There has been much excitement in the world of Astronomy and Science recently, as a newly discovered planet named, ‘Kepler-22b’ is said to have the possibility of life. In an “inhabitable zone” around a star that is about 25 percent less luminous than our own sun, kepler-22b is 600 light years from Earth. This incredible distance of over 360 trillion miles, would mean that it would take over 600 years to reach this planet from earth, if you could travel at the speed of light at 186 million miles per second.
Although the possibility of life on any planet in the universe is exciting news, it is important to note that at the present time, this new data is highly speculative. No one has actually seen the planet through a telescope to verify it has water or life of any kind. The date used to make the present determination that this could be a planet similar to earth, is by an analysis of the heat reading of the planet that tells scientists water may be present.
The discovery team, led by William Borucki of the NASA Ames Research Center, pored over photometric data from the NASA Kepler space telescope. They watched for tiny dimmings of star light — dimmings that can only be measured by a highly specialized space telescope like Kepler — which indicate that an Earth-size planet is transiting between us and a star.
Kepler requires at least three transits to verify a signal as a planet. The planet is so far from earth, that it may not ever be possible to verify water on the planet, much less any life.
This discussion on whether there is life only any other planet, seems to have taken on a desperate tone lately by scientists, as NASA has undergone massive budget cuts and there is little excitement from the public since the space shuttle program has ended. One wonders how a planet so far away from earth, or any other planet of this distance from earth, could credibly be given the designation as having water or the even more remotely possible designation of life on it’s surface.
This reminds me of a funny story I had heard a few years ago:
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip; they set up their tent and fall asleep inside the tent. Some hours later, Holmes wakes up his faithful friend.
“Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see?”
Watson replies, “I see millions of stars.”
“What does that tell you?”
Watson ponders a minute. “Astronomically speaking, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.
“Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three.”
“Theologically, it’s evident the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. “
“Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow!”
Holmes is silent for a moment, and then he speaks. “Watson, you idiot, someone has stolen our tent!
When we begin to consider the possibility whether or not there is actually life on any other planet in the universe, we must balance that excitement with the reality that it is highly unlikely that the delicate and complex conditions required to make life possible on any other planet, are actually possible.
Charles Darwin once stated:
“If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down.”
- Charles Darwin, Origin of Species, 6th ed. p. 154
In plain English, Darwin said that if you could find any complex organ that could not exist and function unless all of the parts of that organ were there at the same time, this would prove that evolution is not possible.
Take a Mouse Trap for instance. It is “An Irreducibly Complex System”.
It has a:
- Spring.
- Hammer
- Catch
- Platform
- Holding Bar
What would happen if we removed just one part of this mousetrap? The mouse trap would not be able to function. In order to be a functioning mechanism, the device requires all of the components be present at the same time.
Something that we take for granted everyday, are the eyes that we see with.
The Human eye is an example of an “Irreducibly complex system.” Take away any single part of the eye, and it will not function. Therefore, it could not have evolved, it had to be created at a single moment, or it would not have worked.
Inside every single one of the 750 Trillion cells of your body, there are tiny little motors.
These microscopic motors have “O” Rings, a drive shaft, a power source and a flange. If any one of these parts are missing, the cells in your body would cease to function.
What is the point of all of this? There are thousands of Irreducibly complex systems in our bodies and on the earth. Unless every single part of these components are present at the same time, these machines will not work.
Evolution says that every living thing on the earth evolved by billions and billions of mutations. That is, these trillions of cells tried certain combinations and they failed, they discarded these mutations and tried others, till they came up with the right combinations that work. In irreducibly complex systems, unless all the parts work at the same time, the machine doesn’t work.
Irreducibly complex systems cannot evolve, they must be created, therefore evolution didn’t happen, creation happened.
If the earth, our Solar System, and the Universe itself was created, we would expect to find hints in these creations that show us that they could not have happened by chance. Many people do not realize that in order to have life, hundreds of things have to be present at the same time. If even one of these absolutes are modified even slightly, life becomes impossible.
If we could demonstrate that the Earth was uniquely placed where it is, and finely tuned so that life is possible, we could prove that it had to be created this way, and that it could not have evolved.
Psalms 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, And all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.
