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The Sun
The Sun is now in the quietest phase of its 11-year activity cycle, the solar minimum - in fact, it has been unusually quiet this year - with over 200 days so far with no observed sunspots. The solar wind has also dropped to its lowest levels in 50 years. Scientists are unsure of the significance of this unusual calm, but are continually monitoring our closest star with an array of telescopes and satellites. Seen below are some recent images of the Sun in more active times. (21 photos total)
A sweeping prominence, a huge cloud of relatively cool dense plasma is seen suspended in the Sun's hot, thin corona. At times, promineces can erupt, escaping the Sun's atmosphere. Emission in this spectral line shows the upper chromosphere at a temperature of about 60,000 degrees K (over 100,000 degrees F). Every feature in the image traces magnetic field structure. The hottest areas appear almost white, while the darker red areas indicate cooler temperatures. (Courtesy of SOHO/EIT consortium)
NASA's STEREO satellite captured the first images ever of a collision between a solar "hurricane", called a coronal mass ejection (CME), and a comet on April 4, 2007. The collision caused the complete detachment of the comet's plasma tail. Comets are icy leftovers from the solar system's formation billions of years ago. They usually hang out in the cold, distant regions of the solar system, but occasionally a gravitational tug from a planet, another comet, or even a nearby star sends them into the inner solar system. Once there, the sun's heat and radiation vaporizes gas and dust from the comet, forming its tail. Comets typically have two tails, one made of dust and a fainter one made of electrically conducting gas, called plasma. (NASA/STEREO) #
Image of an active solar region taken on July 24, 2002 near the eastern limb of the Sun. The image highlights the three-dimensional nature of the photosphere when seen at these large angles. The structures in the dark sunspots in the upper central area of the image show distinct elevation above the dark "floor" of the sunspot. The height of the structures has been estimated by Dr. Bruce Lites of the High Altitude Observatory to be between 200 and 450 km. The smallest resolvable features in the image are about 70 km in size. There are also numerous bright "faculae" visible on the edges of granules that face towards the observer. (Prof. Goran Scharmer/Dr. Mats G. Lfdahl/Institute for Solar Physics of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences) #
The total solar eclipse of February 16, 1980 was photographed from Palem, India, by a research team from the High Altitude Observatory of the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The photograph of the solar corona was taken with a camera system developed by Gordon A. Newkirk, Jr. This specialized instrument photographs the corona in red light, 6400 A -- through a radially graded filter that suppresses the bright inner corona in order to show the much fainter streamers of the outer corona in the same photograph. (Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee / High Altitude Observatory (HAO), University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)) #
Solar flares produce seismic waves in the Sun's interior that closely resemble those created by earthquakes on our planet. On May 27, 1998, researchers observed this flare-generated solar quake that contained about 40,000 times the energy released in the great earthquake that devastated San Francisco in 1906, equivalent to an 11.3 magnitude earthquake, scientists calculated. Over the course of an hour, the solar waves traveled for a distance equal to 10 Earth diameters before fading into the fiery background of the Sun's photosphere. Unlike water ripples that travel outward at a constant velocity, the solar waves accelerated from an initial speed of 22,000 miles per hour to a maximum of 250,000 miles per hour before disappearing. (Courtesy of SOHO/EIT consortium. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA) #
The image shows the corona for a moderately active Sun, with some (red) hot active regions in both hemispheres, surrounded by the (blue/green) cooler plasma of the quiet-Sun corona. Notice also the north polar-crown filament, the trans-equatorial loops, and the coronal hole in the south-east (lower-right) corner of the image and the smaller one over the north pole. This image shows the solar corona in a false-color, 3-layer composite: the blue, green, and red channels show the 171, 195, and 284 wavelengths, respectively (most sensitive to emission from 1, 1.5, and 2 million degree gases). (TRACE Project, Stanford-Lockheed Institute for Space Research, NASA) #
This TRACE 171-wavelength image from November 11, 2006 shows a sizeable active region at the east limb of the Sun (rotated clockwise 90 degrees so north is to the right) just as it rotates onto Earth-facing hemisphere. Notice the low-lying dark structures of filaments at the leading edge of the region, some "levitating" dark material on the right-hand side of the region, and the small ephemeral region towards the lower right. (NASA/TRACE) #
The Sun, observed on May 22, 2008. With the Sun persisting in a near-minimal state of activity, only a few small regions of some activity are seen on the disk. The cell-like appearance is formed by the multitude of small clusters of magnetic flux that are collected in the downflow regions of the supergranular network of convective motions. (NASA/TRACE) #
TRACE 171 image of an erupting solar filament above Active Region 9077 on July 19, 2000. Filaments are concentrated bundles of magnetic field filled with relatively cool gas, suspended in the solar corona. When they become unstable, they can erupt, triggering coronal mass ejections and solar flares. The dark material here is relatively cool, while the bright material is hotter than a million degrees. As this hot material cools, it condenses and drains down the lines of magnetic field in the corona much like beads moving along a wire, a process some scientists refer to as "coronal rain." (Caption courtesy Dan Seaton, Photo courtesy Dick Shine, NASA/TRACE) #
This LASCO C2 image, taken 8 January 2002, shows a widely spreading coronal mass ejection (CME) as it blasts more than a billion tons of matter out into space at millions of kilometers per hour. The C2 image was turned 90 degrees so that the blast seems to be pointing down. An EIT 304 Angstrom image from a different day was enlarged and superimposed on the C2 image so that it filled the occulting disk for effect (Courtesy of SOHO/LASCO consortium) #
NASA's STEREO (Ahead) spacecraft observed this visually stunning prominence eruption on Sept. 29, 2008 in the 304 wavelength of extreme UV light. It rose up and cascaded to the right over several hours, appearing something like a flag unfurling, as it broke apart and headed into space. The material observed is actually ionized Helium at about 60,000 degrees. Prominences are relatively cool clouds of gas suspended above the Sun and controlled by magnetic forces. (NASA/STEREO) #
A transit of the Moon across the face of the Sun on February 25, 2007 - but not seen from Earth. This sight was visible only from the STEREO-B spacecraft in its orbit about the sun, trailing behind the Earth. NASA's STEREO mission consists of two spacecraft launched in October, 2006 to study solar storms. STEREO-B is currently about 1 million miles from the Earth, 4.4 times farther away from the Moon than we are on Earth. As the result, the Moon appears 4.4 times smaller than what we are used to. (NASA/STEREO) #
On September 30, 2001, TRACE observed an M1.0 flare in an active region very near to the solar limb. Fragments of a prominence hovered above the regions, with filamentary dark (relatively cool) material moving along the field lines, which then spread to form this dragon-like bright outline. (NASA/TRACE) #
More links and information
Sunspots Are Fewest Since 1954, but Significance Is Unclear - NYTimes.com, 10/2/2008
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory - Official Site
Institute for Solar Physics - Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Space Weather Bureau - NASA
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ALL PRAISE BE TO ALLAH (SWT) THE CREATOR OF ALL THE WORLDS!!!! MashAllah AWSOME SIMPLY AWSOME!!!! In some of the pics it looked like a crysentymum flower. May Allah (SWT) protect us from its heat at the day of judgement!!!!
