by East Bay J
I had no idea how small the earth was compared to other planets. I was going to email Whab and ask him if this was really the scale of things. Then decided to just post it and see what his comments are.
When you see the vast space, do you wonder if we are alone? Are there other planets like earth out there, beyond what is known? Are there humans, or other type of life on those planets?
How far can a space ship or space shuttle travel to find what is beyond? Will anyone ever make that trip? Would any bloggers want to take a trip, if it were offered, to explore the solar system, or a visit to the space station?
Now, THIS is really fascinating - it's rather dazzling to see it presented
this way
this way
I Certianly thought this was elightening. Beyond our sun, Its a big Universe 
Antares is the 15th Brightest Star Known in the sky, it is more than 1000 Light Years Away.
Now how small are you?
Now how small are you?
NOW TRY TO WRAP YOUR MIND AROUND THIS......... Here are Billions of Galaxies, located billion of Light Years away from us. Each Galaxy contains billions of Stars. Stars are surrounded by billions of planets. So far, we only know of only one planet that nurtures intelligent life. What if we were not alone? Impossible? And yet, as smart as we think we are, we never found evidence of other intelligent life out there.Below is a close up of one of the darkest regions of the photo above
Humbling isn't itAnd yet, Someone up there knows how many hairs are on your head
Now how big are you?
And how big are the things that upset you today?
Keep Life in Perspective
And how big are the things that upset you today?
Keep Life in Perspective
And Don't Sweat Small the Small Stuff!
It's All Under Control
EBJ: I don't know if there's life out in space somewhere..I just hope that if there is, they're peaceful. I'm too tired and beat up to be running away from someone from another planet that has a chip on their shoulder..if they even have a shoulder. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh..if I could only learn to not sweat the small stuff...wouldn't that be wonderful??
Great blog EBJ!! I'm off to continue my ribbon wrestling! I hope everyone has a great day!!
morning Zona!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI used to work with a lady that would always say...
ReplyDelete"Don't sweat the petty stuff and dont pet the sweaty stuff..."
it was her way of telling us... LET IT GO...
but I can't do that ... I WISH I COULD....
Hoping all that fly by today have a great day....
off to work...
Morning Glories!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Zona! Slid into first even tied up with ribbon! LOL
EBJ you are giving my brain a work out. I am having a hard time just keeping up with the alien life forms here on earth!
Some day all will be revealed and it will be a gotcha moment I just know it.
I also think in my most cynical moments that we are earth really don't want to answer the life on another planet theory. Why? Because we would end up being taxed to help send money to them because they are running out of water or air or politically align them to our side. See it just gets messy! LOL
Actually I do think there is life out there somewhere. We can't be the only ones.
Morning Everyone!
ReplyDeleteEBJ...Very interesting blog! I would not be one of the owls on that space shuttle. Hell, I 'm not that fond of being on an airplane...
I do think there are other planets with intelligent life on them. To me, it seems impossible that we are the only ones.
I am driving SO's daughter to an interview this morning (she doesn't know her way around here) and I think I am more nervous than she is. I am all showered and ready to go and I have an hour before we have to leave. Talk about sweating the small stuff!
Oops, I forgot! Congrats on first Zona!!!
ReplyDeleteWhere IS that kid??? She was supposed to be here 15 mins ago!!!
Re-post for SHIRLEY from Area 51:
ReplyDeleteCould someone pleae post this over at the new blog when it gets here. Thanks
Breakfast is served
Toast (white, Raisin, multigrain)
Jam, jellies, marmalade & PB
Oatmeal (with/without cin)
Cold cereal(Fruitloops,Sugarcrisp)
Eggs any style
Bacon (reg or turkey)
Homemade hashbrowns
Buttermilk waffles
Blueberry waffles
Chocolate chip waffles
Cranberry waffles
Apple/cinnamon waffles
Strawberry waffles
Canadian maple syrup
Whipped cream
Fresh fruit
Assorted danish
Assorted muffin (reg, low-fat)
Juices
Milk (white, choc, soy)
Eggnog
Tea
Coffee
Water
Assorted smoothies
Diet Pepsi for Zona
Diet Mt. Dew for Hartldo
Protein shake for Sandie
Slim Fast for Tinka & Bebbi
Enjoy!
December 10, 2008 6:25 AM
ZONA!!! Congrats on first!! From the time that you posted, it must have been right before I talked to you!!!
