GRAVITY

To me, one of the most fascinating areas of science has always been gravity. Newton described it mathematically, and Einstein's theories produced a revolution in that description that resulted in incredible predictions, like the warping of light in the presence of a strong gravitational field. Each time scientists have concocted elaborate tests to try out Einstein's predictions, they have proven true. Now the US has launched the Gravity Probe B satellite to test the idea that the rotation of a massive body (in this case the Earth) "drags" the fabric of space-time. It's taken this project 45 years from conception to launch, a testament to its great complexity and sensitivity. This orbiting laboratory required the creation of the most perfectly spherical objects yet created by man for its gyroscopes, and the development of the most precise astrometric methods ever to ensure a stable reference point.

What's amazing to me about gravity is, while mankind has gone to great theoretical and experimental lengths to describe it, no one can explain it. No "graviton" or gravity particle has ever been found, analogous to the photon or light particle. Gravity is simply a fact of the universe whose mechanism is still unknown. It's as if God is actively holding the universe together.

"... in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power."(Hebrews 1:2-3)

"He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)


Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. (Psalm 148:1-4)



To whom then will you compare me,
that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
Lift up your eyes on high and see:
who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
calling them all by name,
by the greatness of his might,
and because he is strong in power
not one is missing.
Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD,
and my right is disregarded by my God"?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:25-28)