In this episode Sagan start by addressing the drastic differences between astronomy and astrology. He then goes into the historic divide between the heliocentric and geocentric models of the universe. The most popular geocentric model was proposed by Ptolemy and was the reigning model of the universe until Nicholas Copernicus came along and proposed the heliocentric model. This model was then corroborated by Tycho Brahe’s data and the math of Johannes Kepler. My favorite part of the episode was when Sagan talked about the ancient calendars and how while good in intention they are hardly scientific in nature.

This episode was centered on the ideas of natural selection and how the universe evolved. Sagan spends some time addressing the idea of intelligent design and then goes on the explain some of the likely cases for extraterrestrial life. I thought it was interesting how he laid out the potential criteria for a planet, or any extra solar body, to sustain life. I had never considered the importance of dna on the evolution of life and would certainly not have put it as an essential part of lifes ability to develop.

Episode 1 was kind of like a general overview of many different aspects of our universe. I really liked the use of the dandelion seed as an analogy of a spaceship. I also enjoyed how they showed that Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of the earth over 2,000 years ago. Last, i liked how they broke down the history of the universe into a calendar year showing us just how small we are on a cosmic scale.

Hi! My name is Isaac Ingalls and i’m in astronomy 109. I come from Parker Colorado, a small town located about 45 minutes south of Denver, and I lived there with my family until moving to Greely to go to school. I have always had a casual fascination with astronomy and have always wanted to take a class like this. My only prior Astronomy experience was with a small telescope my parents bought me when I was younger: I can remember the enjoyment I received by peering through it and looking at the moon. My major is business computer information systems and someday I would like to work for myself and have a real impact on the world.

By taking this class, I hope I can learn more about star formation and how the deaths of larger stars have helped to form our solar system and many others like it. When i was in middle school a teacher of mine told us “we are all made of stardust” and this concept has always intrigued me. I also hope to gain a better understanding of how Astronomical discoveries are made and more about the academic process.