Reality to ponder

[Autodidact]

So compared to the universe, our entire planet is less than a speck of dust, less than a molecule, probably more along the lines of a sub-atomic particle, such as an electron.

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by Autodidact

I think you're getting beyond my expertise. I may be able to drag someone over here who understands this better than me.

That would be good. But, in the meantime, and given that you've surely heard of gravity defined as an effect of spacetime curvature, just what is being curved in predominantly "empty" space? Or, how does empty curve?

[SoyLeche]

My mass may be insignificant compared to the least of all the stars, but it can't hold a candle to me in many other areas. The ability to ponder this reality. The ability to love. Free will.

The universe is very big. Bigger than you could ever imagine - but that in no way makes me or you insignificant. Out of the billions and billions of galaxies we are among the very few collections of elements that can appreciate it (even if there are many other worlds with intelligent life, combined with them we are still very few compared with the rest of the elements).

[gnomon]

Originally Posted by Autodidact

So compared to the universe, our entire planet is less than a speck of dust, less than a molecule, probably more along the lines of a sub-atomic particle, such as an electron.

But it's all here for me.

Originally Posted by Abu Khalid

Sadly, some people, after seeing all these images will think how worhtless we are, and how worthless our lives are, but it's so interesting that others, will apperciate their lives, even more.

Nothing increases my wonder more than contemplating this universe. I remember as a child scoffing when my friend (I think we were about eight or nine) told me that those points of light were balls of gas burning out in space. When my naivete was replaced with the sense of wonder it's as if your imagination opens up with the universe. When I think back on the models of the universe proposed by earlier philosophers I can only think about how limited, no matter how tidy or neat, such a universe would seem.

[TashaN]

Well, as Muslims, we believe that the universe is full of other creatures, and most of them are angels of God. It's not empty at all.

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Jay

That would be good. But, in the meantime, and given that you've surely heard of gravity defined as an effect of spacetime curvature, just what is being curved in predominantly "empty" space? Or, how does empty curve?

Spacetime, of course

I don't think anyone knows at this point. The whole "curved space" thing is probably more of a way of trying to describe something that we can't very well comprehend. There may be no actual "curvature" as we understand the word from our 3 dimensional perspective. (I'm out of my league here too - but I enjoyed the book "Fabric of the Cosmos", FWIW)

[Jayhawker Soule]

Originally Posted by Autodidact

So compared to the universe, our entire planet is less than a speck of dust, ...

Perhaps even a dustette. Now, Autodidact, unless all of this is intended simply to allow us to ponder your ponderings, why not simply tell us where you're trying to lead the discussion?

[Autodidact]

Originally Posted by Jay

That would be good. But, in the meantime, and given that you've surely heard of gravity defined as an effect of spacetime curvature, just what is being curved in predominantly "empty" space? Or, how does empty curve?

I don't know about this. Sorry, my science background is very limited. I have heard gravity defined that way, and keep trying to pound that concept into my very limited brain. I don't even really get, "space/time curvature," do you?