Some are solid, some are complex mixtures of metals while others are ‘rubble piles’ bound together by the force of gravity. Nearly all asteroids are irregularly shaped (some even have moons of their own or have various tails), but a few possess enough gravity and pull into nearly spherical …show more content…
Composed of rock and ice, Ceres is estimated to make up roughly one third of the total mass of the entire asteroid belt. As mentioned above, Ceres was first discover in 1801 by Piazzi. It was believed by Bode to be the ‘missing planet’ predicted by his law to exist between Mars and Jupiter. It was listed as a planet in astronomy books for half a century. Then, astronomers started to realize the differences between Ceres and the major planets and began rethinking title. In 1847, Ceres and her other newly discovered friends were demoted to asteroids. One hundred and fifty years later, titles changed once more for Ceres. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) promoted it as a dwarf planet because it met some of the qualification for a planet but not all. Ceres and Pluto are both spheroidal objects, like Mercury, Earth, Jupiter and Saturn. However, unlike the larger planets, Ceres, according to the IAU definition, ‘has no cleared the neighborhood’ around its orbit. After all, the naming and classifying of planets are just a part of humans’ attempt to understand and unravel the mysteries of space. With the Dawn spacecraft still orbiting Ceres and sending back images and at the moment, in the near future, our perceptions of it may change drastically information and lead to another reclassification. Whatever the case will be, it is undoubted that exploring Ceres as well as the Asteroid Belt will tell us a lot about the history and evolution of our Solar, and may open a new opportunities of yielding materials or energy from

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Loyola College

...10/25/2013 Department of Physics | Loyola College | JOURNAL | PHYSICA | JOURNAL | PHYSICA | CONTNETS * About college * About physics department * Students club * Science news * Science facts * Picture of the day * Puzzle * Riddle ABOUT COLLEGE Glorious college: Loyola College Loyola College was founded by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1925, with the primary objective of providing University Education in a Christian atmosphere for deserving Students, especially those belonging to the Catholic Community. Although this college is meant primarily for Catholics, it admits other students irrespective of caste and creed.  The College aims at training young men and women of quality to be leaders in all walks of life, whom we hope will play a vital role in bringing about the desired changes for the betterment of the people of our country, more particularly of the dalits and other poorer and marginalized sections of society. The College trains young men and women to serve their fellowmen in justice, truth and love. Loyola College became autonomous in July 1978. The College, however, continues to be affiliated to the University of Madras and is autonomous, in the sense that it is free to frame its own course of studies and adopt innovative methods of teaching and evaluation. The University degrees will be conferred on the students passing the examinations conducted by the college. In Loyola, we look at education differently...

Words: 5054 - Pages: 21

Premium Essay

Home Alone

...Research Paper Outline I. Introduction A) Hook – For thousands of years, humans have never really known what existed beyond what we could see with our own eyes. B) General Statements/Explain the Controversy – Advocates for space exploration say that there are much advantages that push humankind towards a better tomorrow. Opponents argue that there is an huge cost put into research and development C) Thesis Statement and Forecast – I think that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages because of the benefits that people will inherit and that the economic benefit we receive is a lot more than the cost we put into it. II. Body (Arguments) A) Transition and Topic Sentence for Reason #1 – We can use the new technology 1) Supporting Detail - Not possible without NASA (Wilson, Space Program Benefits) 2) Supporting Detail -Things from fiberglass to GPS (Wilson, Space Program Benefits) 3) Supporting Detail - More investment, more commercialized (Wilson, Space Program Benefits) B) Transition and Topic Sentence for Reason #2 – The exploration development basic necessities 1) Supporting Detail - NASA started water program (Dunbar, “Water Water Everywhere!”) 2) Supporting Detail - Based off design for astronauts (Dunbar, “Water Water Everywhere!”) 3) Supporting Detail - Inexpensive, useful (Dunbar, “Water Water Everywhere!”) C) Transition and Topic Sentence for Reason #3 –The exploration extended to help people in medicine 1) Supporting...