Joe, though I agree with you on the non-existence of an omnipotent god, it is important, when formulating arguments, to remain neutral in tone and not to insult a persons education or intelligence. Doing so only weakens your position since the listener ceases to listen. Asking a person How old are you after telling them they cannot construct a proper sentence (post 678), is a personal attack, does not boost your argument in any way, and comes out as ignorant of your own failings since you fail to capitalize any I when referring to yourself. Since your syntax is generally good, I realize this may a type of social commentary, something like an e e cummings gesture of humility, but it screams of bad grammar and a gesture is useless if it is not perceived or understood.
Yes I realize that post wasnt signed joe but by The truth may set you free, but probably wont, but the post is evidently by you as the orthography (your written voice, so to speak) is exactly the same as your other posts. If I am completely wrong about the provenance, I do apologize.
One other point, it is also important to refrain from all-encompassing comments. Unless you are fluent in ancient Aramaic, or the ancient forms of written Greek, English and all of the languages through which the translations have passed, it is very unlikely youve read the original versions of the bible. You most likely read the translations into English by those proficient in these languages. And even they argue as to interpretations of certain words from the original manuscripts.
Lastly, if a person has faith, everything is a proof of that faith. It is useless to argue or try to convince them otherwise. If it makes them happy, then let them live in that happiness. We are on this earth such a short period of time; we might as well pass that time with a smile rather than a frown it just feels better. Let the comments be said, and simply pass over them and feel happy in your own way. Ooo, unless you are happy in the arguments, then thats a whole other kettle of fish. HA!
Not saying, just saying.
Its god creation.
wow...
unbelievable ...........but still believable 'cause if MR. SUN is not there EVERYBODY ( That includes me ,you and who believes that they are better than others )...........that includes the Khristis ( Christians ) ,Miyas (moslems ),Hindus ( That includes me ) Buddhists,Shikhs ,Jains, Jews ( They are exempted .....just kidding ) Woo Doos . Doo Doos and what not.................whatever religion it may be ........are DOOMED.
If ever MR.SUN wants a day off .... or may be a vacation ....... because He has worked Enough ... would you give him that ...........????????????
Certainly Not ,Because you want LIGHT ( a free source ) Search within yourself "You ARE the Light
I now feel even MORE comfortable in my belief that man is not causing global warming. We certainly have an inflated sense of ourselves to believe we can change or alter our planet in any way....and I have an even stronger belief in a supreme being after viewing these magnificent pictures. And it's only a tiny infintesimal part of our universe. Aren't we an egotistical lot?!!!
I had some 'weird' experiences with the sun starting around 2001, around the time I was first diagnosed with Type I Bipolar Disorder. During some of my manic episodes I would stare at the Sun convinced that I was engaged in telepathic conversations with it. The cognitive results of this experience were quite interesting, however, the physiological ramifications nearly caused blindness. Fortunately many of these periods were during the Fall/Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, so perhaps the damage was lessened by that fact. Opthamalic imaging of my retina is quite disturbing, and my macula will never forget this unfortunate consequence of my mental illness. Thankfully after many years of trial and error, I have found a great deal of stability and no longer experience the dramatic episodes from the early days of my diagnosis. Also, my eye doctor is confident that as long as I cease and desist sun-gazing, my retina will not be further damaged.
Anyway, with a congregation of so many people loving the Sun, I was curious if anyone had considered and/or explored the idea of the Sun as a conscious object?
So glad my girlfriend sent me the link to these pictures. I now spend a good amount of my free-time 'studying' the subatomic to the supergalactic. Very interesting stuff. We're planning a trip to Asia next summer when I understand there will be a solar eclipse. I have faint recollections of a solar eclipse from elementary school. That must have been quite a spectacular occurrence for the ancients.
Oh ALLAH u ARE the greatest OF ALL SUBHAN ALLAH MY SOUL AND MYBODY IS TOTALLY SHIVERING WITH FEAR THAT.. HELL IS SOME THING LIKE THAT.. IN WHICH SINNERS WILL BE THROWN OH MY LORD SAVE ME FROM MY BAD DEEDS AND EVERY MUSLIMS DEEDS AND FORGIVE US AMIN...
