Galaxy revealed in high-res

Gary P — Tue, 29 May 2007 21:16:34 GMT

Zoom in to the lower right corner of the image. What is that? Is it a supernova or a black hole with a single jet stream?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

steve smyth lynn ma — Tue, 29 May 2007 22:12:56 GMT

WOW!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

calady, SanFranciscoBayArea — Tue, 29 May 2007 23:18:25 GMT

WOW! Is right. Amazing isn't it.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chris Fitzpatrick — Tue, 29 May 2007 23:29:05 GMT

To think that we are alone is ludicrous. So many stars and so little info on other earthlike planets. Gotta raise some eyebrows.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

jessica alcala, las vegas,nevada — Tue, 29 May 2007 23:39:44 GMT

wow!! this page is cool and amazing they found another new galaxy! (again)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Doug — Tue, 29 May 2007 23:47:16 GMT

It is stunning. To me it looks like either a superposition of two galaxies, or a collision. The upper object looks a bit too regular to be involved in a collision, but without velocity data it is hard to say. The lower one looks like an edge-on spiral, like an Sc.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

jason smith — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:11:19 GMT

I wonder if there are any hot chicks on that planet?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Charles & Steph, Savannah, Ga — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:13:38 GMT

And to actually believe that we are alone; how selfish of us.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Gerry Findlan Oberlin OH — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:14:34 GMT

Wonderful pictures, thank you for sharing them. Hubble is truly one big success for NASA and our scientists. Hopefully it will be saved for many more years.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mark, MO — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:28:29 GMT

What if we ARE alone? Probability isn't a living force that emerges from nothingness. To say that there are so many stars and planets out there that one of them MUST contain life like ours, basing the statement on nothing more, is like saying that of all the grains of sand on all the beaches in the whole World, surely one of them MUST speak French.

Compared to what you're viewing here, your entire mentality is infinitesimal, and your whole lifetime is zip. The visible perspective of M81 from Earth hasn't even changed since history began. You'll be dust and long gone and forgotten by the time anyone ever does more than merely peer through a telescope at this. Your thoughts have no weight whatsoever. Enjoy the spectacle, because that's all there will ever be, for you.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chris Davis, NJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:37:33 GMT

Beautiful!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lew P. Benicia, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 00:51:45 GMT

And to think that every star in that picture could have planets revolving around it. The Universe is larger than the mind can grasp.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John J. Corbin, Fort Worth, Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:00:00 GMT

If each star in the galaxy is like a grain of sand, as astronomer Zezas states in the article, then the planets must be practically invisible. Should make an earthling feel pretty humble.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bryan Miles — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:18:42 GMT

You can not look at this and say there is no God.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

DaWayne Cleckley — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:27:03 GMT

100 billion stars in each galaxy, and a 100 billion galaxies. What if the original purpose for man was to terraform the earth, and then the universe? There has to be a God!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jim, Denver, Colorado — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:34:54 GMT

11.6 million light-years away, wonder what it really looks like now? Maybe, just maybe, something is living out there.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Brad Harris — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:45:11 GMT

Holy sh*t! Now that's detail.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Christopher Thunder Eagle — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:48:45 GMT

And alas, the mind's eye screams in horror & ecstasy as it views a room a thousand years wide.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Terry Avery, Port Orchard, WA — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:51:27 GMT

Mark from MO, You are obviously an optimist..............

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Keith — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:52:17 GMT

I've been there. No Big deal.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ken — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:55:12 GMT

They should have named it the "Humble Space Telescope"

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joseph Basile, Burrillville, RI — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:57:41 GMT

Whoa! Let me just say I downloaded the full res .jpeg (who needs a 700mb .tiff anyway?) and my computer got p*ssed at me! I opened it in windows picture viewer and kept zooming in until it couldn't zoom any more - each time maxxed out my CPU for about 30sec - then decided to hit the "actual size" button. And windows gave me the middle finger ("drawing failed").

Also, Mark from MO, wow that was harsh. I don't think anyone here really expects to make contact with anything living in this galaxy in any timeframe resembling their lifespan. But honestly, look out your window. See those trees? Grass? Birds? Do you honestly believe this is the only tiny place in all the seemingly infinite universe that anything remotely like that happens? Pretty arrogant thing to think if you ask me.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Eddie T St. Louis, Mo — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:04:10 GMT

I do, in fact, feel humbled by this, to think that the light we are seeing from it started ~11.6 million years ago, and has traveled all this way, it really makes one feel infinitesimal in the grand scheme of things.

I know we will never be able to see it up close, at least not in my lifetime, but to know it's there, and to think they could be there, looking at us, thinking the same things we are. It's absolutely amazing.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chris — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:06:02 GMT

After viewing this, many feel the need to cry out indignantly "To think we are alone is absurd!". Yet most people I know already assume we are not alone. My guess is that over 70% of population already believes in ET. So why the indignation?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Turo, San Francisco, Nayarit — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:22:46 GMT

It never ends...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

RUBEN, DALLAS, TEXAS — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:23:39 GMT

WOW! I WISH I HAD THE MONEY TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND GET INTO THIS FIELD. IT IS AMAZING.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chuck Johnston, Ainsworth, Nebraska — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:23:53 GMT

Isn't Lindsey Lohan from this galaxy?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mel B., Dothan, AL — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:26:57 GMT

After viewing this picture, to say and think that there is no other life out there, that we are alone, is truly man's own arrogance.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jerry Grady, Canton, MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:27:27 GMT

It is amazing what God can do is it not.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alex,canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:33:03 GMT

i wonder how many hours Hubble spent to take the picture of this resolution?. Space is an inspiration for all human kind who is fighting with themself for trivial religious beliefs.

We need bigger and better telescope. Why not put another space telescope far from earth so the moon and sun light won't interfere?.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Paul Luna, Santa Clarita. CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:53:14 GMT

".. and the heavens declare His GLORY."