ReplyDeleteEBJ - It's amazing how small we really are in the big picture of things!! I like the way MR. JODI says it best...."Don't sweat the petty stuff, just pet the sweaty stuff"!!! Of course, he's always looking to get a little!! :P
Waving a wing @ IBB, LYNN D & SCIRISH!!!
SHIRLEY - Thanks for breakfast...I had a short shift today, so totally appreciate a little breakfast while I play on the computer!!
Judy! You go, girl! Fabulous blog, and great illustrations!
ReplyDeleteWhen will we know the answers to these things? Stay tuned. Next year, NASA is going to launch the Kepler mission, which will monitor the brightness of 100,000 stars in a patch of sky between Cygnus and Lyra continuously for 4 years. Kepler will be looking for periodic dips in brightness that signal a planet transiting its sun... passing directly in front of it along its orbit.
Solar systems that just happen to be aligned so that their planets transit their stars are rare, only about 2 percent of the total. For a sample of 100,000 stars, though, that means we'll be able to detect about 2000 solar systems, if all stars have planets around them.
And, for the first time, Kepler will have the light-measuring sensitivity to detect transits of Earth-sized planets in Earth-like orbits.
So, four or so years from now, we may have the answer to a fundamental question about the cosmos: How common are Earth-like planets in the Universe?
A little later, as we start to examine these "exo-earths" with even more sensitive telescopes, we may know whether any of them harbor life.
We live in exciting times, cosmologically speaking!
WHABBY - As always, you have a wealth of information. And today I'm actually able to wrap my head around it....so THANK YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteLYNN D - I say just flash 'em a boob today.....just sayin'!!!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Hooters!
ReplyDeleteZONA- congrats on 1st! LOL at your ribbon wrestling.
Some days I'm not even sure if there is intelligent life on THIS planet, so not convinced there is any on others. :)
The sun is shining today and the snow is pretty. Now I wish it would last until Jan 2nd then all go away. What do you think the odds are???????
Thanks for breakfast Shirley/Jodi!!
Good Morning Everyone!
ReplyDeleteHi ZONA , wow #1, IBB, LYNN D, SCIRSH, JODI, WHABBY,GOLDIE, and all others who fly in after me.
Very early for me to be posting, but now with Olive needing to get up do her thing, I am up earlier and earlier!
JUDY~ great Blog. My family and I were just at Golden Gate Park on Friday after Thanksgiving to see the new Aquarium and we saw the Planetarium show on our Universe and Solar System. WOW is all I can say. It was an amazing show, and does show just how very small our Earth is, and that it is just a small part of one small Galaxy, when there are literally millions of Galaxies out there! Of course Bear can explain it Professionally, this is just one "not so bright" person's take on the Planetarium's show!
If any one is coming to Northern California, or those that actually live in this great area, please try to take in the new exhibit in Golden Gate Park. It really is wonderful. And those of you that are fortunate enough to have Planetariums in your part of the country, go too. You will not be disappointed, I guarantee you!
About life out there besides us, I'm not sure about that. I guess it may be possible, but to me not probable. Just My Humble Opinion.
Gotta go for now, and get Miss Laurie ready for her Day Program.
Please Stay Warm and Dry everyone, especially those of you back East, in really freezing weather!
How much snow did you all get yesterday?
It is very cold here too. Weather is relative. If you are used to 10 degree weather, then you laugh at us who are literally freezing our tushies off when it is 35. But, to us that is REALLY cold!! It's all what you are used to, I think!
And we are getting even colder weather later this weekend, with snow down to 2000 ft! That means that EBJ, Whabby, Outatune, SacBarb, and Lani & Lin will see some snow on the hills. I sometimes get to see some snow over by Mt. St. Helena, near Calistoga, but not very often.
Have a great day everyone,
Peace and Love to All, Donna Jean
15!
ReplyDeleteI'm off to get squished and plunged.....EBJ....will read blog and comments when I get to work~
ReplyDeleteZona~ congrats on first~
Happy WEdnesday!!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning - and NO, I did NOT go to McDonald's - figured I would spread out my trips!! Anticipation!!
MO - (((GROUP HUG)))
Zona - congrats on FIRST!!
waving howdy to Zona, IBB, Lynn D, Scirish, Jodi (thanks for posting Shirley's breakfast), Whabby, Goldie, Donna Jean, Tina and all who land!!
