Science
Fine Tuning of the Universe
The basic numbers of physics are set just right for life. Change almost any of them and there would be no one here to notice.
The dials are set just right
Physics has a handful of basic settings, like the strength of gravity. Nothing we know of says they had to have the values they do. Yet each one sits in a narrow range that allows stars, chemistry and life.
- Strong forceA few percent different and stars couldn't burn steadily or build the elements life needs.
- GravityMuch stronger and stars would be small and burn out too fast for life to develop.
- CarbonStars can only make carbon because of one finely placed energy level in its nucleus.
- Dark energyIts value is tiny. Much bigger and space would fly apart before any galaxy formed.
A few of the settings
The astronomer Martin Rees, who is not religious, wrote a whole book about six of these numbers: Just Six Numbers (1999).
How fine is fine?
Physicists often say the energy of empty space is tuned to about one part in 10 to the power of 120. That is a 1 followed by 120 zeros.
“A common sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a superintellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology.
An atheist's reaction
Hoyle, a long-time atheist, had predicted the carbon energy level himself. What he found shook his atheism.
- ChanceThe odds are far too small.
- NecessityNo known law makes the numbers what they are.
- DesignA mind chose them.
Three explanations
There are three ways to explain the fine tuning. Design is the one that fits best.
Life depends on a long list of numbers landing just right. That looks like the work of a mind.
The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.