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Fred,USA — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:07:04 GMT

Mark--Really enjoyed YOUR comparison and views on probability of life--YOUR understanding of the Laws of Physics and Calculus would serve me well in a game of chance, such as Poker--YOUR usage of the terms 'YOU','YOUR',and 'YOU'RE' in YOUR post seethed of arrogance and self-importance--A supreme intellect--If mankind were to accept YOUR ideas, WE would be living in caves and writing on animal skins while we worshipped the gods of our ancestors--WE may well be the center of our universe, but then we would be only that 'grain of sand which spoke French'--

Galaxy revealed in high-res

keith, Hawaii — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:21:45 GMT

So I was speaking in french to this grain of sand the other day...Mark, you take yourself way too seriously...Where's the first train outta this planet!!! Thank God, and whomever else cares that there are actually people left on this world that care to build and reach for the stars (and deep oceans!)...Thank You for your passion and pioneering effort for the sake of humanity.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mike, Willingboro NJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:30:43 GMT

Whats so stunning about these pictures of M81, M82 andromeda and the like is that it makes our issues on this grain of sand we live on so insignificant it makes the answers to our problems here simple. If we would just see ourselves for we we really are everything could be great on earth. We are nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joel, Gilmer, TEXAS — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:36:58 GMT

Man, that is really beautiful. HE certainly is wiser than we are. I have enjoyed reading all of the different viewpoints, even the non-christians. No big deal. Everyone will be judged by HE who is higher than anyone on this planet, and anywhere else in the universe for that matter. GO HUBBLE!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Todd, Tallahassee, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:44:01 GMT

An AMAZING picture which in no way makes me believe in god.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Des Emery, St, Thomas, ON,Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:55:22 GMT

We look up and see the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon above us. Imagine Earth circling one of those stars, and then look up and see creation happening before our eyes, filling our minds with glory.

Life, our life, is a matter of natural consequence, a part of universal existence. But we can still be alone, and destined to fill that universe with ourselves. I see my sons and daughters in extension to the farthest suns...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Steve The Great--Newhall, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:03:09 GMT

That's not so killer. I see stars exactly like that every time I BUMP MY HEAD!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Phil, living in reality — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:05:10 GMT

Some of the religious comments crack me up. These pictures are proof that there are other galaxies. That does not mean this is proof that an existential being (what you call God) exists. Wake up and smell the coffee.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

W, Tx — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:06:59 GMT

dont insert religious BS.....please....

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Danial — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:26:18 GMT

We are not alone.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Cral Hilton Jones — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:40:36 GMT

Actually, the Milky Way is now thought to be a barred spiral. See http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap050825.html

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chuck Jason, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:49:22 GMT

The Hubble! What an awesome machine! Just another stunning photo! Thanks to all those responsible for this wonderful shot of the Bode's Galaxy. Nice job.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Legan, Covina CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 04:58:15 GMT

It is an incredible picture, very humbling indeed.

Although, I dont see the 'made by god' sign. It figures that some people always will see what is not there.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

yourdaddy45. Lemoore, Ca. — Wed, 30 May 2007 05:00:36 GMT

alex....a better and bigger space telescope is being built as we read these blogs...it will be sent out much farther than the earth-moon distance, about 1 million miles from earth. as i understand, we are talking about 2012 or so to have it operational. it will make this photo look like it was made with a prize from a cracker jack box.....and paul, well said!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alan Rice,Santa Ana, California — Wed, 30 May 2007 05:21:21 GMT

Are we alone? Yes and No. All of the comments re M81/hubble high res photo are relevant. (I wouldn't want to speculate on the "great chicks possibility" comment but consider this cosmic philosophers and scientists: Is this a high resolution image of M81 or is it actually a high resolution image of The Milkey Way Galaxy (at another point in time--say a few billion years ago)? (Hint: To determine whether this harebrained theory is actually correct or not, make a three dimensional model of the photo in virtual reality and find the point in the M81 galaxy model, where from this point, our constellations (as they appeared to Earth a few billion years ago), are visable in M81, as they were to Us a few billion years ago, here(If we were around to view them then). A method of thinking called "antilogic" would suggest that this theory (M81 is The Milkey Way) is actually true.I respectfully invite all of you to chew on this. Bon appetit! (How do you spell "appetit"??)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jeb, Kalispell, MT — Wed, 30 May 2007 05:27:58 GMT

This picture reminds me of a poem with some of the words as follows: "...this world's a room so small within the Master's house, the open sky but a portion of His yard..."

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Dingo — Wed, 30 May 2007 05:50:38 GMT

Physics is our god.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Wed, 30 May 2007 12:56:52 GMT

In relative terms, our solar system must be the size of an amoeba magnified under a microscope. It's hard to fathom that all the known laws of physics describe why and how such collosal structures exist. Recently however, it has been shown that galaxies don't actually conform exactly to Newton's law of Gravitation. There seems to be something else at play.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Wed, 30 May 2007 12:56:52 GMT

Galaxy revealed in high-res

ALGON - Dallas,TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 13:43:26 GMT

I've looked at M81 thru my telescope in my driveway but this picture is awesome. Remember the universe is 13.7 billion years old. The light from some of the objects originated when the dinosaurs were roaming out planet or older is amazing. Astronomy is very humbling hobby for me. When you are talking about distance measured in light years is amazing. Light travels at 186k miles/sec will give you an idea the vastness of the universe!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

jb - USA — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:20:16 GMT

"To say that there are so many stars and planets out there that one of them MUST contain life like ours, basing the statement on nothing more, is like saying that of all the grains of sand on all the beaches in the whole World, surely one of them MUST speak French."

[...] Poor Mark can't quite manage to find like things to compare. If he had that first French-speaking grain of sand, then maybe he could reasonably expect to find another, simply playing the odds. But unless you have that first Francophile grain of sand, there's not necessarily any reason to expect to find one.

We have the first world with life. Laying down your money the existence of another (whether or not the life is like that on Earth) is simply a smart bet considering the odds.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

SS from NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:24:19 GMT

What's really amazing is scrolling around the high res picture seeing hundreds of other galaxies in the background of all shapes and sizes - "worlds without end". Whether you believe in a Creator or not we can all agree the Universe is truly astounding. We're a blip on the cosmic radar screen, but we are an intelligent blip able to wonder and marvel at the mysteries of life.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

tom, los angeles, ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:49:35 GMT

God is so creative....spectacular pics.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Juan Montemayor, Weslaco, Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:52:18 GMT

In a time that we are all in a hurry, this is breath taking and shows just how small we are in a large universe.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Patricia — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:52:48 GMT

This is absolutely beautiful. I would not be surprised to find life on one of the planets.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

average joe, u.s. — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:54:19 GMT

how many tax dollars were spent on this? is this where bush think's al-qaeda's hq is? but an awesome visual image nonetheless.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

bob saget, Bronx, New York — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:54:41 GMT

wow this is quite intriguing

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Danny Englestrom, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:55:24 GMT

