The Universe and the Earth

Q1: Explain the origin of the universe in your own words.

Q2: Do you know other theories about the universe? Tell them to your classmates.

From the very start of the Space Exploration program there has been an unresolved argument about the cost versus the benefit. That argument is, probably, in the same category as, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” There is no answer, just as there is no consensus about why we need to go into space at all.

Origin of the Universe

Astronomy, and Space Exploration, are both, ultimately, tied up with the question of the origin of the Universe. An extraordinary amount of money is being expended in these areas searching for an answer which can never be proven and, let’s face it, will have, absolutely, no bearing on our earthly wellbeing.

Theories

Our Earth is a tiny pinprick in the vast infinity of space. There is so much that we don’t yet know about our home planet that, it is a logical question to ask why we need to explore in space. Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity gave us a glimpse into the realm of Space, Time and Gravity. Quantum Mechanics looked in the other direction towards the world of the atom and sub-atomic particles.

The String Theory

On the surface, these two theories are incompatible and this has given rise to a third theory that tries to tie the two together. This third theory sometimes referred to as, “The Theory of everything” or, “The String Theory,” seems to hold out the key to many Science Fiction concepts such as, “Time travel,” and, “Travel in other Dimensions.” It might be here where movement, greater than the speed of light, could be possible.