Kaitlyn Friend Newman English101: Rhetoric 2 October 2013 The Unknown Sounds of Space The question has been

around for decades, ever since the first man landed on the moon. Human curiosity wants to know, is there a possibility that Earth is not the only planet containing life? For many years, scientists and civilians alike have been attempting to find signs of extraterrestrial life forms, questioning whether or not humans are the only intelligent life form. In the July 2000 issue of Scientific American, George W. Swenson, Jr., examines the way sound transmissions can be transmitted from extraterrestrial life forms and the possibilities as to why we have not heard these communications. In the article Intragalactically Speaking, Swenson uses diction and logos to make his point that advanced civilizations have been attempting to contact Earth, however the technology needed to communicate is not present. Towards the beginning of the article, Swenson establishes the credibility of the information he is giving by introducing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). He first explains how the SETI specialists, have a passive pursuit that is based on the use of dish antennas and sensitive radio receivers to pull in signals that, if they are out there, are probably quite weak by the time they get to us(44). He then goes on to say that these signals could be decades, or centuries, old as they may come from tens or hundreds of light-years away. Swenson expresses a few of the concerns of SETI, including why basic physics indicates that it will be extremely difficult for any civilization to announce its presence to another such civilization in an indeterminate solar system among the galaxys huge profusion of stars, explaining one of the

many concerns that follows this type of research. His vast knowledge and wide vocabulary right from the beginning, shining light on his knowledge of the topic of extraterrestrial life and how communication might be behind. Had Swenson not had such a vast vocabulary and extensive knowledge, he may have lost essential credibility of this topic. Swenson uses logos in a manner that allows for everyone to understand his argument. He does so by using precise calculations, and by expanding on knowledge that is common. He begins using ethos after the introductory paragraphs, using statements such as Every material body at a temperature above absolute zero emits an electromagnetic radiation-noise-throughout the spectrum, its frequency of maximum intensity being determined by its absolute temperature(45). This knowledge is pertinent to anyone having studied physics and those in the science world, as we know all objects both absorb and give off sound waves. Swenson also uses mathematical formulas to express how to compute noise power, which is used to determine how much power would be need to clearly receive the signals that other life forms would be sending to Earth. The equation is as follows: (Pn) is Pn=kTB, where k is Boltzmanns constant, 1.3806x10^-23 joule per kelvin; T is noise temperature, 15 kelvins; and B is the bandwidth of the detecting system, 2.5 hertz. Swenson then goes on the compete the math that would be used to calculate the power required from a transmitter that would be used to send these signals, however, after the math calculations are don, it is known that the transmitter needed is an implausibly large power requirement; for comparison, it is more than 7,000 times the total electricity-generating capacity of the U.S.(46). Swenson continues to use logos to conclude his article, using statement such as with minimal antenna areas the required transmitting power greatly exceeds the generating capacity of the world(47). By including such information, Swenson allows for both the argument and its

counterpoint to be acknowledged. He continues by saying, As this analysis suggests, the use of radio waves as a medium for making interstellar contact is discouraging(47). By presenting a diagram of the multipath effects of gas bubbles, this statement adds to the effect of logos since it provides a tie between two different points. By using both diction and logos, Swenson is able to create an argument that successfully makes intergalactic radio transmitting a possibility. It uses both mathematical equations and scientific language to reassure the reader that what they are reading is both credible and accepted. By putting in a counterpoint argument, Swenson then creates a connection that reassures the readers that it is science, and there are still many viewpoints on this particular subject. Swensons mastery of both logos and diction create a believable argument that entices the reader to continue on.

Works Cited Swenson, George W., Jr. "Intragalactically Speaking." Scientific American July 2000: 44-47. Print.

Purpose (20): Successful (A+ thru B): As stated in the Norton, Your goal in analyzing a text is to lead readers through careful examination [considering the rhetorical situation] of the text to some kind of interpretation or reasoned judgment Genre (20): Successful (A+ thru B): Exhibits a strong understanding of academic discourse Contains a thesis that argues for a particular reading of the article Demonstrates insightful evaluation Design/Layout (20): Successful (A+ thru B):

Incorporates MLA formatting correctly A Works Cited page is formatted correctly and appears at the end of the essay

Audience (20): Successful (A+ thru B): Uses vocabulary appropriate for a college audience Uses grammar and punctuation appropriate for a college freshman Assumes a level of intelligence and sophistication for the audience Offers an intriguing analysis of the article Stance (20): Successful (A+ thru B): Makes an argument for a specific reading of the article Clearly evaluates the success or failure of the article in achieving its purpose Thesis is supported effectively with examples from the text Includes a consistent tone that presents the authors take on the article