745 Gertie
Thanks you for your comment, you brought a smile to my face, and i do appreciate that very much. You are quite correct in pointing out the the failings of character and argumentation within my posts, apart from the matter of whether or not i have been able to compare documents, and whether it is useless or not to try to convince people otherwise, all of your points are most valid. I am well aware of my own failings, and well aware that i have reacted to certain posters emotionally. My tendency to mirror attitudes is a definite failing, as is my sarcasm and unfortunate attempts at humour, i do gain some satisfaction from these though, and therefore i do so with no remorse and accept all fair and reasoned criticism as valuable. Nothing within my posts however was intended to give the impression or in any way claim that i 'know' everything, much less that i am well educated, oh yes, i am ignorant about many matters as i myself pointed out in one of the posts you reference, i have yet to meet a person that knows enough to not be called ignorant. There is much solace to be found in irony, and much irony to be found in semantics.
I rarely capitalise 'i's except when beginning a sentence, i also do not capitalise certain nouns. The motives are various and i do realise what it may 'scream' of and also that it may not be understood, i find a form of perverse joy in maintaining the purpose of particular mannerisms out of the reach of the general public, excepting for those who are able to perceive them, thus if they are understood, fine, if not, then it does not concern me, there being no intent or 'usefulness' other than for those who are able to comprehend in one way or another without the explanation.
Yes, i would like for people to go out and see for themselves what i have seen, i could quite easily give specifics however as with any form of 'knowledge', what is parroted and not experienced by oneself is rarely of value. Those that wish to investigate for themselves will find, those that will prefer to blindly follow will contine to do so. I lay no claims to my intellectuality, which in fact does further my argument in that all who wish to find may do so with some effort, if i have been able to then anyone can. Therefore those that would be sheep do so of their own accord.
The issue of all encompassing statements and your claim that i have not 'read' documents warrants aclaration. Why would i urge anyone that obviously has no understanding of aramaic to compare the original manuscripts with the translated versions? Why indeed. You are correct to say that the translations by those proficient in certain languages or in the 'study' of such material do vary and there is an ongoing academic 'brawl' regarding these. However your commentary regarding what i have or have not done is unfortunately false. I HAVE compared, 'read' is not the correct word, this is an important point. You see, the interpetation of words is important but only part of the problem, and is not where i have centred my argument. I have referred to additions and omissions. You will find when comparing translated documents to their originals that there are additions and omissions. I speak three languages fluently, and am accustomed although certainly not proficient in variations of structure. However one does not even require this much to see how religious references have been inserted where none were to be found, and that is obvious after looking at but one paragraph, when you go through several pages you begin to see how the manuscripts have been altered at will. All translations a religious nature, current and from millenias past, are shaped to conform to religious and political aims. That was the basis of my argument. But there is more.
749 Supernova
There is much yet to be discovered regarding our surroundings, the human race is but an infant in many ways. It may comfort to know that your 'experiences' with sun gazing are shared by many 'groups' current and past. There are many things for which our 'science' has no answer at all, however this does not mean that they have not been studied or that certain experiences have not been documented or indeed gone on to form the basis of certain 'teachings' mainly 'occult' (hidden from the general public) and verbally transmitted for centuries, what's more, you dont have to join any groups to find out much for yourself. Look and you will find. There are some groups that claim that all that exists is actually conscious, and many others that claim that all is one, yet separate. Many that have ingested entheogens will tell you that they have felt the unity of all and the individual illusion of separation and insist in this being the ultimate reality of our universe. I have no idea if Einstein ingested entheogens however he is noted for saying this very same thing. It may interest to note that many so called saints or spiritual leaders became so after an experience which involved little or no sensorial stimulus, one particular iesa did nothing for almost 30 years, then spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert, thereafter he was enlightened and later referred to as the son of god, gauthomo siddhartha reached true enlightenment after meditating for ages under a tree, (although he later claimed that act was not only not necessary but ridiculous) by the way this guys advice in a nutshell is that in order to avoid being reincarnated one must not give a damn about anything, if you do not 'want' or 'desire' you will not be reborn, francis de assisi was locked in a closet for days on end, the list really does go on, anyway, these days, people use isolation tanks and others look at them funny, its all essentially the same thing, by shutting out contact with the conscious state, we take part in the so called 'spiritual' which is in essence nothing but a waking dream, look into the pineal gland and the internal 'clock', serotonin etc. The rabbit hole goes deeper when you ask yourself what exactly are dreams. As far as your practice of sun gazing goes, may i suggest looking at the sun with your eyes closed. Cheers.
745. Gertie, The More ...
With regards the disputes between linguists and scholars, of particular interest is the fact that many words are simply not translatable. This occurs within current languages, where words in one language have no direct translation to another. When this happens the words used in their place have many times conformed to the religious or political needs of certain power groups. In addition much of the argumentation between linguists stem from the fact that they are utilising or referencing translated documentation to begin with, mostly in ancient greek, which were themselves translated all those centuries ago. Add to this the common problem with so much of the 'scientific' or 'academic' in that it has been customary for centuries to place value only on information which may be falsely 'corroborated' by quoting or referencing a predecessor, and we have a wonderful little stew of conformation to prerequisites. For a posit to be recognised it must have references to 'sources', most of these not being the original manuscripts but translations in greek or recent translations by other 'experts', in particular those that necessarily conform to the religious and political whims of the 'owners' of the manuscripts. When anyone dare step out of the 'accepted' they are lambasted, and how. What a perfect manner in which to stagnate true progress this is, in all areas of endeavour, if any of these so called experts took it upon themseves to view the originals they might themselves be very much surprised.