Words: 987 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Pluto Argument Of Perihelion

...It’s three times as far from the sun as Pluto, and actually exists beyond the Kuiper Belt. Sheppard and Trujillo noticed that VP113 seemed to share an orbital angle with other very large objects. What makes this interesting is a concept called the “argument of perihelion.” Perihelion is when an object reaches its closest point to the sun in its orbit. In simpler terms, VP113 and its orbiting buddies are having their orbits manipulated into specific patterns by a “great disturber.” This massive object is affecting VP113’s orbit patterns which happen to avoid being hit by the dwarf planet the same way near earth asteroids have orbital patterns happen to avoid hitting Earth. But think about asteroids relative to the size of Earth. How big would an object have to be to manipulate the orbital patterns of a dwarf planet? More enticing is the question of how could there be such a massive object so far away from the Sun? There are several hypotheses out there, but nothing conclusive. After all, Sheppard and Trujillo’s findings are by no means conclusive. But it is a great mystery and further attributes to the idea that there is still much to be discovered in our great big backyard that lies beyond...

Words: 473 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

...Maryland suburb, Harold Young, a 25 year old junior analyst at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Research Center sleeps soundly in his bed. Normally, he would get up at 8 am, quickly take a warm shower, and grab an apple on his way out in order to get to his day job at 9 am. However, today, Harold would find himself waking up suddenly, to the rumbling of the ground beneath him and ceiling above him, followed by loud cracks from his windows. Confused and shocked, Harold quickly jumps out of bed and runs into his living room to find his cat Gerald hissing at the window. What’s up with Gerald? Harold wonders, as his thoughts are abruptly disturbed by what Harold only imagined could have been the sound of a very large bomb going off. Harold...

Words: 1827 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Computer Science

...pseudorandom numbers, using the middle-square method. Though this method has been criticized as crude, von Neumann was aware of this: he justified it as being faster than any other method at his disposal, and also noted that when it went awry it did so obviously, unlike methods which could be subtly incorrect. While consulting for the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania on the EDVAC project, von Neumann wrote an incomplete First Draft of a Report on the EDVAC. The paper, whose public distribution nullified the patent claims of EDVAC designers J. Presper Eckert and John William Mauchly, described a computer architecture in which the data and the program are both stored in the computer's memory in the same address space.[50] John von Neumann also consulted for the ENIAC project, when ENIAC was being modified to contain a stored program. Since the modified ENIAC was fully functional by 1948 and the EDVAC wasn't delivered to Ballistics Research Laboratory until 1949, one could argue that ENIAC was the first computer to use a stored program. John von Neumann also designed the instruction set for the modified ENIAC, and he should be given credit for this. The stored program version of ENIAC ran 6 times slower, but it was still entirely I/O bound, and...

Words: 625 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Will Humans Be Able to Survive the Next Ice Age?

...Are Homo Sapiens really the smartest species on  Earth, and if so, is this sufficient to ensure its long‐ term survival? Submitted by: Andrew Jara Submitted to: Heidi White Course: AST 251H1 Due Date: March 12, 2013   1  As time passes, the Earth and all its inhabitants grow older, one must ask that as the number of inhabitants are increasing and the amount of resources decreasing, whether or not the human race will be able to withstand extinction. The parameters of human intelligence can be used to define and determine the possibility of this outcome. Humans are believed to have the title of being the most dominant and intelligent species on the face of the Earth, but there is much competition for that title today and arguments arise within the scientific community. Humans believe that they are separated from all other species based on the concept of intelligence and how they have used intelligence to their advantage to create language, technology and many other things to ultimately establish themselves as a successful species. In order to actually prove that humans rightfully deserve that title, one must delve into the debate of intelligence to clarify the meaning and understanding of intelligence. This will provide evidence to the argument on whether or not the human species will be viable in the long-term. In the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, intelligence is defined as the ability to collect and apply certain knowledge and information from the external environment...

Words: 2831 - Pages: 12

Free Essay

Gps Technology

...Jessica James (PM-Thursday) July 2, 2015 Unit#1 Research Paper#1: Paradigm Shift We all know was GPS, Global Positioning System, means because we have them in our cars to help us find a location when we travel nationwide or when we just need to find street address. We also have them in our cell phones to do exactly the same. It even helps boats and ships to navigate the oceans and also helps airplanes fly around the world without getting lost or crashing. Those are the basics we know about GPS it helps everyone know or find their exact locations around the world. In the 1970s GPS was developed by the military to guide weapons of mass destruction during the war. It had 24 satellites in which over the years of many designs it became fully functional in 1995 (contributors, 2015). Now the military controls the GPS which is good because it helps us defend our country from others who want to attack the USA. While it’s been available to everyone for free we still have restrictions. The U.S. government controls the export of some civilian receivers. All GPS receivers capable of functioning above 18 km (60,000 feet) altitude and 515 m/s (1,000 knots), or designed or modified for use with unmanned air vehicles like, e.g., ballistic or cruise missile systems, are classified as munitions (weapons)—which means they require State Department export licenses.[76] (contributors, Global Positiong System, 2015) The GPS eliminated the compass which we used for years to find our way around...

