AOW 12/05: Goldilocks Planet

This week's article comes from Dennis Overbye of the New York Times. In this article, Overbye discusses the findings of a "Goldilocks" planet, a planet that is not to hot or too cold that would be able to sustain life. He cites many scientists who are both optimistic and pessimistic about the new findings. He says many scientists are beginning to search for as many "Goldilocks" planets within a viewable of Earth. This article was written because of the recent announcements of new planetary discoveries. Scientists have been continually researching planets that are "Earth Like." He writes this for the purpose to inform people about the progressive research of planetary bodies that may be able to sustain life. He is able to do this through his diction by describing the components of each planet found. He confirms the findings by saying the new found planet is the right distance away and has the proper atmosphere that could sustain life. He also uses quotes and opinions of other scientists to qualify the claims of the optimistic scientists. He says that scientists will be able to find planets, but it will take a long time to find them. He also discusses the limitations of scientific equipment, because much of that equipment cannot see further into the universe. He effective uses the Toulmin Model because he creates a claim with valid grounds (testimonies, reports) and qualifies his claim as well. He writes this article to higher educated audience as shown by his diction. Overbye uses a lot of technical terms and uses them to help support his claim or explain a concept of his claim. He does define some of the jargon, but the reader would need further education to fully grasp the concepts mentioned. He accomplishes his purpose because he is able to inform the audience about both sides of a controversial and progressive topic. By using the Toulmin model, he was able to address both sides and fortify his claim about the possible existence of life-supporting planets.