According to the Bible, when the Lord spoke the Universe into existence, He did so in such a way that everything was finely tuned and balance by Him, that life could exist.
Mathematically speaking, there is absolutely no possibility that the Universe could have evolved into this finely tuned instrument that we see. Mathematician have computed that the total probability that the universe could have actually evolved into the very finely tuned environment we observe is one in 10 to the 99th power, 1:1099
The Maximum possible number of planets possible in universe = 1023
There is every indication that the Lord never intended that there be life on any other planet. The obvious reason for this would be so that He could demonstrate to us, that He uniquely created the Universe and specifically the earth, with intelligent life, so we would have proof that God exists.
The proof that this is true is that only earth is precisely in the right place for life to exist.
Earth is perfect for life. Is this by Design or by Chance? The universe, our Milky Way galaxy, our Solar System and the Earth itself with it’s unique Moon, all demonstrate remarkable evidence of intelligent design. If you took each of these facts separately, you are left with the conclusion that it is highly improbable that they just one could have happened by random chance. When you add all these facts together, the probability that they could have accidentally occurred, is so small that it becomes impossible that they could have happened by random chance.
Consider The unique location in our Milky Way galaxy:
The Sun and our Solar System have been located in a stable orbit within our galaxy.
- This orbit lies far from the center of our galaxy and between the spiral arms.
- If our solar system of 10 planets were located in a different place from where it is presently, within a very short period of time, our earth and sun would be destroyed.
- Only a star at a certain precise distance from the galaxy’s center, would allow that star to remain in its place between two spiral arms, orbiting at precisely the same rate as the galaxy arms rotate around the core
- Our location in the Milky way, gives us a view of the universe that is unobstructed by the debris and gases found in the spiral arms.
- These fact allows us to visualize what the Bible says, “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
If we were at any other location in the Milky way, we would not be able to live on the earth
Job 38:4-6 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone?
The Earth is in a Solar System that has the right sized planets, to allow earth to make life possible.
One of the little known facts of our Solar System, is that we have an enormous asteroid belt within, that contain broken pieces of other destroyed planets, and debris. These millions of objects that are in this asteroid belt, each have the possibility of making contact with earth, except for one unique mechanism that appears to be placed at the precise point in our solar system that protects earth, the planet Jupiter.
Because Jupiter is so large, it draws away meteors and asteroids, from hitting the earth. If Jupiter were smaller, we would be hit by asteroids on such a frequent basis that life on earth would be impossible. The presence of this gigantic planet called Jupiter, is required to allow advanced life to exist on the Earth.
Jupiter and Earth compared
Jupiter’s diameter is over ten times greater than the Earth’s. It has over 300 times the mass of earth. If you weigh 180 pounds on Earth, you would weigh 426 pounds at Jupiter’s cloud tops. Jupiter is five times further from the Sun than the Earth. This massive planet is so large that its famous Great Red Spot (actually a giant, hurricane-like storm that’s at least 400 years old), would easily swallow the Earth. Jupiter spins so fast on its axis that it bulges noticeably at its equator (a day on Jupiter is about ten hours long).
It is absolutely impossible that the earth just ‘happen to be’ in this precise position in the Milky way galaxy , as well as in our own solar system of planets, where a giant like Jupiter protects us from the asteroid belt.
The axis of the earth makes it perfect for life
The earth is titled on its axis at an angle of 23.5°.
This is important, because it accounts for the four different seasons we experience on earth. If our Moon was not exactly where it is, the tilt of our axis would change and make life on earth impossible. The Size of the Moon causes the earth to rotate at 1,000 miles per hour and have a 24 hour day If the earth had an 8 hour rotation for a day, this would have caused winds on the earth to be over 500 miles per hour.
If we were able to prove that everything that exists to make life possible is finely tuned to a point where there is only a narrow boundary that life could exist, then we can conclude that someone tuned it this way.
The uniqueness of the exact placement of the Milky way in the Universe, the exact placement of our solar system in the Universe, the exact placement of our Earth in the solar system, could not have happened by chance. Most scientist agree that is apparent that we are, where we are, on purpose. The logical conclusion then is that SOMEONE put us here.