An example of how a lie or false reality of a historical nature is perpetuated is the myth of dinosaurs. There is current 'knowledge' that dinosaurs were, if not all, mostly, feathered and rather more birdlike than reptilian, yet the mainstream is still fed images of the "jurassic park' nature , and many scientists will dispute certain 'facts' - undisputable evidence which proves their 'knowledge' false. Yet their 'education' or 'indoctrination' does not permit them to admit they are wrong, this would take away from their postion in society and the position of their insitutions. As the evidence builds there is no alternative other than to accept, however this has and will take many years. Now this is all well and fine when it regards creatures that are no longer with us and have little bearing on our society, but what if the 'facts' are religious in nature, what if the 'facts' affect a number of insitutions with roles in our current society that extend far beyond what most are aware.
You may note i do not take issue with the many purveyors of the islmaic faith on this page nor those christians that have not been rude or offered insulting comentary. To each his own, there is much to be gained from the 'teachings' in the various holy books. I am fortunate enough to be acquainted with many fine people of various faiths, i do however take issue when those people are rude or violent in their commentaries, and replicate in kind.
Finally, you suggest i let the commenters be, unless i am 'happy' in the arguments. Who does not enjoy having their say, you yourself have put up a good 'argument'. In addition, if after reading any of my comments here and elsewhere but one person goes out and looks for themsleves past what their pastors have fed them, then that is stimulus enough. Have a wonderful day.
My 7 year old is smart enough to look at his toys and know they didn't just get there by chance. Those toys did not just evolve out of a premordial soup, no, those simple toys had a Maker.
How much more so the complexity of the Sun, or even our cells, so complex, but we are expected to believe that something that complex just arrived by chance.
You can believe that, but as for me, I believe in God, and I believe that God came down in the person of Jesus to save us from our sins.
!!!
Allah is the Greatest! Allahu Akbar!
I would like to add a correction to this. . . belief in God is fine. However, the real power behind Intelligent Design is not God. No, it is the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM from now on) who created all we know and see. Please read more at http://www.venganza.org/ and see the light for yourselves!!! No Jesus, only Meatballs. I have no fear of death for I know when my time comes I will be embraced by His noodley appendages.
Great pictures :)
757. Forgive me for being antipasta. :) 754, My 7 year old is smart enough to look at god and know he didnt get there by chance. That god didnt just evolve out of a primordial soup, no, that god had a maker, indeed those gods had many makers. And jesus came down to save you from your sins, i used to believe that at 7, that concept is sure nuff funny, god gave you the ability to choose, yet he sent his son to die so that you could still choose but not feel guilty about it as you are christian and will be pardoned and go to heaven, unfortunately for those not born in your particular location nor raised into your faith they will go to hell, jesus, or god sure is picky huh. He also sent a load of guys wearing funny robes to give you forgiveness for your sins.
754, Your 7 year old realises toys have makers, and you don't realise that god has makers? Your point is ???
Yes this is the evidence for those who do not believe in One God / Allah.
Look these are the symbols of his presence Allah is one and only one.
Like a programmer, engineer architect God is the biggest architect who created every thing.
I only pray from God that Please forgive all of us and be humble with us because we dont know what He Knows. (Allah-o-Akbar) Allah is the biggest.
Last Note:
Do not tease others and always keep people happy because this is the only way in which you will be punished or awarded Paradise or Hell.
Farid Ahmed
Pakistan
Magnifiques photos, merci : )
759. It doesn't seem fair yet, Christianity is the only "religion" that requires nothing from you. Absolutely nothing. All others require some sort of work.
P.S. If you've done any research into anything you'll know this is a true statement.
Pretty amazing, huh?
Very impressed with the views.
Wonderful that NASA cares that we have
a chance to view.
763. Not true. You are required to believe in your god, to believe that he created all, that his son was a man named jesus, that a collection of stories from diverse backgrounds gathered together and defined as the bible is valid. You are required to believe that the stories ommited are heretic. You are required to follow their 12 month calendar, instead of the natural 13 month division, to obey their sabbath which is on the sunday instead of the saturday from whence the word was derived, if you wish to be married, you are required to be married under their rules, by their priests and in their churches, you are required to be baptised, and depending on your particular flavour you are required to not be divorced, you are required to believe that yours is the only correct denomination and that all followers of others will go to hell, no matter how they lived their lives, the mere act of pertaining to another denomination condemns them, pretty hefty that last one, fairness? You are required to go to mass and partake of the modified version of ancient pagan rituals where you are to eat the flesh and drink the blood. You are also required to follow the ten commandments, and if you commit a sin to confess to one of their men in black, their priests are required to abstain from sex, women are required to abstain from priesthood, and there are many more, especially withins specific groups, for catholics an interesting requirement is that you are to believe that the pope is the representative of god on earth, and that he is infallible. Shall i go on or do you require your own research to know these are true statements. Pretty amazing huh. So what was your point? The photos of the sun are indeed beautiful. Interesting the lack of activity over the last months.
That physical body of this archangel, essence on energy,carefully investigated by humans,that is a way to approach his creator and a way to find our own sun.
thanks for the pictures. We have come a long way since the days of Gallaleo. It would seem that every time we learn something new we then have 10 more questions. This is as it should be. Thanks again for all of the hard work.
