Beyond the Stars

Come explore the Cosmos. From the largest galaxy to the smallest cell, all cosmic scales exhibit functional order and complexity. Throughout history humanity has seen and appreciated the order around us, and with modern technology it is even more apparent. When we consider the presence of law and matter, function and complexity, the evidence leads to a powerful and intelligent Creator.

Come explore the vast reaches of our Cosmos. When we consider space, its mere existence demands a pre-existing cause. Yet the Cosmos is not simply a small region of space and matter, but rather it is characterized by its vast size and extent. Join Branyon May (Ph.D.) on a journey through the Universe exploring its incredible size and scale from our everyday lives to the galaxies that fill space.

Come explore the incredible order in our Cosmos. Humanity spends much effort fulfilling our daily needs, but what about the Universe? Does humanity define and provide what the Cosmos needs to function and operate? From the matter that fills space to the laws that govern physical interactions, our Cosmos displays fine-tuning. This precision and design is evidence for an Intelligent Designer.

Come explore some of the largest structures in the Universe-galaxies. In modern astronomy, we understand the Universe is filled with a vast array of objects beyond the stars. The invention of the telescope over 400 years ago expanded our view and revealed the existence of even more complexities. Beyond the stars we see in our sky is a Cosmos defined by its design and purpose.

Come explore the stars. Throughout history, astronomers have acknowledged that the stars display an incredible diversity in appearance. Brightness, color, temperature, size, mass and distance are all parameters that distinguish one star's glory from another. By studying the stars, we gain a deeper appreciation for how magnificently the heavens declare the glory of God.

Come explore our nearest star, the Sun. The Sun's consistent nature provides the basis for our time, the division of day and night, and the energy that sustains life on Earth, which all point to the beneficial design of the Sun's role. However, the Sun also has a dynamic nature, which from a different perspective helps to show the amazing design in the Earth-Sun relationship.

Though it is the smallest planet in our Solar System, Mercury is a planet of large extremes. With essentially no atmosphere, no water, the largest temperature variations, and the highest solar radiation levels, Mercury's design was certainly not to be a nurturing home for humanity. However, Mercury offers an amazing perspective on how diverse the created Universe is.

Come explore Earth's nearest planetary neighbor, Venus. As the brightest object in our sky, after the Sun and Moon, the beauty of Venus has captivated humanity since Creation. Though sometimes called "Earth's twin," this planet's design has drastic differences from Earth's life-sustaining environment. Be astounded at the role this fiery planet plays in our Solar System.

Come explore the Red Planet, Mars. Even without the aid of telescopes, Mars is easily recognized in the sky by its reddish color. While Earth and Mars have many similarities, there are many drastic differences, including no liquid water and having only a very tenuous atmosphere. Mars is not a life-friendly world, and should make us appreciate our uniquely designed planet Earth.

Come explore the king of the Solar System, Jupiter. Even at its great distance from Earth, its enormous size allows it to be one of the brightest objects in the night sky. With its multitude of orbiting moons, the Jupiter system resembles a miniature Solar System. Yet the same designed physical laws that maintain Jupiter's complex system, also govern the larger arrangement of the whole Cosmos.

Come explore the Ringed World, Saturn. As one of the most recognizable planets in the Solar System, Saturn and its ordered system of rings and moons reflects the design given by the Great Designer. Everything God created is meant to reflect His glory, and Saturn is no exception.

Come explore the Outer Gas Giants, Uranus and Neptune. Each planet presents some unique characteristics as we consider their roles in our Solar System. These strange worlds provide intriguing examples of planetary dynamics and have served well in their role of proving the Intelligent Design of our Cosmos.

Come explore Earth's nightlight, the Moon. Since the beginning of creation, it has been used as a timekeeping device for tracking months and seasons. Additionally since its gravity produces the ocean tides, the Moon has far reaching effects for sustaining life and affecting atmospheric conditions. Created by God, the Moon has a designed role to support the balance of life here on Earth.