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When we look at the universe in all its vastness, it is easy to think of the Earth as small, and insignificant. But the earth has some extraordinary characteristics that enable it to survive in a universe that is for the most part hostile to life.
The Galactic Habitable Zone is a precise safe zone that the Earth occupies without danger to our very existence.
The Milky Way:
When we look into the night sky and see a bright ‘band’ of stars, stretching from one end of the heavens to the other, we are observing our galaxy, the Milky Way. The term galaxy comes from the Greek word ‘gala’ which means milk. The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy consisting of an estimated 200 to 400 billion stars. Our sun is one of those stars.
The Galactic Habitable Zone:
Many scientists believe that the center of our galaxy is composed of a massive black hole. If that is true, any object situated near that area, would be in danger of being pulled in and disappearing forever. If the earth was situated in an area near the Milky Way’s center, it would be unlikely to survive for even a short period of time.
On the other hand, the outer edges of the galaxy would pose a threat to our existence as well. In these regions, the heavier elements essential for life are thought to be very rare – perhaps even non existent. It is interesting to note that our location, presumed to be between the Sagittarius and Perseus arms of the Milky Way, enables Earth to safely exist, without the threat of powerful supernovas, black holes, stellar collisions, or elemental deficiencies.
In short, we just happen to be in the best possible position in our galaxy for life to exist.
We are told in the book of Isaiah that God formed the Earth to be inhabited. Our position in the galaxy proves that without a doubt.
I’m David Rives –
Truly – The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.