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Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu

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What is the significance of planets and natural satellites even though no life exists on them?

Hello everyone , I am just curious to know , the significance of other planets and natural satellites in our solar system . Probably there are other galaxies , with same set of planets but
-why do they exist?
-How do they impact our life?
-How does understanding the geography of those planets help us?

Astrology analyzes the position of planets in the sky and decide the fate of us human beings. So is that the only purpose?

Topics: Natural Satellites Planets The Universe astrology galaxies
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    Debra Smith 200+

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    Jun 21 2012: The measure of the value of something may not be that someone lives upon it. No one lives on a marigold or on a peony and yet it has value - just see the new TEDxSF talk on time lapse photography - ASTOUNDING!
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      Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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      Jun 21 2012: Well Debra, I could not agree more on the beauty of space but , understanding god made creations is just so complex that it always keeps you in wonder :) .

      Cheers,
      Bharath
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        Debra Smith 200+

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        Jun 21 2012: Please elaborate Bhatath. I have asked for clarification before to no avail but perhaps you need to know that I am not challenging you but rather wishing to understand.
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          Jun 21 2012: Well Debra ,
          where do I start from ... I am a nature lover and I love the pictures of space too . The beauty of earth, its species and sun light , the atmosphere is so beautiful yet at the same time perfectly balanced . So we know why we exist and how everything is so beautifully balanced on planet earth .

          But on the other hand , when I read about other planets I find that they have either very high temperatures or extremely low temperatures , no gravity , cannot support life etc. So , we have travelled to space . Is earth's presence dependent on other planets ??for example Lets say we don't have planet Venus so does that mean Life support goes out of balance in our planet?? That is what I am trying to get an answer for ?
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    Orlando Hawkins 20+

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    May 23 2012: this is something that we do not know..no one knows the answer to this...it is like asking what is the purpose or significance of trees or mountains. I honestly do not think this is a good question to ask

    there are somethings we should let be and to be quite honest you wont find some sort of objective value to the universe because the universe really does not owe us any explanation. Its been here long before we were born and will continue to be here long after we are dead.

    if you do find value, it was most lilkey self-created and that's ok, as long as you do not impose this on others and force them to believe what you think the value of the universe is.

    there may be some things in the universe that may make you wonder if there is something watching us (for example how the sun's magnetic wave really protects us (thanks to the solar wind) from other things in the universe and w/o life on earth could not exist. But there are other things in the universe that does not show any evidence of some sort of creator who cares about humans..

    in other words, sometimes things are as they are and we should just allow it to be. It does not mean that we can't know more about it but to place a value on it I think is not a good idea....

    then again, these are just my opinions.
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      Stewart Gault 30+

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      May 23 2012: just to add there the solar wind thing was recently put into doubt as the sun spins slower than previously thought so that it might not create this shield around the solar system. It has no implications other than life now doesn't require this shock wave, as they call it, to exist.
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      Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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      May 24 2012: That is a really wonderful insight Orlando, seems like I found answers to my questions but I am always open to suggestions from everyone at TED too .
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    Frans Kellner 100+

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    May 23 2012: Anything is as it is because of the state of everything else. It is one intricate web and nothing in it stands on its own or act in an independant way.
    The dynamics in movement create spirit to enlight the one being which is all and nothing.
    The dynamics on earths surface of vulcans, atmosphere and water attracted by the moon created a kind of subspirit to experience life, the son of the cosmic father they say.
    It can happen anywhere or anywhen.
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      Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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      May 23 2012: Well Frans , Its a really good insight you provided but these planets do play a significant role , there should be a purpose why they were created. Or as you say an intricate web is also created with a reason or purpose . Maybe we need to figure it out . Does cosmic energy come into picture?
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        Frans Kellner 100+

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        May 23 2012: Cosmic energy is the only thing present to form the work field of creation.

        See the universe as a workplace in which a force divide the absolute into opposites like moving matter that falls in itself as it is pulled outwards to convect into spheres that increases in density to form the elements from light to heavy atoms and to differentiate in ever more potential to bring about a kaleidoscope of forms that consciousness grows to imagine.

        Without a moon there would be no life as Jupiter catches most meteorites from crossing earth so to sustain some order for life to develop.
        Earths position, its tilting and rotation are all important for the seasons necessary for local dynamics and driven by the planets of the solar system, and so on and on.

        Earths composition of elements with its iron core to protect us from deadly radiation, it is all perfect to realize the moment we do as we do it.
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    Stewart Gault 30+

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    May 22 2012: firstly, asking why they exist assumes there's a purpose which is objective as certain things only have a purpose because we humans give them one. How they impact our life, not much. The moon makes the tides come in and out and gives us a little reflected light at night. Understanding their geography and geology allows us to make models of the solar system. It allows us to determine which planets or even planetary moons could be inhabited by humans. A recent example of human getting a use from space is the potential mining of Vesta. Though astrology is mere fakery and liar's way of trying to connect us to the planets spiritually. I would recommend reading some of James Randi's works if you believe is astrology, as he can show how it is false.
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      Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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      May 23 2012: Well Stewart , thanks for your insight.But could you tell me how understanding geography and geology allows us to make models of the solar system..Or to put it in a better way , how has making models of solar system helped us apply these models practically? Is only the potential mining of Vesta one of the advantages of studying space.

