E. T.: Natural or Supernatural?

In the past few months we have watched many news broadcasts dealing with the UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomenon) issue.  Are UAPs natural or supernatural?  The current periodic release of previously classified information by the US government has not satisfied the curiosity of many US citizens concerning the true nature of UAPs. Our appetite for information about UFOs intensified when Steven Spielberg’s E.T. fantasy movie was released in 1982. Before and since that date, public interest in UAPs has waxed and waned periodically.

A wealth of government information exists for the period from 1947 to date. Each individual is free to pass judgement on the effectiveness of information the US government reveals to the public. We sympathize with government officials’ efforts to explain the nature of UAPs. The truth about UAPs is difficult to grasp. How may unusual visual appearances and their strange capabilities be explained? The UAP issue is challenging, fascinating, and mysterious.

The study of UAPs suggests many questions related to their existence. The terms natural and supernatural emerge during discussions. Are UAPs natural, governed by laws of nature established by God for the operation of our created universe? Or are they manifestations of the supernatural? In everyday life, humanity is governed by familiar laws of nature, such as the law of gravitation, the laws of motion, and the finite speed of light (the latter is an example of a fundamental universal physical constant). There are many laws of nature and many physical constants. Supernatural events occur beyond or in addition to natural events which we experience hundreds of times daily. Many phenomena are attributable to unusual light reflections, weather phenomena, flocks of birds, or other out of the ordinary events. But a small percentage of sightings have no natural explanation. They acquire the moniker UAP—unidentified anomalous phenomena.

Humanity desires explanations for both natural and supernatural phenomena. Many scientists and non-scientists attempt to describe the actions of UAPs as natural events. They do not believe UAPs are supernatural phenomena. Many citizens would feel more comfortable if their questions about the means of UAP propulsion, motion, and visibility were explained by ordinary natural causes. A small percentage of UAP sightings, however, have no natural explanation.

Several years ago we generated ten consecutive posts on the subject of UAPs. Here is a link to the first post: https://jasscience.blogspot.com/2019/11/of-this-world.html  By clicking NEWER POST (bottom left), readers may access the remaining posts in the order they appeared. We recommend these ten past posts for further commentary on this important topic.

In the ten posts referenced above, you may find additional information on UAPs:  

(1) Are they real or figments of our imagination?  (2) History and definition of terms 

(3) Our personal explanation of UAPs  (4) Discussion of the occult and paranormal

(5) Multiple dimensions  (6) Dualism  (7) Personal experiences  

(8) Recommendations for further reading…

As we composed this post we recalled news media coverage of a UAP at Chicago O’Hare Airport on 11/07/2006. At the time, the incident was reported on network media, but not in great detail. In the two decades since, television media have periodically retold details of the startling anomalous phenomenon witnessed by twelve credible professional United Airlines employees for several minutes. The dark gray, metallic, saucer-like vehicle hovered over Gate C-17 before it suddenly zoomed upward toward the low hanging cloud cover and punched a hole in the clouds before it vanished. 

In the years since UFOs were more commonly observed by US citizens after WW II, many government authorities have trivialized public sightings and reports of UFOs and UAPs. They have cast doubt on eyewitness accounts, explaining them as “weather events” or faulty human visual perspectives. For this reason, many people do not report what they observe out of fear they would be ostracized.

In terms of government responses, we have read statements from US Vice-president JD Vance. He believes UAPs are manifestations of “demons” or “spiritual forces.” He also stated that he views the UAP phenomena through a “theological lens.” Using the same imagery, he further states he views the phenomenon through “lens of faith rather than fear.”

Our Christian faith supplies comfort for us in these days of uncertainty: “For In him we live, and  move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

   

 

    

  

 

      

  

   

Extraterrestrial Reality

 A popular modern question: Do you believe life exists anywhere except Planet Earth in our vast universe? Science professionals agree that life has not been discovered in any  location but Planet Earth. There are many factors leading Earth residents to the conclusion: “We are alone.” In contrast, many of our citizens endorse the conclusion that extraterrestrial beings exist and have been observed.

The answers relate to several different factors. One factor is theology. We have described God as The Creator of All Things. Included in the concept of all things is space, matter, time, and energy which God also brought into existence “In The beginning.” Genesis 1:1 states in the beginning God created “the heavens and the earth.” Commentators define the meaning of “the heavens and the earth” as “everything, everything else, the entire cosmos,” and a number of other descriptors, such as “all that exists.”

Most modern commentators focus on the scientific reality of UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena). How can we explain the capabilities of these phenomena? How can physical objects accelerate and decelerate at rates which would tear ordinary earth vehicles apart? What is their source of propulsion? What about the UAPs sighted by observers on earth’s surface, from airplanes, or even by astronauts walking on the surface of the Moon during the last Apollo flight in 1972? Reports of UAPs have increased in frequency since World War II.