Yes yes, very interesting. You know the moon is made of cheese. Why isnt anyone discussing that?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

J Morgan Fort Worth, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:55:51 GMT

Stopped reading after the comment about grains of sand speaking French. I know of at least one planet that has people. I don't know of any grains of sand that speak french. I think it is far more likely to find life on another planet than to find a grain of sand that speaks french...don't you? My apologies if I repeated something someone said after that reply.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Саша, Киев — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:55:58 GMT

Класс!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Butch Bauer / Dallas — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:56:52 GMT

Way to go NASA, When does the next shuttle leave for this galaxy?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

bob leonard, costa mesa, california — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:57:08 GMT

I'd like to tell Bryan that i certainly can look at this photo and say.."there is no god"....why would anyone see a supernatural diety lurking in the universe when looking at this fine photograph....if man finds god anywhere it is in the dark regions of his own mind.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Michele, Denver, CO — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:58:09 GMT

Images like this inspire, give hope, raise questions and stoke curiosities. How wonderful to live in a time that speaks loudly of possibilities and dares me to dream. I may not live long enough to see humans travel to such stars-but there is NOTHING to stop me from imagining it. Keep reaching, keep dreaming: to hope is to live!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lauren Smith,Ilkeston,derbyshire — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:59:24 GMT

well i think it's ok

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lauren Smith,Ilkeston,derbyshire — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:59:48 GMT

wow!!!!!!!!!!cool

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alice, Roseville,MN — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:59:49 GMT

I wish I could go out to every single system and explore them; see what life out there looks like and how it differs from us. "Wah!" I wanna go Now!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mary Ann Meehan — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:00:15 GMT

I know that scientist and machine engineers are uncovering the mysteries on how God created the Universe. It is such a great pleasure to see such beauty! The hubble telescope is going where no Man, Woman or the world has gone before. Bravo!!!!!! I think M81 and other galaxies are like one big world and moving and devouring and colliding together to become one huge magnificence super world!!!:)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kevin Toon, Oak Ridge, Tennessee — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:00:29 GMT

Although interesting, this type of research does nothing for ourselves. We need to keep better care of our people. Look at all the violence confronting us. The planet earth will survive well beyond the phase of human beings.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Yanh — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:00:52 GMT

Hey this picture is just divine. NASA has done a great job here. Hubble Space Telescope should stay in orbit forever because it will really help humans to explore a minute section of the universe. Can help when aliens are invading!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bob McCaffery, Lexington, NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:01:07 GMT

Words are inadequate when I see such pictures of our universe. I feel so small, but a part of something great. Only the LORD could think this one up.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lauren Smith,Ilkeston,derbyshire — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:01:21 GMT

wow

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Karl, Bellingham, Washington — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:01:26 GMT

I love Space, I was gazing up at the moon last night it was full and really big not a cloud in the sky. I often browse the internet for pictures of galaxies and stars planets and such. I love it! Keep them coming!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Blaise, Washington, DC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:02:30 GMT

I wonder if they have internet.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

MIKE,CINCINNATI,OH — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:02:33 GMT

AND IN THE CENTER IS A SUPER MASIVE BLACKHOLE

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Daylo from USA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:02:40 GMT

Only the fool in his heart says there is no God. My word, stop and think about this. This is what God has planned for us! To spend eternity exploring! Mark from Mo you sound dejected! Do not be! You will see this and much more (has not entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who believe in him)if you are born again!

How can man be so arrogant as to believe that we (thinking, emotional, intricate and very complex human beings who are able to reason and think and build and go to the moon, visit planets with unbelievable technology) are an accident of evolution? IMPOSSIBLE! We are not accidents. God created us!

Wake up! This is a glimpse that God has allowed us to see in our future! God allowed men to see this. Without God you cannot take your next breath. It's truly beautiful and the beauty is only beginning.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

dennis, Vancouver Wash. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:02:53 GMT

How can anyone think that we are really the only intellegent lifeforms in this massive galaxy of ours?also, Why is there air?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lorrie Hopkins, Ky — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:03:09 GMT

MY God is an awesome God!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Charles — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:03:26 GMT

Mark, A cheery thought, however... As little as our small minds comprehend is the smallness of possibilities. I wouldn't be so arrogant as to assume either way. Yet, think of it, the delicate and imperfect species that we are, how much more possible it is for the existence of creatures more evolved. Tell me, Mark, what do you think the deep-sea world has to say about the possibility of us?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sofia, Yerevan, Armenia — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:03:53 GMT

If space is such a magnificient place, I will not spare my life to observe it.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lorrie Moore Hopkins, Ky — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:04:34 GMT

MY God is an awesome God! We live by Faith!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Roy, Cedar Park, Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:04:46 GMT

It is better to believe in GOD and DIE to find out there isn't a GOD, Than to not believe in GOD and DIE to find out there is a GOD. Great Picture!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

elizabeth, amherst, ohio — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:04:49 GMT

The images are absolutely amazing! How incredibly beautiful! For the Believers out there, "He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names."

Galaxy revealed in high-res

ryan willis, oakville, antartica — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:04:55 GMT

this is truly amazing it makes me whant to cry never have i been so amazed

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Hector Flechas, Bogotá, Colombia — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:05:11 GMT

Esto es fantastico, increible lo que podemos lograr con estos telescopios.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jesse D., Baltimore, MD — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:06:29 GMT

Probability of a grain of sand speaking French? Based on what we presently know, infinitesimal. But, if you happened to find ONE grain of sand that spoke French, I'd say that the odds that there is another one out there on some beach is likely much greater.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

badgasman9 — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:06:34 GMT

god no god how about we acpet the reality that we are simply like our early ancestors speculating that what comprises the physics to be no more ignorant than early days where the earth was the center of our universe.

1 black holes only exist in theory

2 a picture can be interpreted in many ways.

3 our math and physic have only reach a level which has only granted us the ability to destory ourselves. Not reach beyond to answer greater questions that exist.

I am so tired of mit / cal state grads telling us what the universe is. The universe is a giant enigma that our lives will never have answers to and hopefully if we survive ourselves future generations will answer. Thanx for the great picture.

