The Universe

Photo Source: HowStuffWorks.com

The universe is 13.7 billion years old.  Since the dawn of early astronomy it was believed that the universe consisted of one galaxy, The Milky Way.  In 1925, hundreds of years of scientific theory changed dramatically when Edwin Hubble announced that he had observed that the universe was actually an entire collection of galaxies.  Later he used his research to create Hubble’s Law and would help establish that the universe is expanding.

Our solar system is located on the outer arm of our galaxy, The Milky Way, which allows scientists to observe the universe.  The Milky Way is estimated to be 100,000 light years across and contains between 200 and 400 billion stars similar to the sun.  Astronomers have discovered at least 350 planets in other solar systems, none of which are similar to Earth.  The closest galaxy to The Milky Way is Andromeda at 2.3 million light years away. 

The photo above was taken by the Hubble Telescope.  It certainly will be the most profound photo posted on our site.  Every one of the “smudges”, “dots” and “specks” in the picture is another galaxy.   Some of these galaxies are larger and some smaller in size than the Milky Way.  All are our closest celestial neighbors that travel with our galaxy through the fabric of spacetime. 

Despite all our discoveries and the infinite vastness of space we have only found one place to support life.  Life is indeed Earth’s gift to the solar system.  We need to preserve our resources, take care of our planet and live sustainably.