Written by Mark S. Singel
The speaker on the mantle plays a list of Christmas songs. The den is warmly lit by the fireplace and the tree. Suddenly, after much television viewing, one of the grandchildren remarks, “Why does everything seem so broken today?” This is something that we should all think about this season.
The James Webb Space Telescope of NASA has captured and released photographs of the early universe, according to a recent report by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Because the emerging star systems are in different phases of growth, complete with gasses and energy that give them a vivid red and green appearance, some members of the press have dubbed the show the Christmas Lights Galaxy.
Astrophysicist Dr. Lamiya Mowla of Wellesley College stated, “We are actually witnessing the formation of a galaxy, brick by brick.” We have never seen this procedure before. A galaxy’s early life is incredibly busy, which is why it is so beautiful. Observing the event, Dr. Mowla observed that other systems were never this vibrant and dazzling. This prompted her to measure its precise distance. Surprisingly, she found that the young stars were over 13 billion light years away.
To put it another way, the James Webb telescope is allowing us to view what the universe looked like when it was just getting started. The obvious conclusion is that the planets, the stars, the galaxies, and the beginnings of all life received a magnificent farewell. They were flung with a magnificent grandeur into space and time.
The show has caused a flurry of excitement in the scientific community. Because it resembles a swarm of multicolored fireflies, some people are referring to it as Firefly Sparkle. However, the overwhelming impression is that this is a Christmas present from heaven. Like holiday ornaments dangling in space, the vivid reds and greens shine. “Magical” is the word that infiltrates scientific discussions.
The idea of astrophysicists and scientists being awed by this 13-billion-year-old light show is astounding. They are just as amazed as kids who see their first family Christmas tree. A similar feeling has recently been reported by astronauts who see the world from the unusual vantage point of a space ship. One might hear these astronauts discussing the majesty of the blue marble that serves as our home. The insignificance of our life and the size of the universe appear to have a profound impact on them.
The Overview Effect, a transformation that impacts astronauts and others, is documented on the website abeautiful.world. The phrase simply describes a change of perspective for many people who have seen the world from space. Losing identification with a particular nationality or culture is the Overview Effect’s most dependable feature. Rather, these enlightened individuals perceive themselves and all people as fellow members of a single world that is traveling through space on a single planet.
Some people find that these insights go far beyond a fresh perspective on the earth. Edgar Mitchell, the sixth man on the moon, claims to have embarked on an amazing journey of self-discovery: I was struck with the realization that the universe was not as I had been taught. I not only saw the interconnectedness, but I also felt it. I was overcome by the feeling of mentally and physically reaching out into space.
These perceptions are also accompanied by a sense of duty. It seems complete reason that cosmic pilgrims would want to do their best to serve the world, its people, and its creator.
We may all endeavor to enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of our world, regardless of whether the rest of us are able to interact with the cosmos. In the process, we ought to look for the same awe and delight that children experience at their Christmas trees and scientists experience at their telescopes.
Perhaps it’s the recent watercolors that have been brought to us across time and distance, or perhaps it’s the Christmas season, but I’m feeling humbled by the size of creation. For a time, we can set aside government and politics. Those who are unable to see past election cycles and party self-interest are petty-minded, and we would be wise to look past them.
The truth is out there for those who are willing to believe it.
Mark S. Singel has served as Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor and acting governor.
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