Elements Of The Stars: poetic verses about astronomy

Elements Of The Stars

 

A poem sung to Mozart’s tune used for the children’s “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.

 

1. Twinkling twinkling stars of night, how I wonder at the sight,

Far beyond the earth and sky, how can I not wonder why?

Guiding constellations bright, how I wonder at the sight.

2. Looking at a myriad stars, can we know of what you are,

As we seek what may we find, peering into space and time,

Light-years distant oh so far, can we know of what you are.

3. Blue, white, yellow, red and brown, stars in billions all around

Color spectrum radiant light, nuclear fusion in its might

Common elements now are found, stars in billions all around.

4. Now a star implodes its mass, heavier elements fuse at last

A super nova blasts away; the force of gravity is obeyed

Nebulosity, rings of gas bring heavier elements fused at last.

5. Spinning, spinning neutron star, oh how small and dense you are

Flashing pulsar in the night, with you neutrons packed so tight

Relic of a long dead star, oh how small and dense you are

6. Quasar, quasar oh so bright, can we understand your might

Great object of the distant past, ten million stars are not as vast

Galaxy birth could this be right? Will we understand your might?

7. There’s a black hole over there, the event horizon shows us where.

Twisted realms of time and space, matter and energy can’t escape

X ray bursts as matter tears, the event horizon shows its there

8. There’s are own main sequence star, so familiar yet so far

Source of warmth and light of day, ninety three million miles away

We are elements of the stars, so familiar yet so far.

Check out how we are elements of the stars. Link to http://onenessbecomesus.com. Here you will find much dealing with different aspects of essential unity between humanity, the earthly ecosystem, the stars and our own bodies and speculations on the underlying intrinsic common source between matter and energy.

 

 

 

Monarch Butterfly Complete Metamorphosis Life Cycle Caterpillar, Larva, Chrysalis, Pupa Slide Show

 

 

This post is a little different than the normal writing blog. The main focus here is pictures. You know the old saying,”a picture is worth a thousand words? Well, in this case in particular, it is very true. Below are links to pictures showing in detail the transformation of a caterpillar to a chrysalis, and then, a chrysalis into a butterfly.

I have had a deep fascination with insects, especially Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) literally since kindergarten. Instead of playing “Cowboys and Indians” with the neighbor kids I was out in a nearby field poking around at all sorts of critters. However, it was always the mystery of the beauty and flight of the butterflies that deeply absorbed my attention.

It really was an all consuming passion. Early grade school years saw me collecting butterflies and then going to the college library to classify them. When it was possible to travel a little south of northern Minnesota it was challenging to see if I could find hybrids of white banded and red spotted purples. I thought about things like,” Female white morph sulpher butterflies are so common; why can’t I find any white males?” and so on.

One outcome of this rather eccentric childhood is the photos presented below.

Here are two sets of pictures of a monarch butterfly complete metamorphosis life cycle.

In the first set the entire metamorphosis, including the butterfly emerging from the chrysalis, was captured however, the slides are not the crisp quality of the set of digital images. They do a good job of getting the point across. Link here to a set showing metamorphosis taken with 35mm slides about forty years ago in Bemidji, Minnesota.

The digital photos show a nice sequence of the caterpillar to chrysalis transformation as well as showing the developing colors of the butterfly within the chrysalis prior to emergence. Sadly, I missed the actual butterfly emergence this time around. Click on the link to see the digital photos taken August 2007 in Richmond Kentucky.

For more on metamorphosis and a few facts about butterflies and other invertebrates go to http://lifecycle.onenessbecomesus.com There are more pictures, facts, and links to other related sites you should enjoy

Observations And A Positive Perspective

The dawning of a new world consciousness of unity, peace and brotherhood

The time we live in is full of wondrous discoveries. Since 1844, the year Samuel Morse tapped out the message “what has God wrought” on his crude communication device, mass communications has evolved and grown into a thriving worldwide network reaching all corners of the globe. It is hard to imagine life without radio, TV or the telephone and yet, over a mere century ago they didn’t exist.

In the span of a human lifetime the dream of flight has been fulfilled. In 1903 a flimsy powered flying contraption built by owners of a bicycle shop capable of but brief flight was considered a major achievement. Just sixty-six years later the Eagle had landed on the Moon. Now airlines routinely transport people and packages around the world on a regular basis.

Within the last thirty years the world of computer technology with all of its ramifications has changed the way we work and communicate. The Internet allows most anyone immediate personal access to persons, goods or services located anywhere on the planet.

The harnessing of electric power, the internal combustion engine, the light bulb, recorded music and speech, great advances in science and medicine-all this and many invented appliances and conveniences have enabled us to live easier healthier lives. Instant daily communication along with scientific enlightenment has nurtured a new consciousness- an awareness of being the citizens of the Earth, that all of humanity is truly one biological family.

