Total Solar Eclipses: Evidence of Design?

Johnny Neuron

All right skeptical community, I've got a question. I have read in a Christian publication (when I was a Christian) that the fact that our planet is the only one in the known universe to experience total solar eclipses, that this is evidence of the uniqueness of our world and Intelligent Design (or Intelligent Maneuvering, if you will). Here's the argument. The moon is about 400 times closer to the earth than the sun. It is also about 400 times smaller than our mother star. That means that the sun and moon, to a human observer, look about the same size (even though one is much more massive than the other). When a solar eclipse occurs, our sun is completely "covered" by the moon, practically an exact "fit." This is hailed by some theists to be no mere coincidence and "heavenly" evidence of design. My first reaction is the fact that the moon is receding away from the earth at an exceptionally tiny rate. But if you go back or forward far enough in time, there would be no such thing as this "exact fit" for total eclipses of the sun. What are your thoughts on this matter? I am not very well versed in astronomy or physics, so I would like to tap the collective intellects of all of you here to find if there is any rational or physical reason for this solar/lunar situation. Of course, even if there is no rational "reason", that wouldn't prove any intelligent maneuvering. It very well could just be a complete coincidence. But, I still would like to dig deeper. Any thoughts?

ZachSylvanus

We can't chalk things up to coincidence anymore?

Not to mention that we're just now starting to find PLANETS around other stars, let alone moons to see if this is true elsewhere.

Also, is a Total solar eclipse REALLY that significant to prove God? Sounds like some groups are grasping at straws here.

stevepainter

I just received this across the sub-etha network:

Jovian Citizens Offended by Earthlings' Claims

The citizens of our great planet Jupiter find the claims of some earthlings to be laughable bordering on insulting. Apparently, some earthlings harbor the belief that they are "special" in the eyes of the creator and the fact that their single moon is currently in a position that occaisionally blocks the light from the sun is held as "proof". We asked the Jovian on the street for their opinion.

"What'll they think of next," snorted Ibul Ut-zkit of the Great Red Storm Trackers Society. "It was silly enough when I heard they thought that the Earth was the center of the universe, but now they're just grasping at straws." Ibul has been an amateur Earth-watcher for centuries. "They're all concerned about launching nuclear material into space - tell 'em that we don't care as long as they keep those crazy ideas on their own planet."

"Anyone with 3 functioning eyes could tell you that the creator obviously made Jupiter His special place," said Qitan Ma-thhhp while on a shopping trip to Io. "Jupiter is at the perfect location to receive just the right amount of sunlight. And we have so many moons - not just one puny moon like the Earth. Where do they go on holiday?"

"They're maggots," said Ytervan Po-nimit. "Vermin - that's the only thing that could live in such a poisonous environment. Do you know what the oxygen content is on Earth? That stuff is lethal. It's no wonder they come up with these ideas - their brains are swimming in corrosive oxygen. I think we should do something about them now."

The question as to how Earthlings arrive at these conclusions is still unanswered. Their planet is obviously barely suitable for life. No Jovian could set foot on Earth without a full environment suit. To this point in history, the indigenous fauna of Earth have been regarded as an intriguing curiosity. However, the time may soon come when contact of some form is unavoidable. Our only hope is that we can enlighten them as to the true nature of our great creator.

Swi-lak News Agency, Jovian central branch

It looks like we need better PR through the solar system.

Drunkenblade of Kay · Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2002 3:56 pm Post subject: Coincidence?

My thumb is appoximately the same diameter as my undialated ass. I guess that must be evidence for intelligent design too!

Kenny Meek · Posted: Tue Nov 12, 2002 4:38 pm Post subject: Auugh!!

That's just a little more than I really needed to know!


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