Words: 567 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Glg 150

...Evolution Through the Solar System Abstract Over the course the class has been about many different things through our solar system, land features, and more. This week we had to put together a paper describing how evolution has taken place through our solar system. The main objectives of the paper are to include the formation of the planets, the motion of the planets, the early revolution. Also, discussed is the scientists who discovered these properties of our solar system. For example Copernicus, Newton, Galileo, and Kepler. These scientists have all created or in some way helped to discover something new about our solar system. Evolution Through the Solar System Though scientists have been studying the solar systems for years. There are still discoveries made each year. Many of the discoveries have been interesting from the formation and motion of the planets, the early revolution of the planets, and the scientists who discovered what we know today. Formation Scientists have been studying the origin of our solar system for hundreds of years. Some findings are well supported while others are not as well received. The best news is we are not done concluding the formation of our solar system just yet. In 2006, the distant ice-covered body known as Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf and changed the model of our solar system from nine planets to eight. Today a planet is defined as, “A full-fledged planet is an object that orbits the sun and is large enough to have...

Words: 1963 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Ouranosaurus Research Paper

...A French paleontologist by the name of Philippe Taquet named this approximately 110-115 million-year-old dinosaur genus in 1976. The bones were discovered in the Gadoufaoua beds of northeast Niger, Africa just ten years earlier. There are currently two nearly complete skeletal structures associated with this dinosaur; both found in the southern Sahara Desert, and one of them Taquet researched. This paper will continue to discuss the Ouranosaurus in its entirety. It will start with background information, including how to pronounce its name, what it looked like, how it was classified, and which dinosaurs it was similar to. The paper will end with more descriptive aspects, such as when and where the dinosaur lived, what and how it ate, who its...

Words: 2221 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Five Freedoms Dont Exist

...religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, I don’t know what freedom of association is, but it’s not one of the freedoms in the Bill of Rights. I do not value any of these supposed rights, because in my opinion, and in my own personal experience, these rights do not exist in society today. When the bill of rights was first written, times were very different. I won’t presume to know what it was like, but I imagine people did not lie, cheat and steal to be successful the way they do today. I do believe that it probably happened on occasion, but today it is the standard. I also believe that anyone that thinks these rights still exist today is very naïve, or just plain ignorant. All one has to do is watch the news, or read a news paper, and one can find examples of violations of these rights. Regarding the Freedom of Speech, this one is sketchy; you could say that it exists in certain situations, but not anywhere at any time. Try to tell a politically incorrect joke at work and you’re liable to get fired on the spot. If you get pulled over by the police for a minor traffic violation you best keep your mouth shut or you may be arrested for interfering with the duties of a peace officer. Everywhere you go, you will find that you do not have the freedom to say what you please. Or you could say what you please, but that dire consequences may follow. The Freedom of Religion doesn’t exist either. It is well known that terrorists are Muslims. The Muslim religion at its...

Words: 825 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Final Team Paper

...Final Learning Team Paper GLG/150 Final Learning Team Paper During the early days of mankind, humans were led to believe that he or she were the sole entity of the universe. The Earth was thought of as exact center of the solar system, and that other planets revolved around it. Through the efforts and determination of individuals who refused to believe unchecked facts or documents, Earth is not the center of the universe but is instead a small piece to a larger solar system. The discoveries made by earlier pioneers of science Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton. Developed ideas that help individuals understand the concepts of motion, and the formation of celestial bodies in space. Theories of gravity and space dramatically changed the views in which Individuals determine the origins of our Moon and other planets within our Solar System. As science and technologies progress, ideas of formations and motions in space provides more educated theories of how our world, or universe has formed and will continue to function. The Earth was formed about five billion years ago and is the earliest material in the solar system, which a solar nebula that collapsed from the formation of the sun ("How Did the Earth Form", 2012). Dust and gas from the solar nebula took about millions of years to form into the earth starting with center of the Earth to cool down and form a crust that allowed water to...