Badgasman9~

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Laura Neufeld, Winnipeg, Manitoba — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:06:39 GMT

The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far. The sciences, each straining in its own direction, have hitherto harmed us little; but some day the piecing together of dissociated knowledge will open up such terrifying vistas of reality, and of our frightful position therein, that we shall either go mad from the revelation or flee from the light into the peace and safety of a new dark age. H.P. Lovecraft

Galaxy revealed in high-res

K.J., NY, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:06:47 GMT

"You're looking into God's jewel box," as someone else once said.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Adam D. Theon — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:07:00 GMT

The Word of Almighty One in more details! WOW!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

GERLADINE, MIAMI, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:07:02 GMT

I'VE ALWAYS WONDER HOW CAN THEY INVENT SOMETHING TO SEE SO FAR FAR AWAY AND YET NOT BEEN ABLE TO SEE THE DEEPEST VERY BOTTON OF THE SEA

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Janine Jacksonville Fl — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:07:07 GMT

maybe we are the aliens....such an awsome sight

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lol — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:07:27 GMT

Has anyone else noticed that no women replied?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Andy, Tucson Az — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:07:28 GMT

And to think, God created all of this and yet He loves us.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Crissy - Memphis, TN — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:07:33 GMT

I think this photo is beautiful, It doesn't make me believe in God - I ALREADY DO!!! It amazes me how insulting some people can be. Christians are not trying to make you believe anything. Forums are to write your opinion. No reason to insult anyone.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Teddy; Boca Raton, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:07:44 GMT

You don't need a telescope to know there's a GOD. Just look at your children. You don't need a telescope to know you're not alone. Just look across the table. Seem simple minded? It is...but it's absolute truth. The Hubble is amazing and is helping scientist (the people that are qualified..sorry Mo) understand the universe. It's up to us to believe or not believe that there's a God or that we're not alone. That's our individual choice. your choice, your voice.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Thomas Gately; St. Louis, MO — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:04 GMT

Blackholes represent the death of the universe. The glowing white center of the galaxy pictured represents matter as it heats up and falls over the event horizon as it is being torn apart by tremendous gravitational forces.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joe C. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:08 GMT

Looks like a Supernova, Gary. Black holes aren't that visible, unless surrounded by a star cluster.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Samuel Papendick, Leeds, Pudsey — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:22 GMT

I don't think God made this...one reason to wipe God out of our...beliefs, if God made us in 'His' own image, wouldn't he need to breathe air too? If so, wouldn't He be in one of the galaxies and not "Heaven", because as far as we know, all that exists is the universe and before the universe, there was nothing...at all, so God does not exist. Simple. The galaxies were made by very large explosions, not God. And, I think that God would let us live in Heaven anyway, not Earth, because if you actually read the Bible, he made the Devil, he was an angel with free will, Mr. Devil chose to do something nasty and then God sent him to Hell, if God wanted to create us, he would have made us in Heaven given us no free will and we would all be stuck in a pink cloudy place with lots of fluffy bunnies and a bearded 'before-the-universe-started' old man abusing his powers, does that sound like the reasonable God? No? Did I make a valid point, so are you all going to shut up how marvellous God is for making it, because you know he didn't?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mike McCulley — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:29 GMT

Either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Either way is awesome.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

RG — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:32 GMT

No moon landing, Oswald was a lone gunman,there is no M81! air brushed, photo shop, I'm not sure which. Govt propoganda!It is nice to look at though! We can't even figure out how to run our planet on anything but fossil fuel! Wake up! do you believe in 900lb boars also?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ebdis Nebulis — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:35 GMT

I remember when this photo was only about a galaxy.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

blueman, chicago — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:50 GMT

Looking at this picture, I remembered these verses from the Holy Quran (Muslims consider the Torah and the Bible holy as well). Therefore, praise the name of thy Lord, the Tremendous. Nay, I swear by the places of the stars - And lo! that verily is a tremendous oath, if ye but knew That (this) is indeed a noble Qur'an In a Book kept hidden Which none toucheth save the purified, A revelation from the Lord of the Worlds. Chapter 56, verses 74-80, in the Qur'an -- translated by Marmaduke Pickthall

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Seth, Iowa City, IA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:51 GMT

I believe in god. Not necessarily as a man or person who judges us or expects us to follow rules, but as an infinite being that transends time, space, and form.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Zaid Mohamed, Toronto Ontario, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:08:56 GMT

I think that we human's are not alone in the Universe. What I think is that there is human life out there somewhere and also there might be Dinasours on other planets aswell. I just put this in a nut shell to make it short.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jack, Rhode Island — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:09:10 GMT

I respect your need for faith.....it just has no place in science.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Carmen Mojica, Puerto Rico — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:09:21 GMT

Its breath taking to know that we can only visualize approximately 5 percent of the galaxies...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kermit Columbus OHIO — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:09:24 GMT

The beauty of this photograph goes beyond human comprehension and speaks that higher forms of life exist. If we are unable to discover this life, we must wait for it to be revealed to us.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bill Chesshire, Brookeville MD — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:09:27 GMT

Who said the Hubble was a waste of money?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Paul V. Battaglia — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:09:33 GMT

Alpha & Omega, past-present-future simultaneously where "time" is but a word.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Wilson, MA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:10:05 GMT

Where do these people come from (Mark from MO and others like him. Thank god HE gave us free will and the intelligence to explore and discover otherwise we would still be in the middle ages thinking the world is flat, that the spirits punish us for what our fathers did and all those wonderful things that make our history.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

RAVINDRANATH — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:10:06 GMT

Fantastic.....we are not ALONE for sure !!!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mike G., Wellington, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:10:26 GMT

I think Lindsay Lohan is from either the Colt45 Galaxy or the Seagrams7. I can never keep it straight. Also, to quote Carl Segan, looking at this image, "if we are alone, it seems like an awful waste of space".