Remember that Christmas Eve back in 1968 when the Apollo 8 astronauts read from the book of Genesis while circling the Moon? The Earth was seen for the first time by humankind as a singularly beautiful fragile distinctive oasis in the incomprehensible terribly hostile unforgiving vastness of Space? Within a few short years DNA tests have proven conclusively that we indeed are not only one species but share an uncommonly recent closely-knit ancestry as well.

Yet this time of incredible change also marks the beginning of an era when we are presented with choices bearing unique consequences upon which the welfare of humanity, and ultimately, all life on Earth are forced to live with…or die with.

As humanity continues to develop new ever more efficient ways of manipulating the workings of creative design to suit the whims and desires of the moment it becomes ever more apparent of the need for some sort of guidance beyond the scope envisioned by human corporation or government legislated by limited man-made goals and expectations. In addition, it is only too obvious how the demons of racism, bigotry, superstitious fear, greed, hypocrisy and religious intolerance have cursed our species and caused us to descend into the pit of war, malice and aggression between our own selves.

Yet, although this ongoing revolution and evolution of knowledge and enlightenment enkindling, at an ever accelerating rate, the hope of an ever-advancing worldwide peace and commonwealth of nations continues to become ever-more evident; the wars, fighting and terrorism continue, but, at the same time, it is also most evident the stirrings of a developing embryonic civilization also continues. What is going on?

Many modern scholars see a direct connection between the historic appearance of singularily gifted beings giving birth to a lasting religion of major impact and a subsequent growth of its corresponding civilization. Then, Baha’is believe, as time passes the original teachings of these Masters become clouded or lost altogether as truths are replaced by misleading beliefs tied to the physical terminology used to describe that which is indescribable- the world of the spirit, that which draws mankind to the reason for his being, the true knowledge and worship of God.

The spiritual lessons provided by these holy Teachers guide us in finding true everlasting fulfillment in an awareness, acceptance of and obedience to the will of the Almighty, the great Redeemer, that which brings out the true spirit of mankind from the negative waywardness of the material instinct of fighting, hatred, greed, lust, deceit etc. to the positive higher virtues of unity, love, compassion, forgiveness, and faithfulness.

In a world where we are attaining so much technical know-how, but don’t really know how socially to apply it; in a world where brother fights brother in the name of their respective gods and belief systems; in a world trampled upon by the arrogance of excess materialism, of might makes right, of fear of the unknown; a world wherein the spirit of mankind is imprisoned by self-imposed boundaries of religion, government, science, superstition etc. Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith brings renewal and hope.

For more on the need for a new way of thinking, a spiritual global consciousness visit http://onenessbecomesus.com

The Case For Cooperation

The Case for Cooperation among the peoples of the earth

It is a wonder we, as a species, have survived. It seems we have a talent for sinking to the utmost depths of depravity or rising to the sublime heights of nobility. We torture, maim, burn, attack, crucify those who are deemed somehow “out of favor” in the eyes of God or humanity. In the name of “progress” the Earth’s resources are plundered for profit with little concern for the long-term consequences for our children’s children. Yet we produce great works of art. Science and technology has opened new vistas upon the universe showing how all is interrelated and humanity is but a part of a reality vast beyond understanding. We are coming to understand the transcendent unity of all things- everything is interconnected and interdependent.

From the above, is it not reasonable to assume we, as humanity, are of one reality? Are not the divisions of creed, sectarianism, racism, nation, ideology, poor and rich, old and young, man or woman, leader or follower found only in the minds of men? From Space the Earth is seen as one. There is no map in the heavens showing the boundaries we inflict upon ourselves.

We are indeed a single many-faceted species. It is imperative to look at the members of different races and religions as members of a single family. Yet, how can we rise above the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stand in the way of appreciation of differences and tear down the barriers that prevent consultation and understanding between the peoples of the world? What will it take? The road we are on now leads to ecological disaster and possible extinction. Yet, Mankind is capable of much more. What is the solution to the pollution of the heart, mind, soul and the physical environment that supports us all?

David

Cosmic Unity

“Cosmic Unity”

David

The subject of elemental unity is one that concerns all who are looking for answers to ultimate questions and believe, as I do, that through both the study of science and sacred scripture we may find guidance to that end.

I believe the Universe is a singular reality, That God is one.

Mankind is one. Differences of race, religion, culture or individual strengths

and weaknesses should all be appreciated.

Much as we view in awe the mix of color, hue and design of the master gardener so must we all learn to look upon the great diversity of our world as fruit born out of transcendent Oneness.

