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Theories of the Universe
Oscillating (Decillating) Universe Theory
• The universe expands (Big Bang) → slows down → contracts (Big Crunch).
• This cycle could repeat endlessly (expansion + contraction).
Eternal Universe Theory
• Suggests the universe has no beginning and no end.
• Matter and energy always existed.
Earth – A Habitable Planet
• 3rd planet from the Sun
• Only known planet to support life
Major Requirements for Habitability
1. Star longevity → The star must live long enough for life to evolve.
2. Liquid water zone → Planet must lie in the habitable (Goldilocks) zone.
Factors Affecting Habitability
Star System Factors
• Habitable Zone (right distance for liquid water)
• Stellar Stability (consistent light & heat)
• Orbital Stability
• Protective Gas Giants (like Jupiter shielding Earth from asteroids)
Planetary Factors
• Mass & Size (enough gravity to hold atmosphere)
• Atmospheric Composition & Pressure (supports water & respiration)
• Magnetic Field (protects from solar radiation)
• Plate Tectonics (recycles nutrients, stabilizes climate)
• Liquid Water
• Geological Activity
• Rotation & Axial Tilt (creates seasons, climate balance)
Cosmological Factors
• Galactic Environment → Planet’s position in galaxy (not too close to dangerous
radiation regions).
Origin of Life on Earth
Carbon-Based Life
• Life’s molecules (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids) all contain
carbon.
Miller-Urey Experiment (1952)
• Goal: Simulate early Earth’s conditions.
• Setup: Flask of water (ocean) + gases (H₂O vapor, CH₄, NH₃, H₂) + electric
sparks (lightning).
• Process: Water evaporates → circulates → gases spark → condense → cycle
repeats.
• Result: Amino acids and organic molecules formed.
• Conclusion: Life’s building blocks can form naturally from simple chemicals.
Early Life
• Extremophiles → earliest life adapted to harsh conditions.
• Cyanobacteria → performed photosynthesis, releasing oxygen → led to Earth’s
oxygen-rich atmosphere.
Earth’s Spheres
1. Hydrosphere
• All Earth’s water (oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, ice, vapor).
• 97% salty, 3% fresh (mostly frozen).
• Dynamic → Water cycle (evaporation, precipitation, runoff, infiltration).
• Key Issue: Water scarcity (population growth + climate change).
2. Atmosphere
• Layer of gases around Earth.
• Composition: 78% N₂, 21% O₂, 0.9% Ar, 0.1% others.
• Layers:
• Troposphere → weather, life.
• Stratosphere → ozone layer.
• Mesosphere → meteors burn.
• Thermosphere → ionosphere, radio waves.
• Exosphere → outermost, merges into space.
3. Geosphere
• Solid Earth (rocks, minerals, layers).
• Crust, Mantle, Core separated by discontinuities:
• Crust → thin, solid surface.
• Mantle → upper (lithosphere, asthenosphere), lower.
• Outer Core → liquid iron-nickel, creates magnetic field.
• Inner Core → solid iron, extreme pressure.
4. Biosphere
• All living things + their interaction with other spheres.
• Processes: Photosynthesis, Respiration, Decomposition, Nutrient cycling.
• Interconnected with hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere.
In summary:
• Universe theories explain whether the cosmos is eternal or cyclic.
• Earth’s habitability depends on star, planetary, and cosmic factors.
• Life likely began through natural chemical processes (Miller-Urey).
• Earth’s four spheres (hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere) interact
to sustain life.