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jon, Redding,Ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:10:33 GMT

It is amazing that people find it hard to believe in God the grand master designer which we are all wowed by. Instead we want to believe in other life out there. Either way both needs faith and you cannot say believing in God is irrelevant and turn around and say there must be life out there. get a clue people and realize life and our environment is too complex to result from nothing.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Clay Martinek — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:11:17 GMT

It turns out that we are not the center of the universe. IT is so large, I look at the Hubble Photos and makes me wonder about the infinite possibilities that are out there and how arogant we are to think that we are alone or that we have all the answers. It is really the Humble telescope.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

C.L.O., Cabot Arkansas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:11:38 GMT

Ok then, how about you explain how all the galaxies came out of nothing. It is like saying a tornado swept through a junkyard, assembling a Boeing 747 ready for take off. There is no freaking way that all of this is here by accident. There has to be a divine creator who made all of this. God is real, deal with it. He created all of this, knew exactly what he was doing. How can you say that we are an accident, that the universe was made in happenstance? There is no proof of evolution. Even the great scientists of long ago believed there was a divine creator who made all of us. Isaac Newton, Robert Boyle, Louis Pasteur, and many other founding fathers of science believe that there is a God out there. There is no denying it. Even the laws of thermodynamics are proof against it. Everything goes from order to disorder, thus prooving that all of the universe was not made by some huge explosion. What ignited the explosion anyway. There was no spark to ignite the gases in space. Who are you to say that life came from non-living material. Were you there to record it? NO!! Sure, I believe in the Big Bang theory... God said "Let there be light!" and BANG there it was!!!!! And when God was finished with His creation, he had man write an account on His behalf, to tell the story of his might and power to future generations. That is what I believe. It takes faith, to believe in both God and evolution, but it is easier to believe that a supernatural, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, indescribable, uncontainable, untameable, unchanging God spoke the world into existance. That is my belief, and there is no way in Heaven, Earth, or Hell that you can change my ming about that.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Scarab — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:11:42 GMT

Every thought projected, every image made, every dream imagined our view of the world in all it's glory has now expanded beyond our own ground. We see now the possibilities. Ability is what we can achieve and with that the results are spectacular! ...I can only say glory to the Creator for we have seen his work!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Thomas Pereira, Camp Pendleton, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:11:52 GMT

Who cares if a God exists or not? The fact of the matter is these images display something bigger than ourselves. It isn't about what we know and could possibly achieve, it's about what we don't know. In the past, people were killed and attacked for not believing in a certain religion, or for speaking against a cruel leader. "Brilliant" minds of the past saw the stars and viewed them as miracles. Those minds of the past could only dream to have the knowledge EVERYONE has today. Now, just as those minds of the past saw wonders around them, images like this explain there are still wonders. There are still things we can't hope to understand or recreate with our current level of knowledge. It isn't about God or the lack thereof; it's about science. It's about knowledge. It's about looking 1,000 years down the road, and dreaming to know what that society knows - and only with our dreams will those people 1,000 years in the future realize them.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Richard Alonso Rodriguez, San Juan Puerto Rico — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:12:11 GMT

Los cientificos estudian y descubren la grandesa del espacio para hacerse aun mas preguntas. Nos maravillan con sus descubrimientos de galaxias y hoyos negros. Ese mismo misterio es el principio que existe en todos los atomos del universo. Por lo tanto una galaxia y un atomo tiene el mismo principio. Richard Alonso Rodriguez

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Thattune, Norwich — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:12:59 GMT

It's funny how people can look at something so beautiful and be convinced that we are not alone in the universe. Yet at the same time not be convinced that something so magnificent could only be designed by a wonderful and loving mind.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chris Byrd Charlotte North carolina — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:13:16 GMT

Space...The Final Frontier..These are the Voyages of the Starship Enterprise...Well thats the only thing that comes to mind right away..Most of us grew up watching either the show or the movies but nothing on TV can do the true beauty of the Universe justice like photos like these,and on another note it would be statisticly impossible for there not to be other earthlike planets that do support life out there

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Francis, Wildomar, Ca. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:13:17 GMT

As Carl Sagan once said: "Galaxies are beautifully exquisite structures" As you can all see the cosmos is truely a wonderous thing that were just beginning to understand. I just hope our species is around long enough to unlock its secrets.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

KIMALYN — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:13:27 GMT

OMG THAT WILL BE SO COOL IF LIFE IS FOUND IN THIS GALAXY CUZ I DON'T BELIEVE THAT "WE" ARE "ALONE"

Galaxy revealed in high-res

eric — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:13:40 GMT

ahh the universe is a beautiful. truly the way things were meant to be. this dilluded planet too easily pulls distractions over our eyes to prevent us from seeing what existance is really about.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Eric, Yardley, PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:13:47 GMT

I'm more inclined to state that this picture disproves the necessity of God. It simply shows how insignificant we are and shows a snapshot of the true 'big picture'

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Daniel Moore, Lewisville, North Carolina — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:13:55 GMT

WOW!!!! people have to be crazy to believe that a "big bang" could have made that!!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lauren Lovingstone, Virginia Beach, VA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:14:16 GMT

Wow Physiscs definately not our God, lol. Very amazing though I do wonder what the future years may bring us.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Diana, Missouri — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:15:22 GMT

I'm from Missouri, the Show-Me State. I guess the Hubble showed me! I do seem to have a problem however, when it comes to comprehending the light-year stuff. Needless to say I was not a very good science student. As for you people who are so against the probability of there being a God, I suppose its just as probable as there being life somewhere else in our universe(s). Maybe there is, and then again, maybe there isn't a God or life on other planets. Remember, I'm from the Show-Me State you have to show-me. At this point in time, I would have to say only God knows the truth.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

David Burkhead — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:15:24 GMT

It must take great faith to believe that all we see and discover is just happenstance. I see the hand of God everywhere, especially today. He numbered the stars and calls them each by name. WOW! What a great God I serve.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Buddy McCloskey Pipersville, PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:16:26 GMT

Hi you all - amazing as that is, all those tiny blured bright dots are multiple suns like ours, with possible planets like our solar system. The're may have been other life forms out there but let's be ridiculous because we only have human minds. Suppose that only earth is the last testing place and God is using us before his great plan goes on. As immense as this is, no humans like us!! Unless God himself has another plan, we'll stick to this one. Can prove by permutations and probabilities that random chance can't duplicate us. If other life forms are there, God created them. Why didn't they contact us? He wouldn't allow his children to be molested by foerign forms. Talk about illegeal immigration? Are they too lowly? We are promised a new body by Jesus Christ so we can visit these places and see this for yourself. Yea, it's possible that we are it on earth - won't we feel ridiculous if that is the truth? I rather be called ridiculous now rather than later. God does promise a new heaven and a new earth. That's a snap for him. There is more to these other life forms that haven't been told - surprise, there on earth here but where???? Buddy

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bob — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:16:33 GMT

