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Evidence ID: COS-EV16
Evidence: Universe is Fine-Tuned for Life
Summary: Through the use of science and mathematics we are able to reliably measure, quantify and validate the fine-tuned properties of the universe. These fine-tuned properties are comprised of cosmological constants, physical laws, and planetary properties.
Description: When we think about life on Earth, we often take for granite the conditions necessary to support life. We do not give any thought to the oxygen we breathe, or the gravity that keeps our feet planted firmly on the ground, or countless other life-giving conditions.
With mounting concerns over global climate change, we are reminded that the physical factors that govern our planet are interrelated. It seems that a change in one factor such as the composition of the ozone layer has an effect on another factor such as atmospheric temperature, which in turn has an effect on another and so on.
What best explains the precise fine-tuning of the universe and Earth to support life? Are the cosmological constants, physical laws, and planetary properties the fortuitous result of chance? Or are they a purposeful result of the of a transcendent intelligence?
Scientists have determined that there are approximately 25 fundamental cosmological constants of physics that govern the universe [REF-PHY02] [REF-PEN01] [REF-RCO01]. Notable examples are the speed of light (c), and the gravitational constant (G).
These cosmological constants are used in physical laws which express the relationship between physical properties in the universe such as mass, velocity, force, and many other properties. These laws describe every aspect of our universe from gravity, to quantum mechanics, to electromagnetism, and to nuclear forces.
Scientist have confirmed that these cosmological constants are interrelated. This means that a single constant may be used by more than one physical law. For example, Newton's three laws of motion [REF-NEW01] and the law of gravity both rely on the gravitational constant (G). A change in the distance between two objects will affect both the force between the two objects and their velocity.
In addition to being interrelated, cosmological constants are invariant. This implies that the universe is in a steady state of equilibrium. This is evidenced by the orderly coalescence of the galaxies in our universe [COS-EV14].
While the cosmological constants govern the formation and sustainability of the universe, they do not describe the unique conditions needed to enable and sustain life on Earth. So, what are the conditions for life?
Astrophysicists at Reasons to Believe [REF-RTB01] build on the science of the cosmological constants of the universe to estimate the number of planetary factors necessary to enable life on a planet such as Earth.
Their findings suggest that there are approximately 322 planetary properties that enable carbon-based life on a planet. The complete list of factors and reference papers can be found at [REF-RTB03] and [REF-RTB02].
As with the cosmological constants of the universe, these planetary properties must also fall into a very narrow range of values and remain invariant.
These parameters of a planet, its planetary companions, its moon, its star, and its galaxy must have values falling within narrowly defined ranges for physical life of any kind to exist. [REF-RTB03]
Their estimates further complicate the argument of fine-tuning by chance. The likelihood of all 25 cosmological constants and 322 planetary properties having their precise value are frankly insuperable [MATH-EV15].
Perhaps the greatest of these physical laws is Newton's law of universal gravitation of the 17th century. It states that an object attracts every other object in the universe with a gravitational force.
Newton's law of gravity is expressed by the following formula.
In this formula, the forces of each object (F1, F2), masses of each object (m1, m2) and distance between each object (r) are related by the Newtonian constant of gravitation (G). The official value of G is 6.673889 x 10−11.
Researchers have determined that the slightest change in Newton's constant of gravitation would cause planetary bodies to either accelerate away from each other (weaker gravity) or collapse upon each other (stronger gravity). The same is true with the critical precision of all other fundamental constants.
This gravitation constant is used to calculate the gravitational forces in Sir Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation (stated above) and in Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity.
In fact, this same constant of gravitation was used to land the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Eagle on the moon on July 20, 1969.
Even more fundamental than the cosmological constants, physical laws, and planetary properties is mathematics [REF-MATH02].
Mathematics is a precise system for quantifying time, space, and matter. It is based on a formal notation and set of rules that is free of ambiguity, unlike language which is subject to semantic interpretation. It is inherently true because it is fundamentally based on laws of logic. This principle in mathematics is referred to as mathematical logicism [REF-LOG01].
Mankind did not invent mathematics, but rather discovered it. A branch of mathematics known as mathematical realism states the mathematics is inherent in creation and exists independent of the human mind. Mathematics alone is the true reflection of reality, not what is conceived by the human mind. It is referred to by mathematicians as axiomatic or a self-evident truth.
Mathematics was referred to as a miracle by Eugene Wigner, Nobel Prize laureate in physics [REF-WIG01]. According to Wigner, mathematics is a "wonderful gift" from nature that enables physicists to quantify the laws of nature in an effort to make practical sense of the universe around us.
"The miracle of the appropriateness of the language of mathematics for the formulation of the laws of physics is a wonderful gift which we neither understand nor deserve. We should be grateful for it."
Needless to say, Wigner was awestruck by the accuracy and effectiveness of the language of mathematics endowed by the creator.
Through the use of science and mathematics we are able to reliably measure, quantify and validate the fine-tuned properties of the universe.
Together, these cosmological constants, physical laws and planetary properties represent what most call the fine tuning of the universe. This evidence ultimately raises the following questions. "Why is our universe fine-tuned? Is this the result of chance or the mind of a transcendent intelligence?"
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