In recent months there has been a revival of public discussion about the reality of UAPs. President Trump has directed that classified information concerning UAPs be gradually released in the interest of “transparency.” Historically, there has been much secrecy surrounding what government officials know about UAPs. True facts have been blended with false information for many years. Only about 5-10% of so-called UAPs do not have natural explanations such as flocks of birds, weather phenomena, or unusual reflections of light. Therefore, a few UAPs may really be mysterious.

Investigators search for natural, physical explanations for these UAPs. For example, they could be explained by visits to our planet by intelligent beings from within our home Milky Way Galaxy, or even from distant exoplanets far outside our home galaxy. If the extraterrestrial visitor came from an exoplanet within the Milky Way galaxy, it would consume many years of travel time to arrive at Earth. Could our extraterrestrial space visitors have come from the Moon or a planet in our Solar System? The likelihood of this scenario is remote beyond comprehension. UAPs supply humanity with many more questions than answers.

The universe is unimaginably enormous. The known observable universe is about 93 billion light years wide. This means we are uncertain whether the size of the universe is infinite or finite.

The Bible deals primarily with God’s redemptive plan for humanity on our planet. This does not exclude the creative power of God beyond Planet Earth. Life on other planets in our universe is highly improbable, but not impossible. Our Creator rejoiced in the beauty of the works he had created (Gen. 1:31), calling His works very good.

Secular scientists research the possibility that life may exist beyond our home planet. They are known as astrobiologists. Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is only one of over 100 billion galaxies in our enormous universe. Galaxies are home to billions of stars. Scientists believe billions of galactic stars possess exoplanets, many of which are located in the habitable zone with physical conditions favorable to life. The most important condition is the presence of liquid water.

Planet Earth hosts several million different species of life. Many lay persons and scientists speculate on the possibility that life may exist at many locations in our vast universe. We understand their enthusiasm for the possibility of life somewhere else in this enormous universe. We should keep in mind that the Bible primarily teaches God’s plan for the redemption of humanity (John 3:16). 

Many other scripture passages highlight human exuberance related to God’s creative acts in the natural world. Psalm 148:3-5 (ESV) Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created.

Also, Psalm 147:4-5: He determines the  number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.     

    

               

Genealogy Legacy

 The recently completed Kentucky Derby Classic (5/2/26) attracted thousands of racing fans. It has been a sports attraction since 1875. The physical characteristics and performance abilities of racehorses and all living things are gifts bestowed from the Creator of life. The presence of life on Planet Earth is unique in this enormous universe. As far as we know, life exists in no other location.

Life scientists have described the characteristics of living things in great detail. These descriptions are inadequate to describe the wonder of life itself. Life scientists have described the salient characteristics of life in their literature. Humanity is discovering more wonders of life with each passing year. Here is a past post where we discussed the question, “What is Life?”

https://jasscience.blogspot.com/search?q=What+is+life?

Seven characteristics of life listed in the link above are repeated in many different sources of biological literature. Together, the seven characteristics generally amount to a genealogy of all living entities. Genealogy includes not only the history of living things, but also the achievements of the living entities—their ability to achieve and perform at a high level.  

We begin our discussion of genealogy by discussing one of the most beautiful animals on Earth—the thoroughbred race horse. There are about 600 distinct horse breeds in existence. 

If thoroughbred racehorses could communicate with humans, they may joke that their physical traits or abilities are locked away in their DNA or in their genes. We hear statements like “It’s in my DNA” or “It’s in my genes.” Of course, these statements are true, but they do little to explain how the wonder of life is locked within a complex assortment of atoms and molecules composed primarily of the elements hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. These elements comprise over 99% of genetic material. Atoms of trace elements are also present in living tissue.         

Genes are segments of the DNA molecule—a long, double twisted helical spiral of smaller molecules. Within this double-twisted DNA molecule the “code of life” is embedded. The code of life directs the construction of thousands of proteins—the building blocks of physical life. Chromosomes located in each DNA molecule contain all the genetic material necessary for the existence of life. Genes possess variants called alleles which provide variety from two parents. DNA, with its chromosomes, genes, and alleles affect the appearance and performance level of thoroughbred racehorses such as triple crown winner Secretariat in 1973 as well as other outstanding equine performers.

  

Epigenetic changes have been highlighted since 1965 and are still discussed in the 21st century. The term epigenetics has become more popular. Epigenetic changes occur in addition to genetic changes resulting from DNA heritage, such as height, hair color and body build.

Epigenetic traits can be enhanced by training, exercise, and other environmental stimuli. These desirable changes become part of a living creature’s epigenome. There is a market for race horses able to sire offspring in order to produce victories on the racetrack due to superior speed, strength, and endurance. Nineteen of twenty Kentucky Derby horses trace their pedigree to Secretariat. 