EBJ - thanks for your blog today!! When I saw the title, I assumed it was Whabby talking to us!! great job!!
I hope everyone has an excellent day!!
:-)
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ReplyDeleteTINA: Good Luck with your appt. I'm sure all is fine. Don't forget..buy yourself something!! :D
ReplyDeleteLOL @ "plunged"...perfect description!
Morning IBB!
ReplyDeleteLYNND: Tied UP in ribbon! ;)
SCIRISH: I get ready too early for appts. too...and walk in circles before it's time to go. I hope the interview goes well!
SHIRLEY: Thanks for breakfast..I need the DP to keep me going...and I think I've earned hashbrowns!! :)
JODI: What was that you told me..."Be...feel..embrace..." I'm two minutes from 'Phooey'...LOL!!!
BEAR: Ohhhhh myyyyy...four years..if 'they' don't get here first. :)
DONNAJEAN: Congrats on 15!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteMEK: There's that "A" word again!! ;) We got our electric bill... $100!!! I LOVE winter in AZ! :D
Dragging my feet back to the craft table.... ;)
AREA 51:
ReplyDeleteMO: Lots of hugs..lots of love..lots of good thoughts..and many heartfelt prayers that everything will work out just fine. Or better. :)
25!! For TINKA and VIG!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on first Zona!
ReplyDeleteFrom Area 51:
Outtatune: I was trying to figure out who you were. I saw "Outtatune" on the profile. Paul F. is my son's name..LOL. I thought my son had found me! hehe..well, just thought that was funny. Glad you are having a nice time!
Jodi: Thanks! I thought it was a great deal too!
I haven't read the blog or comments here yet. I have to go walk. I will be back tonight.
Hello to all who flew in already and hi to all who fly by later.
Bebbi
First, I'm thinking about you, Moweenie. Big hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on first, Zona!! Don't worry, we won't let those aliens get you!
Great blog, EBJ! I'd never seen an illustration like that before--boy are we small!!
Whabbear, you'll let us all know if we need to build a space ship or something, won't you?? (Maybe that's what Shirley is working on in that shack!!!)
Shirley, thank you for the protein shake--you sweetie, you!
Tinka and Scirish, healing thoughts for your backs.
IBB, I like what that lady said--it's a good one!
Hi LynnD, Jodi, Goldie, DonnaJean, Tina and MEK!
I just got back from volunteering at the high school in the front office. I'm telling you, there must have been a full moon last night because we had some kids with big time attitudes today! It wasn't fun.
I'm off to take my parents to lunch. Have a great day!
Hi Bebbi!
ReplyDeleteZona, dear, crafts are supposed to be fun! LOL
ReplyDeleteSANDIE: Oh, I'm having fun...way too much fun...loads and loads of fun... ;)
ReplyDeleteActually...I am..lol..right JODI?? ;)
HI BEBBI!
Sandie: I will!
ReplyDeleteEBJ has inspired me to provide little nuggets today.
Nugget #1: Look and wonder at those huge size differences in the photos between the inner planets and the outer planets. Why does the Solar System contain such diversity? Why are the inner planets (with the exception of Pluto) so small and rocky, and why are the outer planets so huge and gaseous?
There are actually four types of planets in our solar system. The inner planets are mostly rock, and are known as rocky planets (natch). Jupiter and Saturn are the "gas giants". Uranus and Neptune are "icy giants". And Pluto is a Kuiper Belt Object (KBO).
A key to the differences between these planets is where they were in relation to the Sun when they formed. Once the sun started shining, it evaporated most of the nearby hydrogen and helium (the Sun formed from an enormous cloud of dust and gas that also contained lots of molecules of water). Hence, the inner planets grew by accretion of mostly dust, and that's why they are mostly rock.
Out beyond the snow line (the distance from the Sun where water molecules stay forever frozen), there was lots of leftover gas. Small rocky cores formed and as they grew, they attracted and swept up all the remaining gas in their vicinity. Thus, Jupiter and Saturn formed: Huge balls of Hydrogen and Helium with small rocky cores.
Uranus and Neptune, the icy giants, lack the hydrogen and helium of Jupiter and Saturn. And Pluto is a mix of ice and rock.
I am going to go study up on why Uranus and Neptune have such different compositions than Jupiter and Saturn.