Dear Friend,

It is self-evident that our senses bring to us a picture of a world comprised of many differences. As an example, leaves of varying colors, textures, or shapes are seen as outwardly different and thus are categorized by a brain developed and honed by evolution to survive in an environment full of natural complexities and dangers. Knowing what is edible or not, how to react to a given situation, how to avoid danger while utilizing that which is conducive to life; these are all prerequisites to survival. Those that survived multiplied, leaving us the legacy of our categorizing minds.

It is important here to realize what is meant by “outwardly different.” The many kinds of leaves in the example above need to be classified by our mind. Not only is classifying which leaves are useful, edible or poisonous important for survival but it helps us think things through. No matter if it is hunting, farming, art, science, religion, or philosophy; human beings find categorization necessary to understand the universe they perceive around themselves. Yet, the different kinds of leaves are all leaves. These leaves all exhibit similar biochemical reactions and properties thus occupying a place in the plant kingdom.

As we continue this line of reasoning it is evident the differences between plants and animals (as seen by our naked eye while observing in the woods) are outwardly apparent, but upon closer examination the edges between the categories blur. Euglenas are mobile single celled animals that contain chlorophyll allowing them to photosynthesize as our familiar plants do. Fungi behave similarly to plants but do not photosynthesize. (These ancient organisms break down organic material but are unable to move about.) Someone not familiar with sea anemones, coral polyps and the like would probably classify them as plants, but they are indeed animals.

As we peer ever deeper into the cellular and molecular levels the outward differences between plants, animals, and indeed all life on Earth becomes less and less apparent. It is here science has discovered that all the fundamental building blocks of life are the same. It is currently believed life has developed and diversified from one common origin.

A common unity is evident within the rest of the physical universe as well. The fundamental building blocks of material elements and compounds are the vast numbers of hydrogen atoms found throughout the universe. A star like our Sun is constantly fusing hydrogen nuclei into helium nuclei. Eventually not enough hydrogen is left so the star enters the next stage of its sequential cycle and goes on to fuse helium into heavier elements. When a large dying star explodes (called a super nova) elements ranging from helium to iron are blasted out into space. In time, these heavier elements become part of second-generation star systems resulting in solar systems, planets, complex compounds, and possibly life. In the deepest sense our elemental existence began in the stars.

Unity exists between the worlds of matter and energy. Einstein’s famous equation E=MC2 (squared) where E = energy, M = mass, and C = the speed of light, shows that matter and energy are related. In addition, light has been shown to respond to gravity. Gravity, according to Einstein, is the same as acceleration, and time is connected with relative speed.

The Holy Grail of modern day physics is what theoretical physicists call a “Unified Field Theory”. their goal is to find within the four assigned forces of energy (Electro-magnetic, Gravity, the Strong Nuclear force and the Weak Nuclear force) a fundamental reality common to all. So far the challenge has been illusive but most scientists agree the reasoning is sound.

Question: If Creation is indeed one holistic reality why should this not be used to aid us in gaining an appreciation of its Creator? If the Universe reflects the transcendent reality of God in any way surely the all-embracing Unity so manifest throughout existence should be the most evident proof of the Oneness of God. If this is the case the seeming differences we experience in our everyday lives- the petty differences so prevalent among the religious and political institutions of people on this puny little Earth orbiting an average star located in no particular place of importance within an average galaxy containing, perhaps, 200 billion stars pales into utter insignificance!

From this Universal Unity the Universe has become manifested with a diversity, power, beauty and perfection at which one can only marvel.

Near the Beginning, the Cosmic Unity, the Singularity of a One Reality, began, over eons of time, to make various aspects of Reality Manifest. Pre-existence by degrees was brought into existence. Much as a seed has a mature plant programmed into its being, or a fertilized egg has the capacity to grow and develop; the universe grew, diversified into myriad forms, flowered, and bore the fruit of “Man’s” Spirit.

This cognitive spirit is not confined only to Homo sapiens on the speck of dust called Planet Earth. No, rather it is a level of perception which may well be common to other forms of life throughout creation; enabling elements born of the stars to perceive the stars; allowing matter and spirit to achieve insight, learn, wonder and ponder at its own creation; to develop a need for a higher Spirit of Truth and be granted custodianship of the spiritual laws of Wisdom, Unity, Love and Justice.

We are truly an integral part of the universe, we were created by it and are bound by its properties and laws. Indeed, the true Spirit of “Man” represents nothing less than the eyes and ears of creation, that which is capable of utilizing; through the amazing gifts of reason, discovery and technological know-how; properties hidden to the animal world. This remarkable intelligence fashions a live-in environment for its own purposes but, more importantly, sacred scripture of all world faiths teach our primary duty is communing with the Creator of the Cosmos-in other words we were created to know and to worship God.

