Understanding Humanity In The Cosmos

Rewind the clock back 2000 years. For people who cared to wonder, the Earth would have been the centre of the universe and a place full of mystery and superstition. Without careful observation this assumption holds true, certainly most astronomical objects do appear to orbit the Earth. However, when carefully viewed, why do the wandering stars (now called planets) move in very strange orbits? By replacing the geocentric model with the heliocentric model we find a theory which better matches reality, and represents one of the first major breakthroughs in the scientific method.

As time progressed we had Newton`s work on gravitation, Thomas Young`s 2 slit interference experiments, Michael Faraday`s work on Electromagnetism, Ernest Rutherford revealing the structure of atoms, Einsteins work on photo-electricity and General Relativity and modern day studies into Quantum mechanics, Particle Physics and Astronomy. These theories, all brilliant in their own right, fit together to form a wonderful tapestry. Admittedly QM and GR `argue` somewhat, but maybe work on super-symmetry or string theory may yet allow a more harmonious union. Maybe the ultimate goal of a grand unified theory is still a way off - only time will tell.

There is so much to ponder, so much to learn, but education and understanding are key.