Congrats on 1ast Zona! Only 18 more first to go and you will be tied with Scirish! Lol!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reposting my breakfast Jodi. ((HUGS))
Good afternoon Ibb, Lynn D, Scirish, Jodi, Whabbear, Goldie, Donna Jean, Tina, Mek, Bebbi and Sandie.
And here it is, in a nutshell:
ReplyDelete"These results suggest that Uranus and Neptune are actually potential gas giant cores that formed in the same region as Jupiter and Saturn but lost the race to reach runaway gas accretion."
- from a paper on the formation of Uranus and Neptune.
The latest idea is that U and N did not form where they are today; they formed closer to the vicinity of Jupiter and Saturn, but lost the gravitational battle with Jupiter and Saturn to scoop up all the hydrogen and helium in these regions.
Computer simulations show that as Jupiter and Saturn swept up all that gas and became very massive, they forced Uranus and Neptune to migrate outward to their present positions!
Great blog EBJ!
ReplyDeleteI think there is intelligent life out there in the vast universe, but the question is how do you define "intelligent"? To someone or something we may be no more than the equivalent of a slug to step on. I just can't believe we are the only inhabited planet among so many.
No sweating the small stuff is a big issue for me. In case you haven't figured out by now I have a negative personality, which means I do sweat the small stuff. I worry about things you would laugh your asses off about. That all seems to get worse as I age. Have I told ya aging sucks? Well it does!
F***k- I just got foaded!
ReplyDeleteWell Goldie what do you expect when you show up naked?! Lol!
ReplyDeleteok, trying again.
ReplyDeleteFrom area 51-
MO, if I thought you were just looking for sympathy I would kick you right in the bacon! ;o)
Those guys were complete asses and you deserved better.
Loved the Moose!
Re: SURPRISE CHRISTMAS TREES
When Mr. Goldie and I were dating and he was pretty much living with me (my folks didn't know this) the first Xmas after my divorce, my dad decided to get me a Christmas tree. He was going to surprise me when I got home from work one day by having it all set up in the living room of my apartment and decorated. My parents had a key to the apartment as they often helped out with picking my son up from daycare when I was working my second job too.
Anyway, the one who got the surprise was my dad when he got to my apartment and he found Mr. Goldie sleeping in my bed!! LOL
LOL Shirley- I guess I better put some clothes on, it is getting a tad chilly.
ReplyDeleteIs there more to the story Goldie? What did Papa Goldie say to Mr. Goldie and what did Mr. Goldie say to Papa Goldie? And how did you explain Mr. Goldie to Papa Goldie? Inquiring minds want to know. Lol!
ReplyDeleteMr. Goldie spit and sputtered, my dad went about his business and was cordial. He knew we were dating and by that time I think he figured out that he had no control over the situation! I recall he wasn't too pleased though. it all worked out ok, My Dad adored him as does my Mother to this day, and he them. I have often said that if I was drowning they would have thrown the life vest to Mr. Goldie and hoped that maybe he grabbed on to me!!!
ReplyDeleteGOLDIE - I luv that story!!! As I was a witness to, you have the best family!!! It was a pleasure to spend time with them....and the memory still makes me smile!!
ReplyDeleteSHIRLEY - You're welcome!! How was the test this morning?
ZONA - Just got done doodling!! Off to the post office!!! Nanner, nanner, boo boo!!!
ReplyDeleteGOLDIE - Good grief....you need a holiday outfit!! Looking at your avatar is making MY girls stand up at attention!!! lol!!
ReplyDeleteSomeone here is surprising there son with a tree. Is it Outatuune? I hope she doesn't get a surprise like Goldie's Dad got!
ReplyDeleteJodi we ran into a problem with the first exam. There were a bunch of mistakes in it so when we figured them out we realized we wouldn't have time to do the advanced one. I hope there aren't any mistakes in that one. We will have to do it next week sometime. Thanks for asking.
ReplyDeleteok, I put on a hat and fur coat- is that better???
ReplyDeleteJodi- the whole gang plus a bunch more are coming on the 27th- you are welcome to join us!!
By the way- my mother adored you too!!
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ReplyDeleteI feel better now. Leaving work and going home. Flapping a wing, I mean a paw, I mean, oh heck you know what I mean!!