The God of the Bible has created all things for His glory. In modern times mankind has been able to discover the wonders of life itself, including the wonders of the human genome and epigenome. Many discoveries concerning the wonders of genetics and epigenetics are ongoing. “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10)

We cite this link from our post of 12/22/15. It details topics in genetics and epigenetics in greater depth:

https://jasscience.blogspot.com/2018/02/epigenetics-buzzword.html

 

              

Artemis II Earthrise

 After 50 years, humanity has returned to Earth’s Moon. Many US and world residents were fixated on the exploits of four astronauts taking part in a startling space journey on April 1-10, 2026.  The astronauts did not land on the lunar surface as did US astronauts in 1969-1972, but as they looped around the far side of our only satellite they were more distant from our planet than any human had ever been. The astronauts viewed the far side of our lunar companion. A few others have orbited above the surface without walking on the surface.

Imagine being in the vicinity of the Moon and looking back on Planet Earth. Our blog posts have referenced this scenario. Our Apollo 8 astronauts were in orbit around the moon on 12/24/68 when they had a life changing worship experience. Here is a link to our 2014 post:

https://jasscience.blogspot.com/2014/12/overview-effect.html

The US Artemis II astronauts had a similar worship experience during their April 1-10 trip to the Moon. Viewing Planet Earth in its entirety surrounded by deep blackness with a view of distant stars is an incomprehensible experience for a human. The Artemis II astronauts easily perceived entire coastlines, rivers, thunderclouds, and an illuminated South Pole. The space travelers could see auroras and occasional meteor flashes when tiny meteoroids impacted the Moon’s surface.They also viewed a 53-minute total solar eclipse during their loop around the Moon and witnessed an “Earthrise” when our home planet apparently “rose” over the moon’s horizon.  

The perils of the trip aboard the powerful space vehicle ranged from a bumpy ride and elevated g-forces during launch to a radio blackout when the astronauts looped behind the moon after their long journey. Perhaps the most frightening experience occurred when the space travelers returned to our planet prior to splashing down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, CA. Frictional heat of 3000 degrees from air impacting the capsule at 24,000 mph poses a significant hazard. Our space travelers were insulated from the searing heat.

We challenge our readers to envision a circular sphere—Planet Earth—suspended in the darkness of outer space. This sphere is home to 8.3 billion human souls created in God’s image, and also home to over two million separate identified species of animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi in many separate phyla. This variety of life on our planet is known as biodiversity. Many millions of species are yet to be discovered.

Holy Scripture describes not only biodiversity, but also the beauty and design of physical features of Planet Earth. Psalm 8 contains a rich tapestry of worship topics:    

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens…..When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”  (Psalm 8:1-4 NIV)

What is humanity’s 21st century visual perspective of our planet? Ancient Scripture writers anticipated our 20th and 21st century discoveries in outer space. With our flights to the Moon, the 1968-1972 Apollo pilots and the recent Artemis astronauts, humans have broken loose from the Earth’s gravity and entered the Moon’s gravitational field when they were about 9/10 of the way to the lunar surface. Imagine the impact of the “overview effect” referenced in the link above. Humans gaze back at Planet Earth from distant space. It is not difficult to give God the glory when we look back to Earth from outer space.    

  

  

  

Evolution Confusion

 What is confusing about evolution? The complex, multidimensional topic has been alternately defended and attacked since Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species was published in 1859. Stephen J. Gould (1941-2002), famous evolutionary biologist and science historian, declared evolution to be both theory and fact. 

Biology teachers in our public schools mostly endorse a powerful statement: “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.” That statement was voiced by a famous geneticist, Theodosius Dobzhansky (1900-1975). Most biology students in our secular public schools have been taught evolutionary theory relentlessly in their biology classrooms. 

The theory of evolution has been crafted by an army of scientists who offer an explanation for the theory. Few people would object to the definition of evolution as “change over time.” Biological entities have indeed changed slightly over the vast ages of time. These changes are known as microevolution. This form of evolution does NOT result in formation of a new species. Microevolutionary changes over time are caused by the popular phenomena termed gene flow and genetic drift. Detailed discussion of these issues is beyond the scope of our current blog. If we research the topic of evolution, most secular biologists currently include gene flow and genetic drift in their explanations for the cause of organic evolution. These modern explanations have joined Charles Darwin’s premise of natural selection. The proposal of mutation originated several decades after Darwin. Gene flow and genetic drift are concepts developed more recently. Taken together, evolutionary scientists possess strong confidence that organic evolution is a FACT.    

Macroevolution, if it were to occur, would result in a new species. This distinction between microevolution and macroevolution is important. Organic evolution has become a cultural icon. The term evolution has been applied in many other contexts: linguistic, cosmological, cultural, and societal, to name a few. Depending on the source of one’s research, more than half of our population believes in naturalistic evolution. Many Christians claim to be theistic evolutionists or evolutionary creationists. They believe God oversees or guides naturalistic processes which result in the production of novel species.