How awe-inspiring! Believer or not, doesn't it make you want to leave judgement at the door? Thanks be to God, whatever that is, and whatever you want to call it, for providing such wonders, and thanks be to science and the curious mind of Man for making it visible to us. It just makes me want to know more! Magnificent!
Joe - wow! That is a lot of stuff.
And there proves MY point. You don't have to do anything ... regarding works. Of course you have to believe that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. Read Romans 10.9-13 for a clear picture.
Joe, I was talking about works. If you have to work your way into heaven or there are many ways to get there, then you'd never know when enough was enough. That makes sense, doesn't it? Unfortunatley there is a lot of legalism in Christianity which is so wrong. This is exactly the stuff you are referring to. It is all legalistic stuff.
There are things I do, because I choose to. I obey Him because I want to. I am never commanded to do these things. What matters is the motivation. Am I motivated out of love or by rules. Rules don't work, that is why Christ came in the first place.
My prayer for you Joe is that the Holy Spirit will dray you to Him through our discussions.
God Bless!
Boy, I bet you could cook up a mess of hog mawl and chitlins up there, by cracky!
I love the comments. Someone asks, "Why is it necessary to bring God into this?".
Easy, all of the people who are unable to wrap their head around the beauty and wonder of natural science need something to fill that gap of knowledge. The end.
In the mind of Hannes Alfven, the universe had no beginning. I t simply has existed and likely always will. The idea is central to a theory Alfven advocates that challenges one of the great scientific theories of the 20 th century, the theory that the universe came into being 20 billion years ago in a tremendous explosion, the ”big bang.” Alfven, a Nobel laureate in physics and UCSD professor of electrical and computer engineering, believes the big bang never happened.
difficulty explaining. “The big bang is just an invention. No compelling argument favors that,”
Alfven said matter of factly last week in an interview at this home in La Jolla, where he spends the winters away from its native Sweden.
“They say the whole universe was smaller than a grain of sand and exploded. I have difficulty believing all we see, the sun and stars, should be smaller than a grain of sand. I‘m not clever enough to get that in my mind. “
Alfven offers as an alternative a universe infinite in space and time, in which galaxies were sculpted over hundreds of billion s of years primarily by the forces of electricity and magnetism – not gathered by gravity.
The theory of the universe known as plasma cosmology has grown out of Alfven’s laboratory studies of plasma, a state of matter in which atoms have electrons missing from their orbits around the atomic nucleus. More than 99 percent of the matter in the universe is such plasma, including stars and interstellar gases. It is for studying plasma that he received a Nobel Prize in 1970.
People are still very much of the scientific belief that one should work within the confines of the big gang” said Claude Canizares, a physicists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an advocate of the theory. “There are difficulties with the big ban, “ Canizares said, “Abut if you weigh its success and difficulties, the successes outweigh the difficulties. “
The big bang theory holds that th time an s space came into being in a explosion, expanding tremendously and dumping energy into matter. By David Graham Staff Writer.
681, I haven't read all the comments on here but I did read a handfull of em' and was quite disturbed by the lack of belief in Jesus Christ. Your comment was right on the money and I couldn't have said it better myself. I would rather believe and then be disappointed to find out that He doesn't exist than to not believe and find out that He does! Hell is a real place and I once read a quote that I will always remember.... "Earth is the only hell christian will ever know. However, earth is the only heaven a non-believer will know. "
In astrophysics lingo, stars are born, there are star nurseries, life spans, they experience death throes, they die, and there are stellar graveyards.
In relation to my earlier post (749), one thought perceived from the sun was an sort of anthropomorphic pride in the earth. In addition, in the same telepathic way my conversation was occurring, the sun was steadily transmitting details of our planet to it's solar social network around the Milky Way, and consequently to other locations around the Universe. This intergalactic communication was to compare, brag, and learn about what other stars' pride and joys, (i.e. their own planets) are up to. Any thoughts on this thread?
JMW. We are all motivated by the forces that surround and shape us. I thank you for your goodwill, however we all have our personal beliefs, as long as you find solace in yours i cannot add anything that would be of value to you.
Dennis. i find all theories fascinating however the unfortunate or perhaps fortunate reality is and may always be that we will never truly know much at all.
Rickey. Do not be disturbed by the lack of faith in others, you may find they are equally disturbed with the presence of faith in you. If you would rather believe then that is your prerogative, to say 'hell is a real place' is interesting, and one of the reasons i began my search for truth. Some of my 'teachers' would hold that it does and others would deny that it does, and these men were priests. Heaven and hell are concepts formulated by men, a little study and common sense will reveal to you the motives why.
Supernova. It is an innate capability of the human brain to anthropomorphise virtually anything. Where i reside the use of entheogens is legal, if this were so worldwide i would suggest you try to do so yourself, if this is not a possibility any of the methods used to avoid sensorial input whilst maintaining a waking state are equally valid. The human brain tends to expand upon thoughts that are revisited, this is how it learns and how beleifs become 'set'. It builds connections and these are strengthened as you revisit the same 'thought', the more you believe in something the stronger the connections and the more 'real' it becomes, irrespective of whether the thoughts are based in reality or not, it becomes your 'reality'. There are no truths only choices, as the little kid says in the matrix. However, i cannot argue one way or another, i can expand upon my own 'spiritual revelations' whereby all that exists in our environment (the universe) which we measure in space and time, can be perceived as one whole 'being' whilst at the same time we are born into separate 'entities' in order to experience the joys and sorrows of 'life' within this environment. What others exist if they do at all is beyond our capacity of appraisal.
Einstein, one of the greatest thinkers ever to exist, had this to say about the 'whole' universe and the illusion of separation.
