Truth and Beauty
Page: Our Unique Planet

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Our Unique Planet

 

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To be able to support life, a planet needs special galactic conditions, a special place within the galaxy, a certain type of star that it orbits at the right distance from it, a moon with the right size and distance, a certain tilt, mass, and element composition, a certain speed at which it rotates, and more. The planet earth has got it all!  

 

The Sun and the Milky Way 

·    The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy not in collision. 

·    The Sun is in a low concentration of stars. 

·    The galactic region has a high local density of metals. 

·    The Sun’s mass ensures a nominally constant energy output for at least 5 billion years. 

 

The Earth has: 

·    Sufficient metal elements from which the complex molecules of life can arise 

·    Relatively low carbon content – to avoid a heat-trapping CO2-rich atmosphere 

·    Relatively low water content – to allow dry land as well as oceans 

·    Rotating molten iron-rich core to induce radiation-shielding magnetic field 

·    Mass which enables an oxygen-rich atmosphere (rather than hydrogen which is too reactive) 

·    Plate tectonics producing continental drift, mountain chains, diverse climates and therefore a diverse biosphere 

·    A nearly circular orbit enabling fairly constant solar input all year round 

·    Distance from the sun to enable sufficient warmth and light for photosynthesis but prevent tidal locking 

·    Huge planets on the outer edges of the planetary system to be shielded from devastating meteor impacts 

·    No huge planets nearby which would interfere with its orbit, gradually driving it into the sun 

·    Moderate tilt to ensure more uniform north-south distribution of solar radiation 

·    Short planetary rotation enabling all-around distribution of incoming solar radiation 

·    A large moon enabling tidal mixing 

 

Our universe and planet are special indeed. The likelihood of finding all the above-listed conditions – a life-supporting galaxy and solar system, as well as a life-nurturing planet – anywhere in the universe has been estimated to be one chance in 1018. With the estimated number of stars in the visible universe being about 1022, this means the possibility of about 104 or 10,000 earth-like planets circling a sun-like star. With about 1011 galaxies in the visible universe, there would be an average of one earth-like planet per 10 million galaxies! 

Our abode – this special “blue planet” – in the whole vast universe has all the markings of being the product of design – divine intervention in the development of life. 


Based on: God According to God, Chapter 3, by Gerald L. Schroeder (HarperOne, New York, 2009).

Australian readers may find better values at Fishpond which sells discounted books and delivers them postage-free.

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Home
About Us
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Truth
About God
The Experience of God
The God of Grace
Amazing Grace
God's Grace and Mercy - Another View
God's Grace in Small Things
Walking with God
God's Gifts and User Manual
God's Loving Care
The Dynamic God
Our Awesome and Incomprehensible God
God, Creation and Truth
The Common Aim of all Godly Religions
Living Buddha, Living Christ
About the Bible
Bible as the Word of God
Inspiration of the Scriptures
Another Reflection on the Bible
Truth Versus Facts
The Bible at your Fingertips
Letter from a Loving God
Book About Basic Bible Teachings
About the Universe
Nature and the Universe
Life's Origin
Our Unique Planet
Mind of the Universe
The Nature of Creation and Existence
Metaphysical View of the World
Order, Beauty, and Harmony - Part 1
Order, Beauty, and Harmony - Part 2
About Humanity
Nature of Humans
Of Creators and Creations
Truth and Perceptions
Our Present State and Divine Potential
Hidden Treasure Within Us
Precious Balls of Clay
Intertwining of Humanity and Divinity
Conversion
Finding One's Mission in Life
Living with Paradox
Scripture Bell
The Potential Good Within Evil
About Health and Happiness
Key Principles for Health and Happiness
Twelve Laws of Spirit
40 Spiritual Principles
Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
Wisdom from Rumi
Aspects of Spiritual Life
First Things First
Disciplined Living
Compassion
Listening
Experiencing Joy
Each Day is a Gift
Dealing with Suffering
Living in the Present
Other Aspects of Living in the Now
Choose Life
Dealing with Change
Acceptance
Prayer
Prayer -- Another Perspective
Serenity Prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Prayer to Magnify God
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Pax -- the Peace of God's Presence
Let There Be Peace on Earth
Human Relationships
Children About Love
Inspiration from the Lives of a Godly Couple
Desiderata
References
Beauty
Skies and Seas
Glorious Sunrises
Beautiful Skies
Awesome Sunsets
Beauty of the Sea
Seaside Beauty
Trees and Flowers
Trees and Shrubs
Flowers in Bloom
Rose Garden
Beautiful Orchids
Animal Life
Australian Birds
Birds on Water and Land
Beautiful Creatures
Friendship of Kitten and Parrot
Other Animal Friendships
Parks and Gardens
Toowoomba Flower Festival
Riyadh Parks and Gardens
Spring Time
New Life
Spring Flowers
Flower Close-Ups
The Waterside
Water Edge
Water Mirrors
Artistic Expression
Art of Jindrich (Henry) Degen
Three Dogs Knowing
Beautiful Actions
The Cab Ride
Dancing in the Rain
Angel in Disguise?
Angels at Work
The Crocheted Tablecloth
Love in the Midst of Tragedy
Children's Innocence
Special Day
~ References ~
Free Downloads
God and Creation
God is Love
Identity in Christ
Love, Joy and Obedience
Nature of Truth
Thoughts about Life
Learning and Growth
Thoughts on Life and Death
Abandonment to God
Wishing You Well
Your Comments
Contact Us