People who do not believe in naturalistic evolution are known as creationists. They believe living entities were originally produced when God, the Creator of All Things, spoke them into existence—ex nihilo—out of nothing. Likewise, in the beginning, God spoke all matter, energy, space, and time into existence ex nihilo—out of nothing.   

The term evolution has been mischaracterized. Our young people have been taught a form of evolution known as “molecules to man” evolution. This evolutionary doctrine has been defined by Charles Darwin as follows: “… probably all the organic beings which have ever lived on this earth have descended from one primordial form, into which life was first breathed.” Charles Darwin uttered this statement in 1859. Darwin sounded like a creationist when he used the phrase “…into which life was first breathed.” Darwin, however, believed in naturalistic evolution.

Molecules to Man evolution has been illustrated artistically by a persuasive “phylogenetic tree.” The tree has one trunk representing a simple one-celled life form. The many branches on this tree illustrate increasingly complex organisms. Separate branches are tipped with many diverse species of life. The artistic tree is sometimes called the TOL—the “tree of life” in evolutionary biology.

The concept that God created living things, ex nihilo, out of nothing, does not conform to evolutionary theory. In theological terms, God SPOKE living entities into existence. In contrast, evolutionary theory is a naturalistic, materialistic theory. Evolutionists claim the actions of a divine Creator of life are unnecessary. New species are produced naturalistically from previously existing matter according to evolutionary thinking.

A powerful creationist scripture verse is Psalm 139:14: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (NIV). The origin of life is a divine miracle.  The existence and functionality of living entities are also divine miracles. We rejoice in the miracle of life.  

Craters on Mars, Earth, and the Moon

 Our last two posts dealt with Earth’s Moon and Earth’s neighboring planet—Mars. We have not returned to the Moon in over fifty years since the NASA Apollo Program concluded in 1972. Currently, US residents have refocused on space travel with our Artemis program.

Scientists and laypeople are currently experiencing renewed interest in lunar and interplanetary travel. Earth’s Moon and Planet Mars have always provided fascination for Earth’s visionaries. The three Solar System objects referenced above possess many clues concerning the history of our universe. In particular, each of these bodies possesses craters produced when objects from outer space struck their surface. 

Earth’s Moon has been bombarded with millions of meteoroids. Many of the moon’s craters resulted from an astronomical event called the late heavy bombardment—a storm of meteoroids and comets striking the inner planets in early geologic eras about four billion years ago. Lunar craters have been preserved in the airless environment of the Moon. Planets possessing atmospheres such as Earth and Mars possess far fewer craters because they have experienced degradation from erosion.

One of the most famous meteor craters in the world is located in Arizona. It is named Meteor Crater or Barringer Crater. During a trip to the western states with a friend in 1962 we visited the site of Meteor Crater. I have vivid memories of approaching the site by automobile. I observed an uplifted ridge, typical of most impact craters. The bowl shaped crater is 3900 feet in diameter and 560 feet deep. Research at the meteor crater site has been ongoing for decades. Scientists have determined most of the matter in the meteorite was vaporized due to the high temperatures produced by the intense heat generated during the meteor’s fiery entry into Earth’s atmosphere at 29000 mph. Small fragments of the meteorite have been found in the surrounding region       but the meteorite, estimated to have been about 50 meters in diameter, is not buried within the crater.

Here are two past blogs recapturing our personal experience with a recent meteor from outer space:

https://jasscience.blogspot.com/2010/04/meteor-madness.html

https://jasscience.blogspot.com/2010/04/asteroid-ardor.html

By coincidence, there are current news reports of a large meteor flashing across the sky in Ohio and surrounding states as we write on 3/17/26. We take this opportunity to explain the differences among the terms meteor, meteorite, and meteoroid. The universe is filled with trillions of meteoroids—objects in outer space before they encounter a planet or satellite. Meteors are what we see flashing across the sky only to burn up in our atmosphere before reaching earth. Meteorites are pieces of space rock reaching the earth’s surface. They are valuable and in demand. 

The largest meteorite ever found on Planet Earth is the Hoba meteorite in Namibia (Africa). Scientists believe the iron/nickel meteorite fell to Earth roughly 80,000 years ago before the US Meteor Crater was formed about 50,000 years ago. It was not vaporized owing to its slower entry speed. The Hoba meteorite weighs about 66 tons.

Astrophysicists have scientifically determined the enormous age of our universe. Their findings concerning the age of objects in our universe or how long ago events occurred seem scientifically unassailable. Our timeless Creator is not subject to the timelines of creation events established by humans. The first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, is a rich repository of theological information:  “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

Declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)