"A human being is a part of a whole, called by us _universe_, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."
He also had this to say about 'knowledge"
Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods. (Note he was religious however he uses the word gods here perhaps figuratively)
He also had this to say about not 'knowing'
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
and this about wanting to know
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."
and this about reality
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one."
and this about those who choose to forge their own way
"Great spirits have often encountered violent opposition from weak minds."
Masha Allah! The pictures and the descriptions below the pictrures are fantastic, simply marvellous and heavenly.
It is no doubt Allah's, God's, Jehova's or Bhagawan's whatever you call, creation.
Now, having seen the pirctures, nobody has the guts to argue that God does'nt exist. God was there, is there and will be there. Amen.
Absolutely amazing!!! What a humbling feeling.
The pictures were amazing and I'm thankful for getting to see them! In reading the other comments here I can't help finding myself shaking my head in disbelief! All of the pros and cons about if there is or isn't a God. Then all of the conflict within those who believe in God as to which God and religion is the "only one." Can't all of you/us agree to disagree? Nobody here is going to convert anyone else, so why not just "agree to disagree?" A little tolerance of others is preferable to me to geting into the (you know what kind) contest. I remember when the "God is Dead" movement was and the reply being "My God isn't dead, sorry about yours"
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Thank you for sharing the beauty of what surrounds us. I call it a priviledge to view the things we down here on earth would never have known the likes of on a daily basis.
I am disappointed in the ramblings of right & wrong, black & white, truth & false.
These were for our view and comments of what we see from them. Not he said she said and carry on between each other like a chat room. You would think after you viewed and made a comment you would save your favorite pictures, forward to other friends and that would be the end of it. But, apparently some have nothing better to do than check back in to see if someone didn't like what they had to say. Move on and enjoy the beauty regardless where it comes from. Does there always have to be a conflict between people? Isn't that what is wrong with the world today?
Let your imagination run away with you and focus on "The BIG Picture" for yourself.
Of course, though I have probably added to all of this for someone to pick my comment apart. But I won't know because I would have moved on to bigger and better things that are interesting. Enjoy the view!!!
has anyone figured it out yet.... religion is the devil that causes most if not all wars... all religions ... muslim, catholics...bla blah blah... you freaks are causing all that is wrong with the world.
Ignorance is proven by the desire to convince. A true truth needs no majority.
Nature is awesome, and i cannot comprehend it. i bow to it.
I am a Christian, and I love all peoples. Muslims, Catholics, JW's,evolutionists etc
Just because I disagree doesn't mean I don't love people
But I do think to believe we got her by a big bang needs much more faith than to believe that a loving God created us.
I would highly suggest the movie "Priveledged Planet" to anyone who loves science, as it has scientists on it telling why they believe in intelligent design. Even if you disagree with it, you may find it interesting.
its scary
very very nice
Gentlemen,
We all should agree that SUN existed even before the prophets.......and hence humans have seen it for quite long.
So, let's all salute the NATURE........
and leave the Prophets and GOD in peace.
Kongoorpally
Ah belief, Only nature has assumes in relaxed behavior when not being predated, that things are the way they are intended. We have to invent theories and beliefs in order to rest our ever wandering minds. The need to have an answer to everything so that we aren't predated without an answer as to why. That life is without purpose is an answer we can not tolerate.
My little contribution ... we have two types of truths - absolute & changing. While absolute truth is not everyone's cup of tea to analyse & understand, the changing truth is something which is always mistakened to be absolute. Changing truth is RELATIVELY absolute ... just like your weight on earth and that on Moon and that on any other planet. We might calibrate the concept of weight under a controlled environment on earth, but it's significance changes drastically once you get rid of the controlled environment. Most of the debate over here is about such truth, as no one seems to have a clue about te absolute truth including me. Whether the one exists or not, is your own BELIEF, but should never be a conclusion that can be forced or convincing put forward on others.
Amazing photos... truly humbling.
Interesting comments too! I find it enthralling the sheer fanaticism that exists out there, either for or against god. It intrigues me when some people take a stand and then feel that they have to defend it - vigorously at times... Personally i am a non-believer, however i am married to a full bodied christian - as you can imagine it makes for some interesting debates. Remember that debate is healthy, because without questioning we would not make progress.
Here are some of the questions that i would love to hear opinions on: Most religious believers live by a book - whether it be the bible or whatever - and at the end of the day this book has been written by people. There is no real proof as to which people wrote the original manuscripts, how they have changed over time, whether they are completely ficticious or actual accounts... So why should we live by this book? There is also no getting around the fact that organised religion has been used throughout human historly as a form of control, and as such (even if all the underlying values remain similar) has been skewed and manipulated to tighten that control - So which religious denomination is right? Are any of them right? Why is so much war and conflict created by religion? Surely god does not want this? There are so many questions and it seems there are no answers beyond blind faith and that just isn't enough for me.
thank YOU ALLAH for making such a wonderful world and giving humans the wonderfull brain to explore it.
Al lazi allama bil qalam, Allamal insaana ma lam ya lam
Awesome!! Nature is supreme and we human beings are trying our best to explore the truths of nature. But as we go forward, we see billions of new things and the quest for exploring the universe would never ends.
This is the sun who gives life on earth and thats why we Indians respect Sun as one of our GODS.
Marvellous ! ! ! i can even imagine this....
I am running short of words to explain my feeling..
i really liked the pictures. they are soooooooooooooo coooooooooooooooooooool especially when the sun has sun spots they r so coooooooooooooooool!!!!!!! And im thankful 2 god 4 making 'em.
