Review: Beyond the Stars (ep. 9-12)
Hi everyone, if you are reading this on the Sabbath, then I’d like to wish you a wonderful Sabbath and wish you God’s abundant blessings!
As I have mentioned in the last couple of reviews, True to the Word is continuing with our science thread for our program reviews. There are many great Christian science programs out there that teach us about the universe, while giving our Creator the glory. It truly is a joy to watch them to learn about God’s creation and worship Him, for His works and character. So please join me as I continue to review, Beyond the Stars, a series of short, but in-depth videos about the Cosmos. The series is produced by WVBS (World Video Bible School) and written and presented by Branyon May.
The 9th episode of the series is about Mars, The Red Planet, as it is fondly known by. Branyon spoke of something I did not know - where the red colour of Mars comes from. Do you know? I didn’t! That’s what I really like about these episodes - the facts range from simple ones that I or maybe you, did not know, to quite in-depth information, that would take me repeated episodes (and maybe some studying on the side) to grasp.
We hear about Mars’ similarities to earth, which includes information about its desert planes, valleys, mountains, canyons, axial tilt, which is connected to its seasonal variations, day length and weather patterns.
Branyon then puts the focus on Mars’ extreme differences. He speaks of:
Global dust storms
Atmospheric pressure
Surface temperature extremes (extremely cold and hot)
Oxygen to nitrogen ratio compared to earth’s
Brayon circles back to how uniquely designed Earth is, whereas Mars is not life friendly and not intended to be inhabited. He references:
Isaiah 45:18
For thus says the Lord,
Who created the heavens,
Who is God,
Who formed the earth and made it,
Who has established it,
Who did not create it in vain,
Who formed it to be inhabited:
“I am the Lord, and there is no other.
Jupiter
We learn impressive facts about Jupiter’s size and mass, brightness, design and position in the solar system.
Branyon continues educating us on its gravity, its layers and answers questions such as: What makes up the bands we see? What is the red spot?
We look at its rotation speed and its moons (there are so many!), which Branyon goes into detail about. He gives details on: Callisto, Ganymede, Europa, Io. As Branyon states - their differences attest to the intelligent and creative nature of God.
Saturn
Branyon introduces Saturn as the most recognizable planet. I remember learning about Saturn was I was a girl and I was fascinated with its rings, and thanks to this episode I learn lots of new and amazing facts and Saturn’s rings.
Branyon talks about the size and width of the rings and the diversity and number of Saturn’s moons - beyond our comprehension.
Do you know what are the rings composed of? I had either forgotten or I didn’t know - either way I know now. Branyon gives us bite sized, amazing facts about the composition of Saturn’s rings, thickness and marked events in history. All of this is a testimony to the orderly universe God designed.
Branyon gives us extra information about Saturn’s moon Titan and its dense atmosphere and lakes (don’t get excited - the lakes are not water)
Branyon references the wonderful verse in Psalm 66:5
Come and see the works of God;
He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
This verse makes me think and hope that we will be able to explore all of the planets that look barren or impossible to land on now. Maybe God has plans to make them accessible for us after Jesus returns. Scripture says our mortal bodies will be changed to immortal ones. Maybe the vast and incomprehensible number of planets in the universe will also be changed for the eternal life to come - I guess we will find out.
Uranus and Neptune
Episode 12 combines Uranus and Neptune because of their similarities. Branyon talks about their rings, appearance, atmospheric conditions. He also speaks of their
differences and unique characteristics.
Like for example, how Uranus has an extreme tilt, extreme length of daylight try - 84 earth years!
Neptune’s extreme facts include its highly active atmosphere, which contributes to extreme wind speeds (you’ll have to watch it to find out how fast- my jaw dropped!), rapid rotation, giant storm, called the “Great Dark Spot” and much more, as they say.
Did you know that the orderly and functional design of the universe attributed to the discovery of Neptune in1846. When something is orderly, it can be relied upon time and time again.
I like how Branyon ends this segment. The laws of the universe that God has put in place has enabled science to explore what God has made.
It warms my heart that God created the universe with the intention that we should study it to see His mighty work! Hallelujah!
Thank you for reading this review. Until next time - peace be with you.
Film and thumbnail source: www.awesomescitv.com
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