ReplyDeleteGOLDIE - Thank you!!! I feel warmer already. :D
ReplyDeleteSHIRLEY: 18 more just to catch up?? Dang me!! lol...
ReplyDeleteJODI: I've got one less than I did earlier..total malfunction..and somehow rrriiiipppp...funny how that can happen...grrrrrr. BTW.. :P so there!!! ;)
GOLDIE: LOVE your new avatar..now I can stop worrying about you getting a chest cold! ;)
Zona if it will make you feel any better you are ahead of Mek by 2 and Maureen by 8. You only need 14 to catch up to Lynn D:)
ReplyDeleteOh my word!!!! I had THE BEST squish today~ Actually....I had to go thru it twice!!! Sorry if this is TMI....but I laughed so hard!!! Joanne grabbed the thingies that you put on your "tips" and I laughed and said they crack me up! She said...AND I QUOTE!...."Wait 'til you see the tassles!" I died laughing....and then told her about the blog and Jodi!!!~ lol~
ReplyDeleteTINA - Glad they had the right size tassles for you!!! You have the best squishy tech!!
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone has a good night....have to help my daughter make cookies for her English class!!
Later Ho's!!!
Hi hooters!
ReplyDeleteI've been in bed most of the day, fever, cough, sore throat, blah!
Whab, fascinating info about uranus :)
LOL!!!!!!!!!! (sorry I will blame that on the Codeine!)
Goldie love the puppy avatar!!
DJ I was at the planetarium in Golden Gate Park many years ago, it was AMAZING. I would love to go again.
Mo, take care hon!
"I'll be back"
I thought someone might find this interesting.
ReplyDeleteTop Ten Camping Uses for Snow
10)Writing your name in.
9) To fill the passing tour bus with.
8) Keeping the beer cool.
7) It's great for sculpting a bigger polar bear than the one that is staring at you licking his chops.
6) Making Snoffee.
5) Helps you remember why you bought a THREE SEASON tent.
4) Freeze-dried water.
3) Cold TP.
2) Two very small snowballs can be temporary relief from your tentmate's snoring.
1) Frozen Margaritas!!!!!!!!
EBJ: Great blog! I thought the pictures were very enlightening. Also, I thought Whabby was the author too!! It is quite amazing. There has to be life out there somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI hope everyone had a great Wednesday. I did, but I am lagging on my steps..only 7484 so far. Got to get moving!
Shirley..Cold TP? egads..Cold Toilet Paper?? omg...no way!
ReplyDeleteTina: Glad your squish went well!
ReplyDeleteEBJ: Sorry to hear you are sick. I hope you get better soon!
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ReplyDeleteAPRIL..and 69~!
ReplyDeleteHello Everyone
ReplyDeleteI read EBJ's blog, but not the posts. I have actually been getting something done today.
Very thoughtful blog and great pictures. When I was in junior high looked up at the sky and said, I know some one is living up there. The adult I was with said there can't be, because there aren't the right conditions for survival. Then I said, maybe they aren't like us. The person just laughed at me. It must have made some impact on me to remember it to this day.
And yes, the whole planet scenario should keep us humble.
Have a good night and I will see you tomorrow.
Happy Wednesday Evening Everyone!
ReplyDeleteMiss Laurie and I are FINALLY eating the last of the Turkey tonight! I made two HUGE Turkey Shepherd's Pie from the two turkey's I cooked, and as much as I LOVE turkey and my Shepherd's Pie, I will be glad when this is over!!
Off Topic, but sort of On Topic, "SPACE".
I NEED MORE "SPACE" FOR ALL MY STUFF!
I live in a normal single level SFD (single family dwelling) 3 bd, 2 ba, with a formal living room (which we NEVER use, only for looks and company) then a nice family room/eating area that is constantly used, and a very SMALL kitchen with NO decent counter or cabinet space.
WHY did the builder build a living room AND a family room, and then make all the bedrooms so small and, MOST important, the kitchen!!
I must admit my home is not new, and I realize they don't build homes like mine anymore. My home was built in 1979, and doesn't have decent insulation either! When I had money to insulate, I didn't, and now I am paying the price. Believe me I am paying the price! High electric/gas bills etc. I never learn. I continue to make the same stupid mistakes over and over!
But, I digress, I was talking about "SPACE" for Stuff!
I feel like George Carlin, we all have STUFF. STUFF we want to get rid of but don't, or STUFF we want to organize nice and neat in files or cabinets, etc, but we don't.