Interesting point: The Holy Bible is scientifically correct in comparing the number of stars in the heavens to the billions of grains of sand on the seashore... Jehovah God told Abraham: “I shall surely multiply your seed like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand that are on the seashore.” (Genesis 22:17, written by Moses 4500 years ago!!!)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kris, Deltona Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:16:41 GMT

To Mark from MO: I do not know about sand SPEAKING French, but to think that the same type of sand we walk on in Florida might also EXIST on the shores of France certainly is conceivable. And although I may never walk the beaches in France, it sure is fun to dream about! Talk about being mentally infinitesimal!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jason, VA. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:16:56 GMT

It's truely amazing what NATURE can do eh? Please do leave religious BS out of this. Wars over religion are what is stopping humanity from uniting and doing what we should be, reaching out to those stars. (I could rant more about that but will stop now) Better and clearer pictures like this really makes one desire to be able to work together, to create the technology to be able to see those stars (a la star wars/star trek ships). Its such a beautiful place out there.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Erica Aponte, Kings Mountain, NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:17:35 GMT

I thank God for His awesome beauty!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Holli, MS — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:18:43 GMT

The pictures are beautiful. For those making fun of religious comments, too bad. We who ARE religious LOVE God and know that He is the only way these beautiful and magnificent things are created. "God created the heavens and the Earth". Take a look at the Bible if you want to see something really amazing!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ahmed,cairo,Egypt. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:18:49 GMT

This the first outer galaxy I have ever seen in my life and I hope to see more specifying picture with some amazing explanation about how it could be like there(temperature,pressure,.....)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Brook Trout Seattle, WA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:06 GMT

I see this as proof god doesn't exist. All hail science.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bishop,Chicago, IL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:08 GMT

Alan, you just blew my mind. The idea that we could actually be looking at ourselves from 11.6 million years ago is fascinating.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bonnie, Savannah, GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:13 GMT

I don't see how anyone can see these pictures and not believe there is a God!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Paul from SC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:23 GMT

I wonder about both the people who see the hand of God in these *stunning* images and those that claim -without a hint of proof- that there is NO God. I guess that's why I'm agnostic. It does make you feel small in comparison, but the AWE and WONDER of it all is just SO beautiful that you have to gasp and stand humbled by this astonishing universe we live in. Now, lets get busy and start building those WARP DRIVES!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Judy, Dallas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:37 GMT

"What is man that THOU are mindful of him?"

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chris mankey — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:46 GMT

"You can not look at this and say there is no God." I think that this is proof that God is an idiotic idea compared to the majesty of the REAL WORLD!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

R.L. MILLER — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:49 GMT

CARL SAGAN IS DEFINITELY SMILING!!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

doc, centereach, ny 11720 — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:19:59 GMT

how long is 1 light year in earth terms.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Terri, Cary, NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:20:07 GMT

Keith, you seem familiar . . . was it the M81 summer of 2005? Or 2004?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Gary Johnson, Gaines, MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:20:11 GMT

Looking at all those stars makes me think there are also a zillion gods.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

den — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:20:17 GMT

the universe is a grand spectacle..who knows if there is life out there in the universe? i doubt we will ever find out. and for all you science is your god buffs. the probability of our own universe, not to mention the many many other alternate universes, if you believe in the Super universe constantly spitting out random universes with thier own laws of physics, the chances of spontaneous life w/o the help of some supernatural being is pretty infinetly miniscule. even with all the stars and all the many universes out there.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Michela Rose, Folsom CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:20:30 GMT

Whatever you believe, can you image if the inhabitants of earth actually tried working together instead of waging war? Instead of destroying the nucleus of our galaxy, shouldn't the focus be preserving this for light years to come? It's an inconvenient truth.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Greg Helseth — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:21:42 GMT

WOW! and I don't mean World of Warcraft...... This is great detail and that image in the bottom right is AMAZING.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chad C. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:22:30 GMT

I can't get any work done with this image as my desktop background! So many stars with so many planets... and don't forget about the moons!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Al — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:22:43 GMT

I am imagining a creature at galaxy m81 is looking at our galaxy, what he can see is the same as we do! The stars are as small as sands, earth could only be seen years from now when their scientests improve and modify the telescope. The question lies here,where are human beings from this? oh my god, how tiny and small we are!!???

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Nando, N. Bergen, NJ — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:22:53 GMT

Can something like these come from nothing? Just like anything that existed on this planet(Earth). Surely, someone out of this world had fun creating them. Could they be- God and his Son.....? If my son would do this type of project? I would do it along with him and I think it would be a fun project. Hhhmmmmmm......

Galaxy revealed in high-res

CV — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:22:55 GMT

Why is it that everyone is so interested in discovering 'interstellar' neighbors when they don't even have time for their neighbor next door?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mary, Fleetwood, Pa. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:22:59 GMT

makes you realize how small and insignificant we really are.............

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Byrne Lambkin, Pensacola, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:23:31 GMT

You can't look at this and say you really understand God.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Deanie Byer — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:23:34 GMT

God or not Mike from Willingboro, NJ has it figured out.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Stacy, Sheboygan, WI — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:23:51 GMT

It is stunning to look at, but mysterious to think of all the amazing possibilities that exist within other galaxies.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

patrick p ...rhode island — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:23:52 GMT

that's such a mind bending picture,it just makes you think if there's any waterfront property?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Big Moe, Buffalo, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:23:55 GMT

It's amazing how a site such as this one, as AMAZING as it is, where we can't help but be in awe, can at the same time cause such rudeness and hostility among us. But that's freedom of speech, right? Some say there's a God, some say there isn't. Some say there's other life forms out there, some say there aren't any. Without letting any of the SCI-fi movies influence you in any way, just take a good look at what's out there. If possible study it, and be real about the whole thing. And ask yourselves, how in the heck did all this came to be? How is it that there is so much out there and we are priviledged to not only know about it but to be right in the middle of it contemplating the whole thing. If you're honest with yourselves you'll find out the truth about the whole thing. It is what it is and there's nothing anyone could do the change it. At the meantime, enjoy the show.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jessica H., Moses Lake, WA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:23:59 GMT

With all the closemindedness we have on this planet and comment section, it's refreshing to know there are much more intellegent beings who will be able to appreciate and explore what our ignorance can barely grasp.This is an amazing discovery.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Matt, berkeley, ca. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:24:20 GMT

