Unit 1: Introduction to Earth

Science
part 2

Origins of Planet Earth

Scientific Knowledge

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Evidence, Theories,
ParadigmsScientific Knowledge
Evidence facts collected by
observation and measurement which
serve as a springboard for
development of theories
ex. Seismic energy recorded by a
seismogram

Hypothesis
Is a tentative or untested explanation to
explain how or why things happen in an
observed manner.
Usually one than one is developed to explain
a set of observations.
Ex. Phytoplankton blooms in early winter due
to convection currents in the ocean.
(evidence comes from satellite imagery)
Ex. Phytoplankton blooms occur in summer
due to warmer water. (old hypothesis)

Theory
A well tested and widely accepted view that
explains certain observable facts.
Develops from a hypothesis that has
survived extensive scrutiny and competing
hypotheses have been eliminated.
Can change if new observations are made
that cannot be explained by the current
theory

Examples of Theories

Theory of Evolution
Atomic Theory of Matter
Cell Theory
Particle Theory of Matter
Theory of continental Drift
Theory of Plate Tectonics

Paradigm
Is a theory that that is held with a high
degree of confidence with a lot of evidence.
Explains a large aspect of the natural world.
Provides the framework for research and
practice in a subject area.
Ex. Theory of Plate Tectonics

Paradigm Shift
is where a current paradigm
becomes replaced by a new
paradigm
Is rare and very slow since people
must abandon original beliefs and
practices
Ex. Spontaneous Generation
Biogenesis
Ex. Geocentric Solar System
Heliocentric

Law
A formal statement summarizing
observations of natural phenomena
occurs under given conditions.
Is supported mathematically.
Is always true and never changes.
***(usually)

Ex. Newtons Laws of Motion

Ex. Mendels Laws of Genetics
Ex. Law of Conservation of Mass

Formation of the Universe

Formation of the Universe

How Could This Be?
Earth In A Big Universe
Many people, cultures and religions
have tried to describe where and
how the universe and earth came
into being

Formation of the Universe

Creationism (considered a NonScientific View):
Belief in the bible, other holy texts or
spoken word that led to the idea that
Earth was created by a creator with
purpose

Big Bang Theory

Explains the origin of the Universe:
all galaxies,
solar systems,
stars,
Planets
Moons, asteroids, comets etc.
Explanation is still ongoing (collecting
evidence)

Big Bang Theory

Proposes that universe originated as a single
mass that exploded around 15 billion years
ago. (best estimate is 13.7 bya)
After a few billion years material cooled and
condensed into stars and galaxies.
The explosion caused continuous expansion so
galaxies moved away from one another.
About 5 bya our solar system formed within the
Milky Way galaxy
Expansion and cooling continues.

Big Bang Theory Evidence

Edwin Hubble (1929) discovered the
cosmological red shift of galaxies which
shows continuous expansion
Arno Penzias & Robert Wilson (1963) cosmic
background radiation left behind from Big Bang
1989 2001 Nasa Satellites measured and
mapped CBR (cosmic background radiation)
Thousands of Scientists worldwide are trying to
reproduce the Big Bang using computer
animation

Doppler Effect

Song
The Big Bang Theory Theme Song YouTube

Listen to the song and reflect on how

the first verse describes the things
we discussed in this lesson.

Solar Nebular Hypothesis

pg.19,628
Explains the formation of the solar
system which began about 5 bya (at
least 10 by after the Big Bang
occurred)

4 stages of Solar Nebular

Hypothesis
1. Nebula
Huge rotating cloud of dust and gas
contracts due to gravity to form a
nebula

4 stages of Solar Nebular

Hypothesis
2. Protosun
Most material is gravitationally
swept toward the centre and
rotates to form a flattened disk
Material is concentrated at the
center to form the protosun
(presun)
Gravitational energy was converted
to heat raising the temperature at
the center.

4 stages of Solar Nebular

Hypothesis
3. Protplanets
As temperatures dropped, substances with
rock forming minerals (iron and nickel)
joined together while orbiting the sun.
Repeated collisions over millions of years
formed the planets.
Close to the sun Terrestrial (rocky) planets
formed.
Further from the sun Jovian ( large,
gaseous, low density) planets formed.

4 stages of Solar Nebular

Hypothesis
4. Solar Systems
Remaining debris was either
collected into the planets and moons
or swept into space by solar wind.

Stage 1

Stage 3

Stage 2

Stage 4

STSE
The Search for Other Solar Systems
This STSE proves the importance of
advancements in scientific methods and
technology. We can now observe other
solar systems. Also, we humans are being
forced to re-examine our theories of solar
system formation (e.g. Solar Nebula
Hypothesis).
Read and Answer Questions 1-4 (In

STSE
Remember:
Universe Vs. Solar System
The Universe: incorporates several solar
systems.
A solar system: is represented by planets
orbiting stars.
Habitable Zone (Goldilocks zone)
This zone in a solar system is where liquid water
can exist on the surface and not too far from the
star it is orbiting (too cold) or too close to the
start it is orbiting (too hot). Just right!

STSE
If you can find planets orbiting stars (other than
the sun), then you have found a solar system.
There have been 1500 solar systems found to
date.
Five Methods for Finding Solar Systems
1. Radial Velocity Method
2. Transit Photometry Method
3. Astrometry Method
4. Microlensing Method
5. Direct Imaging

STSE

Transit: The passage of a planet between a star and the

Earth.

Extrasolar planets: Planets that exist in other solar

systems (as opposed to the solar system where Earth
exists). These are called exoplanets.

Gemini North
The Gemini Observatory Program has been in operation by
Canada and its purpose is to find extrasolar planets. The
powerful telescopes remove the effect of twinkling stars,
allowing clearer views into space. They also minimize star
light, thereby allowing for more focus on light being given
off by the extrasolar planets.

Kepler Mission
Designed to survey a part of our region of the Milky Way
Galaxy to discover Earth-sized planets in or near the
habitable zone.1500 found to date!

STSE
The Solar Nebula Hypothesis infers that a solar
system should have rocky inner planets and
larger gaseous planets much further out.
Many solar systems found do not fit the pattern
described above.
Maybe gravity and friction has caused the larger
planets to move.
Alone, the Solar Nebula Hypothesis seems too
simplistic. Maybe it just represents the formation
and configuration of early planets.

STSE
The light an extrasolar planet emits
is very significant. This is because
the atmosphere surrounding each
planet influences the light that gets
emitted.
***Water, methane, and ozone are
required in atmospheres in order for
them to be able to support life.
Detailed spectrometry could tell
scientists if life (as we know it) exists
on planets.