Dust in the Universe*

We are as human beings live in a planet called Earth. It is one of the nine planets in the solar system. Its diameter is 12,765 km. As we know that our "home" is small compared with other planets. For instance, the planet Jupiter has a diameter 143,000 km which is 11 times greater than that of earth.

Sun is the closest star to our home earth. The average distance between Sun and Earth is "only" 150 million km. Its diameter is 1,391,016 km which is 109 times as large as Earth's diameter. Sun holds nine planets in the solar system in orbit. Astronomers believe that its massive energy has been shining for about 4.6 billion years and will keep shining for the next 7 billion years.

Sun is not the only star exists in our galaxy "Milky Way" that has more than 400 billion stars, some of which are much larger. The shape of Milky Way is spiral which its thick is about 10,000 light-years and its diameter is about 100,000 light-years.

Andromeda Galaxy is the closest galaxy to our Milky Way. It has 200,000 light-years diameter which is 2 times greater than our Milky Way. Milky Way and Andromeda are few galaxies that have been being studied by astronomers. They believe there are more than 125 billion galaxies in the universe. Some of those galaxies are much larger and contain many more stars than the Milky Way.

Earth is just a small piece of dust in the universe.

Does the universe exist by itself without intervention of the God? If it is yes, but how come every system in the universe has single pattern that is well-ordered and well-organized? The pattern is the rotation. Earth rotates on its axis or pivot. Moon travels around Earth. Earth and the others planet in solar system travel around the Sun. The solar system travels around the center of Milky Way galaxy which is known as black hole. Even our blood system has systematic circulation trough the heart.

For me, it is a sign that the Almighty God has created the universe and its content. Without the pattern all systems in universe will be chaos. In Islam, the rotation pattern can be actualized by pilgrimage in Mecca. We walk surrounding the Kaabah.

If I were a soldier I would give my respect to my commander by raising up my right hand. Therefore, I think it merits to give my two hands raising up in order to respect and worship to the God during my praying time by Takbir.

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.

*Data related to Earth, Sun, Solar System, and Galaxies are based on Microsoft Encarta 2004®