This incredible photo of a ‘globular cluster’ (love that term!) called ‘Messier 55’ which is in the constellation of Sagittarius. It was taken by the ESO’s (European Southern Observatory) VISTA (Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy) infrared survey telescope.
The cluster is made up of tens of thousands of stars exceedingly close together, like a swarm of bees. About 160 globular clusters have been found in our galaxy, the Milky Way, mostly toward the centre.
That looks like a lot of stars huh? But what really blew my mind was the video below (also from ESO) showing just how SMALL it is in the milky way!
[tentblogger-vimeo 41849762]
Isn’t that absolutely astonishing!? All those stars. And that’s one bit of one (pretty small) galaxy – in a universe of over 100 billion (100000000000) galaxies. How awesome is our Creator God!
I first read about this amazing astronomical shortly after I’d read a brilliant blog post ‘“Return To Mystery” – Doubt, God Unknown & A More Honest Faith’ by Vicky Beeching (a blogger, tweeter, worship leader & song-writer who’s currently studying for a PhD in Theology at Durham University in the UK). These two things fitted together so well for me. Seeing more of the vastness of creation certainly does open my eyes and mind the mystery and ‘unknowable’ splendour and majesty of God.
The God who created Messier 55, who knows each star in the universe and can call them by name – also knows me and can call me by name. Truly humbling.
You can read more about Messier 55 over on the ESO website and I really recommend you also read Vicky’s blog!
[Image via ESO]
Stephen Peterson says
And Genesis states that “…He made the stars, also.” It’s almost like it was an afterthought. Absolutely astounding.
James Cooper says
I know – amazing!
Eric Dye says
😀
gerry says
just amazing! and with so many ppl on earth..HE knows us all too
Eric Dye says
Amen!