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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. About how many channels does SETI search for signs of extraterrestrial communication on?

2. When was Venus first explored by a space probe?

3. What is the primary way that humans add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?

4. When did a "disrupted" comet famously fall into Jupiter?

5. According to Sagan, how profitable is it for a nation to invest in space exploration?

Short Essay Questions

1. What would the process of "terraforming" on Mars be like?

2. What does Sagan believe black holes have to offer?

3. What types of strategies are most practical for stopping an Earth-bound asteroid?

4. What promising signs does Mars have for being host to life?

5. What major environmental catastrophes does Sagan warn against in Chapter 14, "Exploring Other Worlds and Protecting One"?

6. What profit motivations exist in a manned mission to Mars?

7. Why does Sagan suggest that space exploration aids in protecting the planet?

8. What location in the solar system either have or are believed to have once had volcanoes?

9. What is unusual about the surface of Venus?

10. How could planetary tides pull a small planet apart?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sagan presents a thought experiment in Chapter 5, "Is There Intelligent Life on Earth?" He suggests that the observations that a visiting alien might make of Earth would not necessarily reveal the presence of intelligent life.

1) Discuss the thought experiment that Sagan proposes in Chapter 5, and describe the obvious characteristics of the Earth from the perspective of this visitor.

2) Describe the types of observations a visitor to Earth would have to make in order to determine the presence of intelligent life on the planet.

3) Explain how this thought experiment demonstrates Sagan's point about "missing" important details in the search for life in the solar system.

Essay Topic 2

Volcanoes are quite common and relatively active on Earth, and can be observed on solid planetary bodies throughout the solar system.

1) Describe the process of volcanism in general, its causes, and its impact on the environment.

2) Discuss the function and nature of volcanoes on Earth and how they interact with the upper atmosphere and eject particles into space.

3) Describe some of the known active or dormant volcano system observed on other planets and moons.

Essay Topic 3

Titan is the largest moon of Saturn and the most Earth-like of all of the moons in the solar system, making it a good candidate for finding extraterrestrial life.

1) Describe the characteristics of the moon Titan, including a discussion of its atmosphere and hydrocarbon lakes.

2) Assess the specific characteristics of the moon that make it suitable for life.

3) Discuss Sagan's personal involvement in the study of Titan, its importance to him, and why he believes the moon warrants further study.

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