RE: [asa] Size of the Universe

Regarding immensity of universe: since Galileo we have migrated away from what
might be called a "tyrrany of the absolute center" -- that is the mindset that
there is some special location by which all locations and velocities relate.
Now we easily grasp that these things are relative. But has anyone tried to go
beyond these linear concepts and apply this expanded philosophy to the
logarithmic scales? We now have a "tyrrany of the absolute magnitude" -- i.e.
  we give special status to the magnitudes in which our ordinary experiences and
perceptions place us. Atoms are just 20 to 30 jumps to one side of that, and
galaxies off the other way. But really all these logarithms are just relative
as well, and the only claim we have to ours is that we are in it. Thinking this
way: what is "immensity" other than an arbitrary difference on the log scale?
And even that scale could theoretically be compacted (zoom out from it) until
atoms and galaxies look relatively close together in size, disappearing into the
same dot just as two clothesline poles would merge into the same dot from a
distant perspective but seem vastly far apart to the ant crawling in the grass
between them.

Indeed, "what is man that thou art mindful of him?" Both giants and bits of
dust it would seem -- both in physical size but in more significant ways as well.

--merv

Quoting "Alexanian, Moorad" <alexanian@uncw.edu>:

> The present size of the universe quantifies and makes evident Psalm 19:1,
> "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring
> the work of His hands."
>
>
>
> Moorad
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu on behalf of Jim Armstrong
> Sent: Fri 8/11/2006 11:19 AM
> To: ASA
> Subject: [asa] Size of the Universe
>
>
> CNN article reports, "Study: Universe bigger, older than expected
> <http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/08/08/universe.age/> ".
> My question for y'all is, why do you think the created universe is so
> immense?
>
> JimA
>
>
>
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Received on Fri Aug 11 12:17:35 2006