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Comet ISON. An illustration of Science in action…. Comet ISON. Processes involved in Good Science? Illustrations of these following Comet ISON’s detection, approach, and orbiting of the Sun. Processes involved in science:.
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Comet ISON An illustration of Science in action….
Comet ISON • Processes involved in Good Science? • Illustrations of these following Comet ISON’s detection, approach, and orbiting of the Sun
Processes involved in science: • observation of data, developing questions about trends, differences, unique occurrences seen within that data, • research into previous work on similar questions, • building models & creating testable hypotheses, • designing & gathering new data through, experiments, • testing & refining models based on analysis of new data
Processes involved in science: • modifying or discarding incorrect hypotheses • developing interconnected hypotheses into theories • sharing data & results with peers for independent evaluation and testingand • publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals so that the community of science can advance.
Obsevations: • Detected Sept 21, 2012 • Confirmed by others AND by looking at earlier photos by 9/24 Good Science: Multiple independent observations
Observations • Very “active” for so far away. SWIFT Gamma Ray Telescope (launched 2004) Deep Impact Mission (launched 2005) Good Science: Look at objects with multiple wavelengths, in different ways, to learn more
Models: • Orbit model of a “Sungrazer Comet” • Like 1680 Comet Kirch? Good Science: Research past similar orbits and trajectories, develop models based on data plus earlier knowledge
Develop Hypotheses • Very “active” => Might it create a great sight? Would it look like Comet Hartley ? Good Science: Research past comets
Develop Hypotheses • New comet, fresh from Oort cloud • Like 2011 Comet Lovejoy Good Science: Develop Hypotheses based on available data, suggest tests for these to spur new observations/experiments
Develop Hypotheses • New comet, fresh from Oort cloud • Like 2011 Comet Lovejoy, would it survive? Good Science: Develop Hypotheses based on available data, suggest tests for these to spur new observations/experiments
Develop Hypotheses • It could be an epic failure • It could fizzle & burn up • It could be spectacular!
Testing of Hypotheses w/ multiple experiments Why so active so early? Use IR telescope to see CO2 & CO molecules ISON has lots of Gas! “The Soda Pop Comet”
Testing of Hypotheses w/ multiple experiments Use spectra to help confirm composition
Refining Models • Involve lots of scientists Good Science: Sharing different views and ideas among peers advances science
Testing of Hypotheses w/ multiple experiments Continued study – it might be really SPECTACULAR!