Unity is at the central core of Being. Let us learn to reflect this greatest Truth in our lives. Let us appreciate the beauty of diversity much as we cultivate the diverse flowers in a garden. Let us not assign God to any one religion, creed, or belief system; for how can the created possibly understand the Creator! Let us come together in love, respect, and share in a humility born of the wisdom that we are a part of everything. Nothing exists independently. Let us grow, let us learn, let us flower and let us bear fruit!

For more on “the case for world unity” visit http://onenessbecomesus.com

A Different Viewpoint: Investigating The Case For World Unity.

Recent discoveries in astronomy and cosmology bring to light inescapable conclusions and profound awareness. Ancient beliefs are being deprovincialized; our home is no longer seen as the center of it all. As the telescope shows, our world orbits a common ordinary main sequence star in an out-of-the-way corner of a galaxy containing billions of stars within a universe of galaxies beyond measure. From a cosmological perspective our home is but a seemingly insignificant speck of dust within a matrix of time and space forever beyond our ability to truly grasp. Physics wrestles with realms beyond the ordinary such as quasars, black holes, cosmic evolution, subatomic particles, quantum theory and beyond. Knowledge, thinking and world-views must deal with accepting realities in which everyday experience and logic no longer apply.

Yet, just the fact humanity is capable of accomplishing these feats proves that through our intellect, vision and capacities of the heart, mind and soul humanity is endowed with the gifts of reason and discernment. Our species is able to study, theorize (and in wonder) look upon the world he dwells upon with a unique level of understanding. In a real sense we are the eyes of the universe beginning to open in perception of itself.

The science of ecology, the study of the interrelationships of plants and animals and how they adapt to different environments, illustrates to the perceptive eye we are but a part of an interwoven web of creation that is marvelous to behold. Within this web of life individuals occupy niches and perform functions (jobs), which help the ecosystem (community) to function. As more is understood it becomes self-evident a diverse community is a healthy one. It is much harder for calamity such as storm, draught or disease to wipe out a complex population containing many checks and balances than say a crowded population of only one species such as found on a man-made artificially cultivated field of corn.

Take a walk outside. Don’t just hike down a trail to get to the end but rather be aware. look at the different shapes, habits, diets, colors, textures and hues of the myriad kinds of organisms observing the many roles they play within the natural ecosystem. Now try to think of what it would be like if all forms of life were the same. Of course this is impossible! For without diversity there would be no ecosystem. Little life, except perhaps the extreme simplest forms, could live.

Now lets apply this principle to humanity. Would it not be rather uninteresting, dull and not much of a challenge if all people were the same? As a matter of fact, if everyone had the same experiences, talents, understanding and opinion civilization would cease to function- there would be no social civilizing “ecosystem” for us to thrive in. Homo sapiens would be nothing more than a group of ape-like instinct driven robots all carrying out functions from an identical program. There would be little art, music, creativity, achievement and certainly no individuality.

 

Medicine teaches the individual body needs all of its organs to function properly and in harmony for good health. Also it is beneficial for sensory receptors such as eyes, ears, feeling, and smell etc. to be in good working order. In the same way, it is apparent that without trained craftsmen and professionals in specialized fields of service to the whole of humankind, civilization will cease to progress. The “ecosystem” of the human race must provide many niches or jobs that allow unique talents to be developed and expressed. Again, the natural working model shows us that diversity equals stability.

 

Now, expand this process to include all the people around the world; the Africans, Asians, Europeans, Innuit, North American Indians, Polynesians etc. Now add the different cultures and religions to the mix. What do you think of when you hear about Baptist, Catholic or say Russian Orthodox Christian sects? How about the Iroquois “Law Of The Longhouse” (a governmental matriarchal system from which it is likely our own US Constitution is possibly based) or the “Eightfold Path” of Buddhism? The name “Allah”: is this a reference to the God of Abraham and Moses or something else?

In a world knit together by the modern marvels of instant world wide communication there is no place for terrorist activities abusing religious creeds or doctrines in defense of the right to attack, torture and mutilate those following a different path. It is evident humanity must evolve and rise above these decadent divisive deeds done in the “name” of the One Creator of us all- be it God, Yahweh, Jehovah, Allah, Vishnu, Amitabha, Ahura Mazda, etc. Instead, let us not focus and dwell on differences of sect and interpretative traditions but, more appropriately, turn to the original scriptures of these diverse yet valid faiths and, with an open mind, see if Hindu (Lord Krishna), Buddhist (Gautama), Christian (Jesus), Islam (Muhammed), Iroquois (Dekanawida), the Baha’i Faith (Baha’u'llah) etc. do indeed address the same essential truths.

 

Remember- we need what the entire worldwide “ecosystem” has to offer. We must open our hearts and minds to accept and learn from peoples of diverse races, cultures and creeds if we, as a global interrelated human family are to reap the most benefit and stability from one another.

For more on this kind of thinking and “serving the case for world unity” go to http://onenessbecomesus.com