Thats It!! Now I remember where I saw something similar to that pic. An acid party

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Maggie,NY,United State — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:24:28 GMT

This is so cool. I wish I could be there.It is very great.I hope you had a great time.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

samantha reyes, tucson, arizona — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:24:48 GMT

its very cool!!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Michael, Missouri — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:24:59 GMT

I am so selfish... I want to go everywhere and see everything in the universe. My kingdom for warpdrive and immortality!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alicia Casillas,Yucaipa,California — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:10 GMT

That is the most beautiful thing i've ever seen.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Oz . Slough UK — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:17 GMT

It increases our curiosity for the day when we come to know about plants like earth.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Doris Rain, Duffield, Alberta — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:20 GMT

Well, I, myself, am so glad to view this spectacular view from the human scientific invention of the telescope. God is so wonderful! I just feel so thankful to see one of His many wonders! Thank you Lord!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John Henderson, New Mexico — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:20 GMT

Isn't It amazing how God created it all??!!! Such detail. WOW wouldnt it be great to have a guy that created everything on your side!!!!!!!!! Think what power would come your way! Just goes to show this couldnt have just happened by "chance"

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kash — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:30 GMT

To know that we are alone, and God made all this for us. Wow, what a grace.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Angelo — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:41 GMT

Truly awe-inspiring but there are many more like these out there in the vastness of space. We havn't scratched the surface yet.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Johann H. Watty, W. Palm Beach, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:45 GMT

The one thing I have discovered that is truly infinite is mankind's ego: to think that we are alone and subject to a doting god.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Carol Stedman,Newport, Oregon — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:57 GMT

It is truly awesome, whether you believe in God or not.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

SMOG — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:25:58 GMT

To bryan miles: of course you can and right on Keith from Hawaii.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Erica, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:09 GMT

Wouldn't it be great if we Earthlings could all get along as a team and pool our resources to get out there and explore the universe together instead of fighting with one another all the time?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Matt Tanner, Redwood City, California — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:34 GMT

The moment we find out another life elsewhere, it would be THE DISCOVERY ever. Imagine somewhere else a different type of evolution. That's got to be the most exiting.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jennah, Florence OR — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:35 GMT

That is amazing the view of M81 completely incredible! Thank goodness for Hubble!!! I love our space program's.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

RALPH NEW YORK NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:43 GMT

all of you guys have good insight on all this ,but what it all comes down to is GOD THE CREATOR. you can peer through all your telescopes and converse with all the scientist in the world but if you truly want the answer to all this and more stop looking to man for answers and look to GOD.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Frank Vlossak, Clinton, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:45 GMT

If we are not alone - WOW - that would be tremendously exciting! If we are alone - WOW - All that out there is ours!!!!! Frank

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Malaysia — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:53 GMT

The universe is so unimaginably big that there has to be creatures out there even if our existence is derived from random physical events.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

jen — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:55 GMT

Isn't reality(the universe) more impressive than the fairytale(god?) Alas, for some, I suppose it is not. I am always AMAZED by these images--TRULY ispiring!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mary Hollywood Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:26:56 GMT

An amazing picture it make me belive in God...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

j webb, oelwein, iowa — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:08 GMT

god or no god... it is what it is regardless. and life or no life??? same thing... I would however prefer to look for life (french speaking or otherwise) in other systems rather than at the beach. The beach is to easily quantifiable and stifles my creativity... ; )

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Tim, Mint City Michigan — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:10 GMT

Alan Rice: That theory has one major flaw... you are suggesting that the galaxy is traveling faster than the speed of light...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John Henderson, New Mexico — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:20 GMT

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jim Columbus, OH — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:20 GMT

With all that out there, why can't we learn to live together in peace on this grain of sand we call earth?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Hank — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:23 GMT

Is there life out there or not? With the almost infinite possibilities it almost seems silly to think this is the only planet that ever has or ever will have life. The real question is how likely is it there is another planet with life on it during the same brief moment Earth carries life.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

shakirullah (shak) sanaye — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:26 GMT

is there any way i may purchase pictures of our galaxy and other galaxies for my comercial website islam can help.com...if i can please tell me the prices and the available pictures to choose from....i would like to use the pictures for my logo and other intro on my website. thank you

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Gary Frantz, Scottsdale,AZ — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:36 GMT

God created physics, too!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

M. Peterson — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:27:50 GMT

If you clearly understand the principles of physics and evolution, there is no need to invoke the "God Hypothesis" to explain such amazing occurrences as the M81 galaxy or even our own existence. What's really mind boggling is that this is only one of billions of other galaxies that are out there. What are the chances? Of course, they're not all as photogenic, but I think I detect a pattern similar to Lindsay Lohan's freckles...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

RALPH NEW YORK NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:28:01 GMT

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Vix Stanton — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:29:15 GMT

I can't look at this picture and say there's no god? Easy. I've looked at this picture and said there is no god. You're not giving physics enough credit. No god did this - they did it on their own. Don't give credit where credit is not due, y'alls. Even a kid like me can understand this.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Clark Warden, Searcy, Arkansas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:29:17 GMT

"Fascinating".

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Cisco, Albuquerque, NM — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:29:19 GMT

I wonder with so much information about the "heavens" constellations...How many TV evangelist are out there scamming "belivers". Alleluya..physics is our god...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Andrew Scott, Stuart, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:29:30 GMT

A truly amazing shot, pretty pathetic that we humans manage to get in arguments over this. Apparently the search for intelligent life, on Earth or elsewhere still continues.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

ray ahles, houston,tx — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:29:31 GMT

this is or should be one of the proudest moments of humankind. I wish we could stop killing each other and use those minds and money to build HUBBLE II

Galaxy revealed in high-res

aliena — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:29:34 GMT

I like Dingo's response - I've always said the process of creation aka physics is god enough...why should we invent any other?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Donna Kingsworth, Cleves OH — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:30:04 GMT

Mark from MO, you couldn't just let the beauty and majesty of this photo wash over you? Why did you have to make some crack about grains of sand talking French? Well, I think this photo is simply another little piece of a great puzzle, which will one day be solved. I mean, experts say that the only reason that Earth was made was because of very special and rare circumstances. However, does anyone in the world really think that the universe just suddenly stops at one point? No, I didn't think so. And if the universe goes on forever, isn't it only logical that the "special and rare circumstances" have to happen again at some point? Oh, and, Alan Rice, "appetit" is spelled appetite. Please ponder my words. No, I don't mean the appetite stuff.

