In a Globular Cluster, Astronomers (Someday) Discover a Star with the Same

question 19

Multiple Choice

In a globular cluster, astronomers (someday) discover a star with the same mass as our Sun, but consisting entirely of hydrogen and helium. Is this star a good place to point our SETI antennas and search for radio signals from an advanced civilization?

• A) yes, because such a star is probably old and a technological civilization will have had a long time to evolve and develop there
• B) yes, because we have already found radio signals from another civilization living near a star in a globular cluster
• C) no, because such a star would most likely not have a stable (main-sequence) stage that is long enough for a technological civilization to develop
• D) no, because such a star (and any planets around it) would not have the heavier elements (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, etc.) that we believe are necessary to start life as we know it
• E) yes, because globular clusters are among the closest star clusters to us, so that they would be easy to search for radio signals

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Definitions:

Sketch

A rapidly executed freehand drawing that is not intended as a finished work, often used to visualize ideas.

Lead Arrangement

Refers to the specific configuration and placement of electrodes in electrocardiography for monitoring the electrical activity of the heart.

Electrodes

Conductive materials used to make electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit.

ECG

Electrocardiogram, a test that records the electrical activity of the heart to detect any abnormalities.