I suppose that if I were an avid reader of the various Astronomy magazines available I'd have more of an understanding about this. For quite some time I've wondered how astronomers must calculate that there are so MANY galaxies (although obviously they don't know the precise number). I figure that it apparently has to do with first determining that certain points of light, visible through telescopes, are farther out than our own "Milky Way" galaxy. If it can be determined that such points of light (POL) lie outside this/our galaxy (and I don't know how they do that) then those POL have to be galaxies rather than merely stars (which are simply other suns). Why? Because there are no stars outside our galaxy that can be seen at all. Stars outside our galaxy would be stars inside OTHER galaxies, and of course aren't individually viewable through even the most powerful telescopes. The most powerful telescopes are unable to even detect OTHER PLANETS that unquestionably revolve around all other suns (stars) which are part of our galaxy. Such planets are much, much closer than any star of another galaxy, so it's understandable that although other galaxies themselves can be brought into view the numberless individual suns (stars) that comprise those galaxies cannot be discerned. So the trick, I suppose, is in determining SOMEHOW that certain POL lay OUTSIDE the perimeter of the Milky Way galaxy.
Any ideas/comments? Anyone know what astronomers base their calculations on? Of course certain galaxies are close enough to be deciphered as being just that -- galaxies -- because of their unique spiral shape, but I don’t think that those comparably few match the huge number which astronomers say they know about.
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I know that many here have ceased believing in the Bible altogether, so what I say now is directed mainly at those who still do believe, both here on this forum as well as any lurker. I have some fairly unique ideas about the makeup of God’s universe, as can be viewed here ---> http://4heavens.homestead.com/21.html Those who choose to go there will find 3 images which I designed in order to illustrate my idea, as based upon the Scriptures, of how the cosmos is arranged. Please note that in the upper left corner there is a message that says: “To read the text that explains these images and the basis for them click here.” It seems that message is a little slow loading, so be patient if that’s the case. Insofar as the explanation that you’ll find by clicking there, I apologize that I’ve only uploaded a portion of what I have ready and prepared, but haven’t taken the time to upload the rest as yet. Before long I hope to finish what I started.
The same goes for a great deal of the other subjects on my site, I just haven’t taken the time to complete it all. For anyone that is still interested in the Bible and believes that it’s true, you might agree with my deduction that the name on the forehead of the Harlot of Revelation 17 is most certainly NOT her own name. Rather than being that of her own name, which is the supposition of all the theologians that I am aware of (including my beloved brothers at the WTS), it’s the name of none other than the upcoming 8th king of Bible prophecy, a World Government. (see ---> http://4heavens.homestead.com/5.html) Again, I apologize for only having completed a portion of THIS subject as well … but I plan to get back to work on my site before much longer in order to at least complete those subjects that I’ve partially uploaded already. The truth is that I've been having too much fun on the Internet to tie myself down to more serious matters ... which is a bit irresponsible on my part.
Yadirf
Daniel 11:35 ... a KEY prophecy that must be fulfilled before the "time of the end" gets underway.