Polaris is our north star for the time being. I say “our” because there are really five north stars. The reason for that is because the earth is spinning like a top at an angle of 23½ degrees. And it is wobbling like a spinning top when it starts to lose speed. The axis right now is pointing at Polaris. In 26,000 years, it will be pointing at a new north star. I can’t to see the new one. How about you?
The light you see when you look at Polaris left the star in the year 1585 (434 years ago) traveling at a speed of 186,000 miles per second, the speed of light. At 186,000 miles per second, light could travel around the world 7½ times in one second. As the cat says, “That’s a fur piece.”
We had the privilege of going to the Bare Dark Sky Observatory on Mount Mitchell this week. It was fascinating. It also put God in perspective for me and reminded me that He is God, and I am not.
Scientists have recently discovered that our Milky Way galaxy is larger than we first thought. Today, projections indicated that it would take 200,000 light years to cross the Milky Way. That is 200,000 years traveling at 186,000 miles per second. Have I blown your mind yet? Just wait.
According to the best estimates of astronomers there are at least ONE HUNDRED BILLION GALAXIES in the observable universe. They’ve counted the galaxies in a particular region, and multiplied this up to estimate the number for the whole universe. These are enormous numbers which are difficult to comprehend. So let me give you an example.
If someone offered you one billion dollars in one dollar bills with the stipulation that you counted each and every one of them, would you take it? Our first response is: “You betcha! Show me the money!” But not so fast. Do you realize how long it would take you to count a billion one dollar bills? Let’s say you counted one per second, every second, every minute, every hour, and every day. It would take you 31 years, 251 days, 7 hours, 46 minutes, and 40 seconds. Could you stay awake for almost 32 years? I don’t think so. If you slept 8 hours a day, it would take you over 42 years to count them all.
With 100 billion galaxies in the universe, it would take you 4,200 years just to count the different galaxies. It is estimated that our Milky Way galaxy contains… are you ready for this? 100 thousand million stars in just our galaxy alone. Can you even begin to imagine how many stars are in 100 billion galaxies?!?! Now, hold onto to your hat.
He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension! (Psalm 147:4-5 NLT).
We have a God who spoke the universe into being. He knows how many stars in the sky as well as the number of hairs on your head. He calls each of the stars by name. We can’t even count them, but He not only counts them, He knows their name as well.
Now if God calls hot balls of gas by name, don’t you think He knows yours, His highest and most precious creation? You better believe He knows what’s going on with you right this minute. He knows the plans He has for you. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. To give you a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Whenever my problems overwhelm me, and I feel powerless and alone, I go star gazing. It always puts things back into perspective for me. I’m sure it would do the same for you. Keep looking up, Beloved.
Blessings,
Kenny
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