So, today I really got frustrated with all my STUFF, and I wanted so much to just throw everything in the Recycle Bin. But, NO, I must go through all the STUFF first, and then shred things, give things to charity, maybe have a Yard Sale, etc.
Maybe then I will have some real "SPACE".
But, now Miss Olive has her own STUFF! And there is no "SPACE" for her STUFF!
Anyone else going through this?? Maybe because it so near the end of the year, and everyone clears out the old that I am feeling this way.
MO~ (if you are reading) I hadn't read the last of the comments from Area 51 until now. I so agree with Goldie!! You have always been a true friend and a funny Owlette! No one here thinks you are looking for sympathy!
Since you are going through hard and diffiult times right now, I just know that each and every Owlette and the two Owls that are here, send their love and support to you during this difficult Season. May you come back to The Nest in the New Year. We all will spread our wings and welcome you with love.
Is anyone else just Pissed Off that Boston Legal is OVER?
I was very surprised that when I set my DVR for Monday, that it said it was the Series Finale! Today on Yahoo News, they talked alot about the show, and how it was never really liked by the suits at ABC. Are they Crazy!
That show was always on target with current events, had the best dialogue between characters, especially when they were at closing arguments! Each and every actor was EXCELLENT! I will miss each and every one of them so much. What will I do without my Denny Crane & Alan Shore, and the nightly cigar on the Balcony??
I am sure I will find DVD's soon, and that is what will make me happy!
Sorry for the Novel, again!
Hi to all who have flown in since this post took me almost 45 minute to type, what with checking on Olive, Laurie and the Turkey Shepherd's Pie!
Have a wonderful evening everyone,
till tomorrow,
Peace and Love to all,
Donna Jean, Laurie Elizabeth, and Olive
SHIRLEY~
ReplyDeleteI think that your
"Top Ten Camping Uses For Snow" should be sent to David Letterman!!
I can just see Dave bringing out different actors, or even the Radio City Rockettes giving the Top Ten!!
Honey, I think you need to tap into your inner writing soul, and really do something with that!
Your wit is amazing, your sarcasm right on, and also you can write with heartfelt and loving prose!!
PLEASE think seriously about this. Maybe Lois Lane could help you with some ideas of how to submit something.
Seriously that Top Ten tonight was freaking hilarious!!!
Love Ya Girlfriend,
Donna Jean
One more space nugget:
ReplyDeleteHaving written a little about the planets of our solar system this morning, how about a little piece on stars?
By now (2008), we've accumulated a vast storehouse of knowledge about life on Earth, how many forms it comes in, how diverse it is (think: Extremephiles!) etc. But one fundamental issue is still a complete mystery: How exactly did life come to be? How did life come from lifelessness?
And, now that we're discovering all these planets around other stars (330 and counting), how specific to the conditions on early Earth does the environment have to be in order to spawn life? How Earth-like does a planet have to be in order to incubate and evolve early one-celled forms of life into thinking beings (people)?
We don't know, largely because we haven't discovered any life outside the Earth yet. For all we know, life arises in all kinds of environments, and is widespread in the cosmos. Or, we are completely alone.
While nobody knows the answers to these questions yet, we are steadily chipping away at related questions. One of them is how rare our Sun (and it's particular form of solar system) is. If life needs at least a similar environment to the Earth to gain a toehold, then if we want to search for extraterrestrial life, sun-like stars would be a good place to start looking.
So, how common are Sun-like stars? It turns out, not all that common at all. As we saw in EBJ's blog, stars come in an astonishing variety of sizes and masses. Our Sun is a "G2V" star, which means that it shines with a surface temperature of about 5700 degrees K. Less than 5% of other stars are also G2's; the vast majority are either smaller and colder than the Sun, or bigger and hotter.
Still, with about 200 billion stars in our galaxy, even 5% adds up to a hefty number. But there's more. All stars are composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, but most also have trace elements of heavier elements like oxygen, carbon, and iron. The Sun has a relatively large amount of these heavy elements, compared to many other G2V's.
But wait. There's more. The sun also has a rotation rate that is relatively slow, consistent with a star that's been in existence (and shining) for 4.5 billion years. Most G2V stars don't rotate at the same rate as the sun, which means they are not the same age.