Words: 1193 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Privatization of the Space Flight Program

...Over the last 60 years, the United States Space Program has brought to life things that, as late as the 1950’s, were once believed to be impossible. As a little boy, I remember watching TV in the library at school as the latest space shuttle was going to blast off from its launch pad en route to its destiny in space exploration. As I’ve grown, so too has my never ending curiosity of what lies beyond our own planet and solar system. We have been to the moon, seen unbelievable, up close photos of planets like Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and just when it looked like we’re about to make a leap into exploring beyond our solar system or possibly sending a manned mission to Mars, it all stops. Along with millions of other people who grew up dreaming of one day going into outer space or visiting a faraway planet, we all watched in horror as the United States Space Program has all but been eliminated by decisions made by members of Congress and President Barak Obama to drastically overhaul funding for NASA and the United States Space Program. In 2010, the President announced dramatic changes including the abandonment of the Constellation program and the Ares Rocket which was supposed to replace the newly retired space shuttle program, as well as outlining the development of commercializing elements of the industry which has forced NASA to re-evaluate the overall direction of its program and establish new, long-term initiatives. Will the commercialization and privatization of the space...

Words: 2089 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Nasa

...NASA Research Paper Chelsea Best 4138567 LSTD 300 Professor Kerney Since its beginning the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been pivotal in the scientific advancements made in the United States. Their vision, “To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.” The scientist and researchers for NASA are trying to answer questions not just about the universe at large, but also about everyday human lives here on Earth. There are four focuses of NASA’s activity, called mission directives. Aeronautics, which focuses on meeting the worldwide demand for more eco-friendly and sustainable aircrafts. Human Exploration and Operations which involves operations on the International Space Station (ISS), developing commercial spaceflight and the ability for humans to explore beyond low-Earth Orbit. Scientist are exploring not only the Earth itself, but the universe beyond as well and works on charting the best exploration paths for us to continue discovering the universe. Space Technology is the final mission directive of NASA which combines elements from the others to develop and create the most innovative technology to aid future missions. NASA is also working hard to aid in the development of a private sector in space travel. Their hope is that by commercializing some aspects of space travel, such as routine trips to the ISS, more of their resources will be available for furthering their overall goals...

Words: 3098 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Dinosaur Extinction

...Dinosaur extinction is still a major mystery of earth history. In this review article, extinctions in the geological record will be briefly mentioned. Many of the imaginative theories for the extinction of the dinosaurs will also be presented. Within the uniformitarian paradigm, the meteorite impact theory, once considered ‘outrageous’, now is the dominant theory. However, the volcanic theory is still believed by a majority of paleontologists. Both theories have their strengths and weaknesses. The unscientific behavior of those involved in the meteorite paradigm change will be briefly explored. Evidence that the dinosaurs died in a cataclysm of global proportions will be presented, such as the huge water-laid dinosaur graveyards found over the earth. Occasional nonspecific bone-beds and the rarity of fossils of very young dinosaurs suggest a catastrophic death and burial. The billions of dinosaur tracks recently discovered provide testimony to unusual, stressful conditions. Nests, eggs, and babies are a challenge to a Flood model, but there are enough unknowns associated with the data that solid conclusions are difficult to draw. The part that impacts and volcanism play in a Flood paradigm will be briefly discussed. The question of whether the K/T boundary and the extinction of the dinosaurs should be considered a synchronous event within the Flood will be considered. Introduction Dinosaurs bring wonder to children and adults alike. That such great beasts once roamed the earth...

Words: 16556 - Pages: 67

Premium Essay

Research Paper on Evolution and Extinction of Dinosaurs

...• English/US • Answers • Store • Outreach • Media • Kids • Education • Donate • Answers in Genesis • Answers • Animals • Dinosaurs • Dinosaur Extinction • The Extinction of the Dinosaurs The Extinction of the Dinosaurs by Michael J. Oard on August 1, 1997 Share: • • • • Originally published in Journal of Creation 11, no 2 (August 1997): 137-154. Shop Now First published: TJ (now Journal of Creation) 11(2):137–154 August 1997 by Michael J. Oard Dinosaur extinction is still a major enigma of earth history. In this review article, extinctions in the geological record will be briefly mentioned. Many of the imaginative theories for the extinction of the dinosaurs will also be presented. Within the uniformitarian paradigm, the meteorite impact theory, once considered ‘outrageous’, now is the dominant theory. However, the volcanic theory is still believed by a majority of palaeontologists. Both theories have their strengths and weaknesses. The unscientific behaviour of those involved in the meteorite paradigm change will be briefly explored. Evidence that the dinosaurs died in a cataclysm of global proportions will be presented, such as the huge water-laid dinosaur graveyards found over the earth. Occasional monospecific bone-beds and the rarity of fossils of very young dinosaurs suggest a catastrophic death and burial. The billions of dinosaur tracks recently discovered provide testimony to unusual, stressful conditions. Nests, eggs, and babies...

Words: 16770 - Pages: 68