Neat.
It wasn't that long ago when people thought there was only one star in the universe. It wasn't until the 20th century that astronomers realized that the Milky Way was just one galaxy among billions. The first extra-solar planets were only confirmed in 1992.
The uniqueness of the Earth is becoming ever less likely.
Our knowledge of the universe is increasing ever more quickly.
It makes me wonder if there is going to be some "straw that breaks the camel's back" when it comes to dramatically falling acceptance of the "traditional" picture of Genesis, etc., and the monotheistic deity (at least in the US). Will solid evidence of multicellular life elsewhere do it? What would it take?
And what will that new circumstance mean in human conflict (e.g. Sunni/Shia; Hindu/Muslim; Protestant/Catholic; etc.) if people no longer feel the need to argue about religion?
Cheers,
Scott.
The uniqueness of the Earth is becoming ever less likely.
Our knowledge of the universe is increasing ever more quickly.
It makes me wonder if there is going to be some "straw that breaks the camel's back" when it comes to dramatically falling acceptance of the "traditional" picture of Genesis, etc., and the monotheistic deity (at least in the US). Will solid evidence of multicellular life elsewhere do it? What would it take?
And what will that new circumstance mean in human conflict (e.g. Sunni/Shia; Hindu/Muslim; Protestant/Catholic; etc.) if people no longer feel the need to argue about religion?
Cheers,
Scott.