Let's put all these ingredients together, and ask the question: How prevalent are stars that are REALLY sun-like, with the same mass, surface temperature, age, and abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium?
We have a pretty good answer now, owls. Within 250 light years of us, there are close to 250,000 stars! I kid you not! And so far, only TWO of those 250,000 match the Sun closely on all the relevant dimensions! And even those two aren't perfect twins... one contains much more lithium than the Sun does, and the other is about a billion years older.
Bottom line: If intelligent life requires a very, very similar set of environmental circumstances to evolve as the circumstances that exist right here on Earth, then so far, we haven't found any star that exactly matches the Sun, and might therefore provide an environmental match for any potential planets.
Who knows? We may be very rare and special, indeed.
Donna Jean: My sentiments exactly about Boston Legal, unbelievable and completely out of left field that it would end. I was clueless, and I love that show. It was so funny last night. What a fitting ending though that Denny and Allen would wed...and NEMO bay no less, with a supreme court justice...omg. I was laughing so much my hubby thought I was nuts. Another friend of mine said that he was really glad they didn't leave the ending with the chinese executives sitting in Denny and Allen's "love den"..lol. I am so sad the show is over..it was really terrific. I can't wait to see what James Spader will do next though, he is a very talented actor!
ReplyDeleteDonna Jean I just wanted to clarify that I did not write the "Top Ten Camping Uses Of Snow". I came across it while looking for something else and copy and pasted it hear for you guys to read. Sorry, I didn't mean to give the impression I wrote it.
ReplyDeleteI also liked "Boston Legal". I thought they ended it well though.
ReplyDeleteHi, Hooters! I, too, have been trying to get something done today; Christmas shopping, to be exact.
ReplyDeleteEBJ Great blog today! I have seen the illustration of the size of the planets before and still find it mind-blowing to see how little our puny little earth is. It kind of puts things in perspective, doesn't it? Since the universe sems to be endless, (I can't even comprehend that concept.) I think there probably is some other life form somewhere. They would be so far away, though, that we could never cross each other's paths.
Bebbi Good march to 69! Did you twinkle? LOL
DonnaJean I know what you mean. I've been trying to simplify things around here. Every week I try either send stuff to the Goodwill or put stuff in the garbage. I just have too many dust catchers and other things that aren't necessary.
Shirley: Boston Legal had some great writers who pulled together that finale show.
ReplyDeleteJustLin: I Twinkled, tinkled and did a little happy dance! Then...I took a nap! lol
Whab, thank you for your insight and knowledge, I knew you would be a wealth of information on this subject!
ReplyDeleteIt is such a BIG subject, there is so much to learn and so much to come it seems.
I can't even comprehend what future generations will discover "out there".
Bebbi, congrats on 69 tonight! Yipee!!
Glad you got a good twinkle :)
Tonight we actually got boxes out and ready to mail. We are making progress!
I have to make a trip to See's candy this weekend, then we will be ready for the post office.
Still have not gotten any Christmas decorations up. Not sure if we will drag them out.
DJ I have been sorting out STUFF the past week. We brought a couple boxes of papers when we moved in Jan. and have not gone thru it til now.
On the kitchen table, I have a pile for shredding, a pile for the filing cabinet, a pile of MR. EBJs STUFF, and a pile for the garbage.
I've already shredded a huge garbage bag full and still have lots more to go.
OOPS I forgot to say congrats on first today Zona!! :)
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ReplyDeleteYAY Tina!
ReplyDeleteEBJ~ how come you are so smart? You and Whabby~
ReplyDeleteBebbi and Bon'o~ I'm so sad that Denny is no more~ I knew it was coming, and what a send off it was~
I enjoyed the tediousness of our march Tina. haha!!
ReplyDeletelol EBJ~ you know....i had no idea that the Earth was really that small~ amazing~
ReplyDeleteGood night all..Great March EBJ & Tina.
ReplyDeleteSweet Dreams!! See ya all tomorrow.
I'm sure I'm the "lone night owl" right now.
ReplyDeleteEBJ~Sorry I didn't have time to write today. I did keep up with the comments.
We had a little problem with the plumping today so showers and laundry had to wait until Mr Mary unplugged the pipes.
I put up our tree and dressed up the house. I started washing things like shower curtains and reg. curtains, and it escalated to washing cupboards, dusting and vacuuming.