MarkF - 788,
You are correct. Questions are excellent. In fact, it is amazing how many so called Christians cannot answer some of these difficult questions. I have been doing some research into my faith, Christianity, for the sole puprose of being able to defend it. In our times and culture, is seems many "religions" are gaining popularity. I would say this is because people are searching for answers. On top of that Christianity has gotten such a bad rap do to so much legalism.
I would recommend any book by Gary Habermas, I'm currently reading "The Historical Jesus" and "The Case for the Resurrecion". They are many other resources that you can read to find answers. A deeper more thought provoking book is "To Everyone an Answer". This is a collection of several essays written by various scholars. By the way, if you read something that is attacking Christianity and its claims, many times they take verses of the Bible out of context and are finding exactly "what they are looking for". I'm not implying, however, that Christian scholars don't have a bias, I just believe they really look at "ALL" the evidences and find that it logicall leans toward Christianity more than not.
This is just my opinion. I'm sure someone on here will have something negative to say about it., but it is what it is. Jesus wasn't like by many people in His day either.
Good luck in your journey. I can only pray the Holy Spirit draws you to Himself.
Awesome that's all I can say just Awesome.
I agree MarkF, debate is healthy. The way I see it truth does not have to be coerced. Truth stands on it's own.
What I believe personally is religion is man's attempts to reach up to God, but the Bible is about God reaching down into humanity, and saying I love you this much when He died on the cross.
For me the prophecies Jesus fulfilled and are still fulfilling are proof He was who He claimed to be. But also the personal changes He made in my heart and life. And the reality of the changed heart I see in so many of His people, where His love shines through despite our many warts.
Glad you are open enough to talk about these things in a kind way.
I cannot help but be in total awe that someone, or several people, were able to capture these increidible pictures. I do see why thoughts immidiately go to God and his creations. THere are so many things known, and unknown, and in studying space we continue to go forward to find what is beyond this star or that planet., or that galaxy. THe pictures are awesome beyond belief.
I have been curious to read the banter going on between Joe and Gerdie...you two should go out really, and Joe...you should get some sleep...you have been up all night. I've been just as facinated with your responses as the pictures. Cheers!
Carol
Masha Allah! Wondering how ALLAH would have created all our world in 6 days in such a Amazingly Beautiful Way. Thanks to Allah for creating me to in this world and giving me knowledge to explore all this wonderfuls.Heart Shivering...
SUBAN ALLAH!
Phenomenal pics! As to your religious observations...You're all wrong - Zeus created it all.
i think your pictures and info WAS ASWOME
THIS IS COOL
" Silence is the language of God.
All else is a bad translation."
- Bhgavan Sri Saytha Sai Baba
Keep it simple.
- Three Buffalos
that is the best site in the world IT IS SO COOL
These pictures, though overwhelming to the human eyes, emotions, and imaginations are a mere "drop in the bucket" to the true majesty and power of almighty God. In fact, our little star, known as the son, would be so tiny as to be unseen when set beside some of the other giant and magnificient objects in the universe. The Bible says, "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.".....Also, "He calls them all (stars), by name." So all the stars in all the galaxies have already been named. so don't pay to have a star named after you, and recorded in the registry.
you religious idiots, this has nothing to do with god or any other related made-up crap. if you knew anything about stars, you'd realized that. pick up a science book and try to learn something.
hey, religious weirdos: please try using your heads for something besides convenient places to wrap those ridiculous-looking turbans.
thank you.
in an imagenative sense do you think God exist in the sun
GOD IS ONE PRAY TO HIM,
Wonderfull pictures, wise and absolutely true words JMW! God bless you.
He is the only true and living God and yes, we can not do anything to come into heaven than just make a concious decision to accept HIS son Jesus Chrtist, in our lifes.
#804-
It is people just like you that get really upset when "religious" people say and do things that promote their beliefs and yet here you are calling them idiots. There is actually great evidences for a Creator, despite what the science books may say.
Respectfully,
JMW
Amazing!, mindboggling!, The Sun is really impressive in these pics, I must say that they left me astonished. My thanks to all the people who make these photos possible! Good site, I will recommend it...
I find it interesting that most of the individuals have commented upon God in one form or another in relation to these pictures. It says to me that these pictures capture something too large to understand or explain. That is Neat! something way beyond ourselves. AWESOME! Jan
.........As my kids watch the revolving sun, I try to explain,........"This is the Sun, a round burning ball in the middle of darkness. It spins, it never stops. It keeps burning, yet never burns up". They are looking at me like I am nuts! But yet, there it is. I vote Creator.
Without a doubt there is a Creator! I'm shocked that anyone can look at anything so magnificent and doubt the tiniest bit there is a God that made it all for us to enjoy. (Unfortunately we're doing a good job of tearing up the parts of creation we can get to!) And to think these photos are just one aspect. On the other spectrum, take the human body...! The more I learn, the more amazed I am - the more awed at how fearfully and wonderfully we are created! I sure didn't evolve from any monkey that came from... a mold spore or whatever! Without someone orchestrating it all there is NO WAY it could be or continue in such an orderly way.
Incredible photos..................................Amazing!
There's nothing but us trying to expain it, because as men, we need an explanation, and so we need someone to tell us that explanation.
But in my opinion nobody is going to explain it, just live and watch this amazing images, and if you need to believe to be happy, believe without doubt, but I don't need it.
cool pictures
These photos are so amazing and marvelous. They increase my own personal love of the MYSTERY of it all, of God.
As a woman, I reject all notions of God as a MALE figure. It is misinterpreting Bible
Thumpers as well as Muslims who enslave women for the subjagation of men, that take away from the notion of GOD.
