The universe is expanding and we are lucky to be where we are within it.
Our existence in the universe has always been a touchy subject, as has the existence of the universe itself. For centuries, the subject of how the universe came to be was dealt with through two schools of thought: those who believed that it always existed and those who believed it was the work of God.
It was only relatively recently that modern science had the tools to explain how the universe began, and how it is expanding, while still adhering to the laws of nature.
It was 1929 when the American astronomer Edwin Hubble made the discovery that nearly all galaxies are moving in one direction – away from Earth. He also noted that their speed is gradually increasing the further away they get.
The conclusion was clear: the universe is expanding. And if something is expanding, that means it was once smaller.
In fact, scientists could rewind the expansion all the way back to the point when all matter and energy was tightly concentrated into a small area of incredible density and extreme temperature. And they believe this is how the universe was right before the Big Bang, the explosion that set the universe in motion.
After the Big Bang, it was a bit of good luck that Earth ended up being suitable for life to form.
Our planet exists in what is now called the habitable zone, a small area that is just the right distance from the sun and out of harm’s way from destructive meteorites.
By not being too far or too close to the sun, the water that makes up much of the surface of the planet is neither boiling hot nor icy cold. Even so, many people, from a number of different religions, see our fortunate position not as a matter of luck, but of intelligent design by God.
However, if we believe it is God that created the universe, this raises more questions, including the core question of who or what created God.
For most astronomers, physicists and those who follow the scientific method, it wasn’t a divine hand that brought us into being. It was a number of factors coming together, making us Earthlings an astoundingly lucky and fortunate people.