My son is now working third shift so I grabbed all his bedding and washed it about an hour ago. I am pooped!
Whabbear~I always love reading your posts especially on the Universe. You always shake the cobwebs out of my brain lol!
I just saw Mr Mary fly by in his whitie tighties on his way to the "john". I guess I better get to bed.
I will be doing some Christmas shopping tomorrow.
Nighters to whoever is still up zzzzz
LONG post before heading off to bed...hating that I don't have my own computer and have to wait until YH is done doing his thing before I get a chance to read/write here but no biggie....
ReplyDeletegoldie, LOVE your surprise tree story. many years ago i spent the night at my first hubby's parent's house while they were out of town. they came home early and there i was, hiding in my then-b/f's bedroom, needing to pee like a racehorse but could hear the parents milling about in the living room. tried waking up my b/f, who, to this day, sleeps like the dead. eventually i just had to walk out there and pretend it didn't bother me. lucky for me, his parents were pretty cool about it.
tina-the tech who did my smash job this year had NO sense of humor. i was trying to lighten things up a little and she was all business. i thought those plates were cold...not as cold as she was!
okay so last night we took a trip to wally world to get an idea of what things young Thomas might like in his apt. he was pretty clear--no pink or silver trees, nothing with feathers, etc. went back this morning and bought a little 4-footer, 3 yards of ribbon, a bow, and a tree skirt. also bought a nativity set for the built-in shelves you see as you walk in the front door, and a stocking hanger. we had brought his stocking from home plus all of his hallmark keepsake ornaments. i bought my kids one each year that they were allowed to open on christmas eve, along with their christmas pj's. having too many for the tree, several of them went on the shelves with the nativity.
Young Thomas was supposed to call when he was ready for lunch but decided to come home instead so when he knocked on his own door (we had his key) we weren't quite ready but he was really touched at the sentiment. he said he wasn't sure he was at the right apt when he walked up & saw the wreath on the door and he smiled when i told him it was one my mom had made and given me several years ago. As YH and I were preparing to leave the apt this afternoon, i noticed my son had taken the dog tags and pocket knife belonging to his Paw-Paw (my ex-FIL who passed away earlier this year) and placed them near the nativity, I got tears in my eyes. We loved Paw-Paw very much and to see my son put those special items close to the baby Jesus, well, it was very sweet.
Lastly, I have to share something my MIL said tonight as we were sitting and discussing all things important in the world. She was saying how she couldn't stand some commercial that was on TV, then mentioned something else that annoyed her...then immediately stated how lucky she was that these were the worst things she had to complain about in life. This is in spite of the fact that she is 83 years old and has to deal with rising taxes, insurance, and medical costs while living on a fixed income and it made me think. Maybe there are times we SHOULD sweat the small stuff if it helps keep our minds off those bigger things that we have no control over.
Hugs to everyone, especially those whose worries are bigger than a breadbox. As my son's tattoo says, "this too shall pass". And here's one I recently learned about swimming in the ocean but I think it applies to life in general...
When the current is too strong, don't fight it and don't try to swim against it. Just stay parallel to the shore and eventually you will come back to land.
Wishing everyone a beautiful happy Thursday!
Mary: No, you are not alone! LOL!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words!
Great stories, Goldie and Caryn!
EBJ: Interesting blog along with your comments too BEAR. I doubt I will ever see people just going on a space ship for fun but my grandkids talk about it for themselves.
ReplyDeleteOUTATUUNE: How fun that you surprised your son. What your MIL said does make a person think about the whole spectrum of life!
MARY/MI: Ok, now you said you "had some problems with the plumping today", I want to know just what "plumping" is and does it have anything to do with the twinkle from yesterday? :)
Congrats on first ZONA. Dang, you are almost pushing me out for third!
I ccoked again tonight. I don't know what is coming over me as I have been doing this every once in awhile now. I sure don't want MrD to think it is a nightly thing around here.
Hope everyone has a good sleep tonight. I don't have anything too exciting to even talk about tonight. SHIRLEY, I was reading in the paper today that Starbucks has a gingerbread latte. I am not much of a Starbucks person (too expensive) but I might have to treat myself between now and January 4th!
Dianne Have I been a "bad" influence in regards to cooking? I'm sure Mr. D appreciates your efforts, plus it probably saves money. :)
ReplyDeleteSweet dreams, Hooters!