Peace, one and all…
This week the History Channel have been running a fascinating series of programmes on space. Entitled The Universe, these programmes have explored a different aspect of space. Last night they ran a fascinating programme on black holes. The programme charted how black holes are born, what they do and how, in certain circumstances, very small ones seem to disappear or evaporate.
I find the thought of black holes terrifying, but also strangely fascinating – rather like staring over the edge of a very tall building. The images shown on the programme were beautiful, in a very dark way – appropriately enough given what they do.
I was particularly interested in what the scientists said of tiny black holes – i.e. microscopic black holes that exist in the frankly bizarre world of quantum physics. What struck me was the apparent fact that, in this bizarre sub-atomic world, information is not destroyed. In other words, these tiny black holes don’t swallow everything – or at least, what has been swallowed in still in some sense ‘there’. I don’t understand how – not being a scientist – but I was struck with a sense of awe and wonder at the strangeness of the universe we live in. Allah!
Another recent programme focused on cosmology and what scientists believe may happen to the unfolding universe. A number of theories seem to exist (as they always do). One such theory holds that the universe will come to an end in a ‘big crunch’. Another argues that the universe will continue to expand forever, until the stars eventually all die out and the universe is filled with the corpses of long-dead stars and galaxies. I have to say that I found this prospect alarming. Of course, I will be dead long before it happens, but the idea that the universe will simply remain a dead shell – or an orange with all the juice sucked out it – strikes me as unfair. But, then, is an emotional reaction to a possible physical act really appropriate?
At any rate, all is as God wills it to be – and that is sufficient for me.
Wa akhiru da’wana an il hamdu lillahi rabbil alameen.
Further reading:
Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman
October 3, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Don’t worry, I’ve studied/studying these sciences in my final fourth year for my BSc major and I still don’t even ‘get’ it.
October 3, 2008 at 3:47 pm
lucky you to see these things. black holes are VERY interesting as to everything that happens within and the pole of the pulling inwards as outwards, and the birth of a star is also quite fascinating…please keep us updated.
your friend, barbara
October 3, 2008 at 3:49 pm
oh and I had been hearing things about the Mayan Calendar and their 7 prophecies…..interesting, maybe something to take a moment to think about too, but then again it’s all in The One’s hands……
ameen
October 6, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Assalamualaikum Br Abdur Rahman
Very interesting topic and ambiguous for all to fully comprehend. Please remember that these scientific data are only speculative and not conclusive. These are only an attempt and desire to understand our origin and purpose in the grand schemes of things. This topic fascinates me and it was part of my early academic studies; quantum physics. Thank you for posting it.
Katib
October 8, 2008 at 11:18 am
Peace Rhythm,
LOL! So, there’s not much chance for a non-science type like me then!!!
Welcome to my online home. Thank you for stopping by.
October 8, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Salaams Barbara
Black holes are deeply fascinating to me – though rather scary too!
Thank goodness that is all in the One’s hands, otherwise it would have all collapsed a long time ago!!
October 8, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Wa alaikumm salaam brother Katib
One of the most influential people in my journey to Islam, was a Pakistani Muslim man – who was deeply interested in matters of faith and spirituality, as well as being a keen student of mathematics and physics.
Of course, this is all just theory ultimately. I found the scientific idea that the universe simply burn out deeply unsettling, as it contradicts my sense of divine justice.
I’d love to hear more about your study of physics.
Abdur Rahman