We are humans and GOD /Dess are the creators. Our egos and dominance fantasies are the problem.. God created this world for all. And women birth us all into it.. Ask non-dominated women for the spiritual perspective you all long for.
If anything, those images give direct evidence for the existence of Zeus and the other Olympian Gods. Now, to all those that don't accept this fact, prove me wrong.
If one thinks this wonder just happened by accident i WOULD BEG TO DIFFER WITH TOU. This whole structure is so very beautiful and precise that it couldn't be by accident. There is an intelligencce behind all of this. Call it what you will but it is there.and we will never understand it as humans because our understanding is very limited.If we could could understand it we would be on par with the whoever or what ever created this masterpiece.A thing that has no beginning and no end and yet it is here and is beyond all of our understanding as to why.or how.
I would say enjoy the wonder of science and the beauty of these images, leave your respective religions at the door.
whats after the sky or the outerspace
@ #754, @ Laurie: Is he smart enough to realise that said toys have a mechanism, a way with wich they work without importance to who made it?
Think of existence as... an unlabeled toy if you will, you can speculate all you want about who made it, but with the information at hand the only thing you can know is how it works, the rest is the imagination of a 7 years old trying to fill in the blanks.
awesome
Jama,
So far all we know, is that outerspace just keeps going.....and going.....doesn't end, hard to understand isn't it!
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day."
Albert Einstein
Scientists are well aware that the search for truth, even when it concerns a finite reality of the world or of man, is never-ending, but always points beyond to something higher than the immediate object of study, to the questions which give access to Mystery.
Pope John Paul II, "Fides et Ratio" (on the relationship between Faith and Reason) http://www.vatican.va/edocs/ENG0216/_INDEX.HTM
"O LORD, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth! You have set your majesty above the heavens! When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place -- What are humans that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them little less than a god, crowned them with glory and honor."
(Psalms 8:2, 4-6)
The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky proclaims its builders craft.
(Psalms 19:2)
By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, so that what is visible came into being through the invisible.
(Hebrews 11:3)
What the hell is wron with all of you? Why cant people just look at the god dman pics and keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves
it's very useful me first time i saw the sun pichure
. , ?)))
#826 -
What in the world! Why do you even take the time to post? You obviously took time to read the posts. You are hostile my friend! If these opinionated posts upset you why in the world would you take time to read them.
These are the most amasing pictures
Truly outstanding pictures. I was not aware that Germany had a presence in Afganistan until seeing these great pictures. I have passed these on to my family including 18 grandchildren. Keep it up. You should be proud of your efforts here. TPM.
Consoling to read that we are all still human. Over the ages, anything to do with the sun has always provoked either debates or massacres or witch-hunts on creation versus evolution. I wonder, do baboons or skunks have similar disagreements? If not why not? Maybe let's go ask the serpents, they're sure to have the answer - as the only nonhuman creature (note I said creature) involved in the Fall (Read Genesis 3).
Yes, animals scrap too..LOL
Oh yes they have disagreements if you observe animals.
Unfortunately as humans we should be kinder to one another than mere animals seeing as we were made in the image of God
First off, the pictures are simply wonderful. Thanks for letting us have a dekko.
This Joe fellow and the JMW fellow had quite a bit of a scrap. Motivated too. Got a bit carried away in their pedantics I thought.
Just goes to show how the depths of science lead to religion and the depths of religion lead to science (Fritjof Capra)
An interesting thought-
1. What is the answer to the question 'who made this creation'?
A. God (creator) of course.
2. So this God person made this creation you say. What did he make it out of, and where was he standing while he made it?
A. He would stand somewhere I would expect, and use stuff that was there. Maybe he would just will creation out of thin air or even out of nothingness.
3. So this somewhere that he is standing or existing in, is the actual creation. The pre-existent somewhere is the actual creation isn't it?
A. I see the logic. I would be lead into an endless regression of pre-existent creations. So if the God person were to 'make' something, he would need to exist somewhere. So let me modify the answer and say nothingness(God) created Creation out of nothingness (material).
The Nasadiya Suktam therefore says that the human brain is too small to contemplate creation. Stephen Hawking says that just because a chimpanzee does not understand calculus, doesn't mean calculus isn't there. Humans use it on a daily basis. The chimp's brain is too small to comprehend calculus, just like the human brain is too small to comprehend creation.
Just because the toymaker didn't write his name on the toy doesn't mean that nobody made the toy.
It's amazing what can be seen through the eyes of tecknowledge these days.
At this moment think of all the brilliant minds throughout history and the inventions they made, the things they discovered, and the things they then learned. With all things, there must be a creator, right? I mean when you look at the screen you read this off of, "Where'd it come from?" you may ask. The same goes for the earth, sun, and all other things created in this universe. The truth is that everything must have a creator, a preserver, something to make sure that it is intact. The belief in God is not a fantasy of someone who just thought of a story, it is a long well preserved acknowledgement of God's being here and sending his son to die for our sins. Think. We have a calendar based on the life and death of Jesus. So do you think he was actually here? Do you think he might have been so important that we based our time system on Him? Well I believe that there is a God. That he created the heavens and the stars and everything there is. That He sent his only son for our sake, and that Jesus died for our sins. I believe that God accepts our mistakes because he created us perfect but accepted the imperfections and just asks for repentance. He still loves us because we are all his children. I admit that I am not perfect and will never be, but I can help you make a difference in your eternal life. All you have to do is accept Jesus Christ as your savior and ask for forgiveness.
If you feel that you want to know anything else, or just want to ask me a question, please don't hesitate to do so ask.