Uniqueness of the Milky Way Galaxy
Galaxy size
If our Milky Way was too large: The infusion of gas and stars would disturb our sun’s orbit and ignite deadly galactic eruptions and burn up the earth. If The Milky Way was too small: The infusion of gas would be insufficient to sustain star formation long enough for life to form
Galaxy type
If The Milky Way was too elliptical: star formation would cease before sufficient heavy elements formed for life chemistry. If it was too irregular: radiation exposure would be too severe (at times) and life-essential heavy elements would not form
Galaxy location
If the Milky Way was too close to another dense galaxy cluster: that galaxy would destroy all life on earth.
The number of number of stars in our solar system.
If we had more than one star: tidal interactions would make the orbits of life-supportable planets too unstable for life. Most other Solar systems do have more than one star, why do we only have one?
Our Sun’s age
If the Sun was older or younger: It would be much brighter and make life impossible. There is an age of a star in which its brightness is perfect for life, we just happen to be at this perfect place in our suns life.
The Sun’s mass
If the Sun was Larger: It would burn up so quickly Life would not be possible on earth. If the Sun was smaller: it would throw off our rotation around it, and make life impossible.
The Sun’s color is white, which makes life possible. Most Stars are Red, or Blue
If redder or bluer: There would not be enough light to grow plants.
Size of our Moon, and placement of our moon
The earth has a huge moon orbiting around it, which scientists now know:
- Did not come from the earth itself.
- Could not have been captured by the earth’s gravity, because the moon is so huge..
The best explanation (other than outright miracle) for the moon’s existence is that a Mars-sized planet crashed into the earth around 4.25 billion years ago. The probability of two planets colliding in the same solar system is extremely remote. The moon is moving away from the earth (currently at 2 inches per year), as it has been since its creation. If we calculate backwards we discover that the moon must have formed at just about 7,300 miles above the earth’s surface.
Why is the moon important to life on earth?
In the creation of the Moon, by a collision from another planet with the earth, it resulted in the ejection of the majority of the earth’s original atmosphere which probably was toxic. If this collision had not happened, we would have had an atmosphere similar to that of Venus, which is 80 times that of the earth (equivalent to being one mile beneath the ocean). Such a thick atmosphere on Venus resulted in a runaway greenhouse affect, leaving a dry planet with a surface temperature of 800°F. For some strange reason, we have a very thin atmosphere – just the right density to maintain the presence of liquid, solid and gaseous water necessary to life (coincidence or design?).
The size of the Moon causes the Earth to rotate at only 1,000 miles per hour.
Scientists now know that the earth originally had a rotational period of eight hours. Such a rapid rotational period would have resulted in surface wind velocities in excess of 500 miles per hour.
Hydrogen-Helium
If the solar system had less Hydrogen and Helium the molecules essential to planet formation and life chemistry would never form. If the solar system had to much Hydrogen and Helium planets would form at the wrong time and place for life
Earths Gravity is perfectly balanced
If Earth had stronger gravity, our planet’s atmosphere would retain too much ammonia and methane for life. If the Earth’s gravity was weaker: Earths atmosphere would lose too much water for life.
Earths distance from the sun
If we were farther from the Sun, Earth would be too cool for a stable water cycle. If Earth were closer to the Sun The Earth would be too warm for a stable water cycle
The angle of Earth orbit
If our orbit around the Sun was too great: the temperature range on the planet’s surface would be too extreme for life
Earth’s Axial tilt
If the Earth’s tilt on her axis was more than 23.5 degrees, Earth’s surface temperature differences between night and day would be too great to sustain diverse life-forms. If our axis tilt was less than 23.5 Degrees: same result.
Earths Rotation of 1,000 miles per hour
If Earth rotated at more than 1,000 miles per hour, day time and night time temperature differences would be too great for life. If we rotated at less than 1,000 miles per hour, the wind would blow at too great a speed for life to exist.
Earth’s Age
If the Earth was younger: Earth would rotate too fast for life. If Earth was older: It would rotate too slowly for life
Earth’s Magnetic Field is extremely delicately balanced.
If Earth’s Magnetic Field was stronger: electromagnetic storms would be too severe. If it was weaker: Our ozone layer would be not be sufficient to protect us from hard solar and stellar radiation.
Thickness of Earth’s crust
If the crust of the Earth was thicker, it would rob the atmosphere of oxygen needed for life. If Earth’s crust was thinner, we would have so many volcanoes and earthquakes that life would be impossible.