      I have to admit, we have taken beautiful images of space galaxies , but there should be a bigger purpose , don't you think?
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        Stewart Gault 30+

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        May 23 2012: Right now knowing the geography of the moon has allowed us to determine that it did come from a proto earth. Also I believe physicists have a method by which they fire I think it's X-rays at a planet very far away and the ray rebounds off the planet, though every element rebounds X-rays differently so they can determine geography of planets, and by doing this over and over you get a picture of what distances and size of planets and stars are required for life supporting bodies. And no I don't believe the universe has to have some great purpose other than to merely exist. Richard Dawkins said something like this, matter flows from one place to another and occasionally comes together to be you. There's nothing magical or purposeful about our universe, it's just beautiful.
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          May 23 2012: So Stewart, is that the only conclusion we can draw ? that they look beautiful , maybe telescope captures them beautifully... but there should be a scientific significance to it .
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        Stewart Gault 30+

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        May 23 2012: The scientific significance is that any exists at all. What sort of significance are you looking for?
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          May 23 2012: For example , we have solar energy , which is already being harnessed .. In a similar fashion , can we harness energy from other entities in solar system?
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        Stewart Gault 30+

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        May 23 2012: Ahhhhhh I get what you mean know, sorry about that. To my knowledge no we can't. Aside from mining asteroids for minerals there's not much we can really do. Though just maybe as a side note, because we have a basic knowledge of it's geography we've established it has geo thermal power and ice caps. So the significance of knowing that is the fact that when we actually get to Mars, and I think at some point we'll colonize it, we will have a power source and won't need to somehow build a power station but we'll have to bring tools to allow us to 1. melt the ice for water and 2. dig to harness the geo thermal energy. In our solar system to my knowledge at least, that is all really. Mercury's too hot, Venus has lots of problems, Mars has potential, Jupiter and Saturn are gas, and I think everything else beyond is either gas or too cold. Though I know there's studies of Jupiter and Saturn's moons to see what potential they could have, and I would be the first person to go andl ive their, imagine having Jupiter as a substitute for our moon.
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          May 23 2012: Thanks stewart ,honestly space exploration is only one of areas of interest , even harnessing other forms of energy was also my other area of interest.This question came to my mind when these 2 interest flashed my mind
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    edward long 100+

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    May 22 2012: "The heavens declare the glory of God. . . " The Holy Bible, Psalm 19, verse 1.
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      Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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      May 22 2012: Okay , so there should be a purpose why God created the universe right? Could you help me out ?
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        edward long 100+

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        May 22 2012: Q: Why did God create a physical universe?
        A: To establish a milieu governed by Time.
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          May 22 2012: But sir, we could have been able to figure out Time from Sun and moon , but the presence of planets which doesn't support any sort of life is still unclear..so my question is if other planets did not support any life system, why are they even present and what is their significance?
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        edward long 100+

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        May 23 2012: The Sun and Moon are part of the physical universe. If there were no physical universe there would be no Time, so God made a physical universe, complete with lifeless planets, stars, asteroids, meteors and everything else He made.. You seem to be assuming that any heavenly body should support life. That is not a reasonable limitation to impose upon the Creator of the Universe. Thank you Bharath. PS- the Bible verse I gave you (Psalm 19, verse 1) was removed by TED moderators.
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          May 23 2012: Thank you sir for your valuable opinion , I believe these planets too play an important role in our lives but how is the big question. Could you help me out?
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          Verble Gherulous 20+

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          May 23 2012: @edward. Sir,did the moderators tell you why they removed the comment. The Psalm you quoted does indeed support a valued response to the question posed. Often, though, the moderatorswill let you know why they removed a comment. Just curious.
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        edward long 100+

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        May 23 2012: What is the significance of lifeless "planets and natural satellites" ? Is that the big question? My answer to that question is that their significance is the fact that they declare the glory of their Creator. Is that not significance enough?
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          May 23 2012: I dont know whether I can say its significant , but I just don't seemed to be convinced by the creations . If earth is like a minute atom when compared to the solar system.I feel there are more answers to my question .
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        edward long 100+

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        May 23 2012: It is not my intention to convince you of anything Bharath. I am only sharing with you the Biblical teachings on the subject you asked about. You are entitled to feel there are more answers to your question. Thank you for including mine in your search, and thank you TED for the opportunity to share informational value with others. May you find the ultimate truth in your search Mr. Kunjibettu. Thank you!
        PS @ Verble: The removal was because the comment was ruled to be not on topic.
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          Bharath Kumar Kunjibettu 10+

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          May 23 2012: Respected Edward,
          Thank you so much sir for your valuable insights.Just like bible even our religion too speaks about planets which even I find it complicated to comprehend ,as a matter of fact in our ancient Hindu scriptures(which are over 1000s of years old),some planets(including our natural satellite) are considered as Gods (Male deities ) and earth is treated as a Goddess. I always felt there was more scientific significance to it ..so I chose TED as a platform where I can get different opinions.

          Best Regards,
          Bharath
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