How big is the universe?

Have you ever gazed at the night sky and pondered your existence? It's fascinating to realize that you are just one of many who look up and contemplate the vastness of the universe. Being a part of something so immense and impersonal can evoke deep, personal, and reflective emotions. In moments of introspection, remember that we are all born into an ancient organism known as the universe.

Some believe that the universe was created by a spiritual deity, while others doubt the existence of a higher power. Regardless of one's beliefs, humans are intrigued by the sheer size of our universe.

Prepare yourself for a journey beyond your physical self, an expedition meant to unveil the grandeur of our universe and your role within it. Picture yourself hovering above our small planet, Earth, or envision the International Space Station completing 16 orbits around Earth every 24 hours.

Scientists estimate that Earth has existed for approximately 4.5 billion years, with modern humans only appearing around 200,000 years ago. If fortunate, some may live up to 80 years on this planet, but will all our questions about the universe be answered by then?

Now, imagine venturing beyond our solar system, where no human has ever set foot. Picture our solar system with its eight planets orbiting a central star, each planet boasting its own unique characteristics. From Saturn's stunning rings to Jupiter's immense size and the colossal red spot capable of engulfing Earth, each planet tells a story. The sun, our star, binds this planetary collection together, being 109 times wider than Earth and accounting for 99.8% of our solar system's mass.

Taking a step further into the cosmos, we encounter billions of other stars. The number of stars surpasses the grains of sand on Earth, with over 10,000 stars for each grain.

Most of the stars in the universe are accompanied by planets revolving around them, much like our own solar system. If extraterrestrial life exists on these planets, would it resemble life as we know it on Earth? Would they ponder over their existence in the same manner as we do? Would they comprehend the insignificance of their troubles? Envision an alien civilization grappling with their own existence, just as we are.

Now, let us venture even farther into the cosmos, where countless galaxies await exploration. Are there diverse planets scattered throughout these galaxies, eagerly awaiting discovery? Different planets with countless stars in their own galaxies, and potentially life on other planets as we have been hoping for, if only it was as easy to travel to other galaxies as it was in the movies, it would be awesome wouldn't it, we could have our own personal time jets or galaxy portal guns.. but all that is just imagination, or would it come true in the far future , i hope so.

Even farther away, you are now observing the vast expanse of the universe, spanning at least 92 billion light years, teeming with various galaxies. Within one of these galaxies lies a specific solar system, within which there is a planet inhabited by beings like you and me. Could it be that we are mere organisms within a much larger organism? Or is everything we perceive and cherish merely a product of programming, fleeting in nature? The answer to these questions lies with you, or perhaps not.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and if you found it intriguing, I invite you to explore my other pieces. Have you ever wondered about the true depth of the ocean? If so, feel free to delve into my other blog posts.