The Earth reflects light off of its surface.
If earth reflected more light, we would be experience constant ice ages. If Earth reflected less light off its surface, we would be in a sub tropical hell.
Earth’s asteroid and comet collision rates
If the Earth had more collisions, life could not exist. If Earth had less collisions than we have experienced, our crust would contain too little of certain life-essential elements
Oxygen to nitrogen ratio in atmosphere
The atmosphere of Earth is made up mostly of the gases nitrogen (78%), and oxygen (21%). This perfect balance is what makes the skies their beautiful blue color. If Earth had more Oxygen: it would catch on fire and burn up.. If less Oxygen: No human life on earth.
Carbon dioxide level in atmosphere
If Earth had more carbon Dioxide: we would have a runaway greenhouse effect. If we had less Carbon Dioxide: plants would be unable to grow.
Water vapor quantity in the atmosphere
If we had more water vapor in our atmosphere: runaway greenhouse effect would develop If we had less water vapor, we wouldn’t get enough rain and Earth would be a desert, and everything would die.
Earth’s atmospheric electric discharge rate
If Earth had more electric discharge in our atmosphere, the forest would break out in spontaneous combustion.
Earth’s ozone quantity in atmosphere
If Earth had too much ozone: our surface temperatures would be too low for life; with insufficient UV radiation for life. If there was not enough ozone: surface temperatures would be too high for life; UV radiation would be too intense for life
Earth’s Earthquakes.
If we had any more earthquakes than we have: life would be destroyed; ecosystem would be damaged. If we had less earthquakes: nutrients on ocean floors from river runoff would not be recycled to continents through tectonics; not enough carbon dioxide would be released from carbonate buildup
Volcanic activity
If less volcanoes erupted: There would not be enough carbon dioxide and water vapor returned to the atmosphere; soil mineralization would be insufficient for life advanced life support. If Earth had too many Volcanoes erupting: advanced life would be destroyed; ecosystem would be damaged
Amount of oceans-to-continents ratio
If we had more larger oceans: diversity and complexity of life-forms would be limited. If we had less ocean, No complex life forms. If we had less land, land area would be insufficient for advanced life. If greater land: change would be too radical for advanced life to survive
Distribution of continents
If there were too many continents in the Southern Hemisphere: sea-salt aerosols would be insufficient to stabilize surface temperature and water cycle; increased seasonal differences would limit the available habitats for advanced land life
Earth’s gravitational interaction with the moon
If the Moon had more gravitational pull on the earth, tidal effects on the oceans, atmosphere, and rotational period would destroy all life by massive waives. If the Moon had less gravitational pull on the earth, all weather on earth would change so severly that life could not exist.
Jupiter’s distance from the Earth
If farther away from Earth: Jupiter would be unable to protect Earth from frequent asteroid and comet collisions. If Jupiter was closer to the Earth: Jupiter’s gravity would throw our orbit off and kill everyone on earth.
Our planets orbits around the sun
If the orbits of the planets in our solar system were longer: Earth’s orbit would be radically changed and life could not exist.
The frequency of forest and grass fires
If Earth had more forest fires: smoke and soot would choke out all life. If we had less forest fires: The forest would accumulate growth inhibitors that would make soil unsuitable for food production
Amount of sea-salt
If the seas had more salt: it would cause too rapid of cloud formation over the oceans and would radically disrupt the climate and atmospheric temperature balances. If the seas had less salt: There would not be enough clouds forming; resulting in inadequate water cycle; disrupts atmospheric temperature balances and hence the climate
The odds that all of these factors happening by chance:
Total Probability = 1:1099
Does anyone actually believe that the total combination of all these important factors that make life on earth possible, simply occurred by some random, evolutionary process? Mathematicians agree that this would be virtually impossible to occur by chance. This leaves only one logical conclusion that earth has uniquely been placed where it is in the universe, so that man could live upon it. If man is truly the intelligent being that he claims he is, then the evidence that God exists as the creator of these finely tuned elements that make life possible, is a certainty. This leaves us with the real possibility that we will never find another planet such as earth where life has met these delicate and finely tuned specifics that allow human being to live on this planet.
Rob Robinson