[AB: Just to forestall an answering comment, the French term "bon appetit" doesn't have that final "e," but the English word appetite does.}

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Andy Ashmead, Seattle, WA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:30:07 GMT

Whoa! After seeing this and beginning to realize just what's out there, kinda makes you wonder why you worry about all the insignificant BS you worry about... It did for me anyways.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

RALPH NEW YORK NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:30:12 GMT

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Val, Manitoba, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:30:20 GMT

I remember my grandfather, born in late 1800's, not believing that man landed on the moon. What would he think of these pictures if he were alive today. I'm sure he's seeing them from where he is now without a telescope.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kathee, MO — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:30:47 GMT

Space......the final frontier!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

P.S. Mehra, Birmingham — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:31:17 GMT

Breathtaking! It is hard to imagine there may be other forms of life out there until the presentation of this picture.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Believer — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:31:41 GMT

I believe in God and all His creation.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Steven Camomile, Syracuse, Utah — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:31:44 GMT

These pictures do not prove the existance of god. After reading all the messages from everyone, nobody claimed it did. Some of us believe in a supreme being and we are backed up against the wall of faith. Let science do its job without the faithful smacking them around with their beliefs, at the same time, scientists can be hard at work leaving the faithful alone while we are at church on Sunday. If anything these pictures tells me is how important it is to allow each human being to make his own choice and choose his own destiny and leave peaceably with eachother. Let's start now. Peace to you all. Good night.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John R Patterson Cottage Grove Oregon — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:31:57 GMT

I Run A Scout Camp In The Cascads How Do I Get A Print Out Of This To Use This Summer ?????

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Val, Manitoba, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:32:00 GMT

I remember my grandfather, born in 1887, not believing that man landed on the moon. What would he think of these pictures if he were alive today. I'm sure he's seeing them from where he is now without a telescope.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

charlie — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:32:03 GMT

Sometimes we look thru the window and all we see is the glass. What if we see only what we allow ourselves to see and therefore that really is our only limit. Maybe the Universe is God and we can't see him because he really is everywhere. This pic does however strike an interest in all of us.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Astrid Morgan — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:32:06 GMT

Breathtaking!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Rachel Burnette, Atl - GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:32:09 GMT

I always knew there was life out there...maybe one day we'll be able to figure out more about how to travel there instead of ideas for new tv and making cd players smaller. I think deep down inside we're all more interested in space and life than a new mp3 player that can hold 5,000 songs.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Cliff, Asburn, VA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:33:11 GMT

Beautiful work, all you Hubble guys and gals!! Just awesome! I think beautiful pix and cosmological discoveries just show the nature of our universe. It makes no implications about the metaphysical universe. The two are separate entities. God is an arbitrary artifact conjured by those who can't or won't accept scientific information at face value. Stephen Jay Gould said it much more eloquently than I.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alex Gaval, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:33:14 GMT

pretty cool pic, definitely do not like the "there has to be a god" comments, find it preachy and annoying, the only thing this picture proves is that we have other galaxies out there very similar to ours. In my opinion there is about a 99.9% chance there is a lot of life out there in the universe and i do not think any of it is human-like(in looks)the elements play a crucial role in the formation of living and organic beings, i believe the life out there would be different than our life-forms, whether it be a big difference or a smaller difference.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Luis, Yuma, AZ. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:33:22 GMT

we are but a single grain of sand in the vast ocean of space. how and why can we be so selfish as to think that we are the only life form!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alicia Delgado (Bellevue, Washington) — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:33:56 GMT

wow! is just amazing and I wish that I had money to go there, so thanks for sharing............

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mark , Philadelphia, PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:34:08 GMT

It's my fervent hope that when I die I'll have a discernable spirit, capable of cognition, and that I can freely travel and explore the universe. But there's gotta be a faster way to get around than the speed of light: who wants to travel for a couple of hundred million years just to get from point a to b? There's so much we don't know . . .

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Dan,Pa — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:34:51 GMT

Wow! Nice picture. Now how about spending the next billion dollars on something like an engine that gets 100 to 150 mpg that is affordable. Or an engine that runs on hydrogen instead of laying on your back looking at the stars wishing for an alien to fly down and tell us how to do it. WORTHLESS!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Edward Harwood — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:35:25 GMT

I don't understand the hostility toward people who may believe that we ARE alone. It makes me wonder, are you people on this forum who are so hostile to those who disagree with your position, going to take this hostility into space with you when humanity eventually undertakes space travel? You actually believe it is Christians who are close-minded? ha! Look at the comments on here from the Physics Worshipers. I see hostility, intolerance, and contempt for those who disagree with you. Do humanity a favor - leave your hostile, intolerant tendencies behind if you are fortunate to live long enough and someday get the chance at space travel...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Michele, Kansas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:36:10 GMT

I think the pictures are awesome! Phil, I do live in reality and I know there is a GOD, He made all of this space, and life for us. I think he has other people on other planets just like ours, because this whole realm is much bigger than us or what we can even began to percieve, We are to simple minded to even begin to understand his complexity.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jared, Houston, Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:36:11 GMT

-"Although, I dont see the 'made by god' sign. It figures that some people always will see what is not there."

Depends on what your definition of "God" is.

But truly, a marvelous image. Hope to see many more. Let's not make forgone conclusions about something we know nothing about.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Wayne Riguidel, Winnipeg, MB Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:36:13 GMT

When you see something this unbelievable, it brings tears to your eyes..it's super amazing.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

bernard, burbank, ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:36:29 GMT

indeed these pictures are humbling. to think we all lived in a blink of time compared to these stars & yet have so much wars & unimaginable attrocities done to fellow earthlings. what happens here on earth is based on us & space & time just keeps growing & passing. WE NEED TO CHANGE OUR WAYS NON-GOD OR GOD BELIEVERS. time is so short in our lifespan. make it count.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ivan Brezice, Slovenija — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:36:39 GMT

Super!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Michael — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:37:12 GMT

How can anyone believe that this evolved. It takes more faith to believe in evolution than believing in God that created all of this.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

daniel waters, dallas texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:37:16 GMT

Just to think,bitter @ sweet. So sad to know that we know more about space than our own ocean's here on earth. We need to worry about this planet before we are not here to contiue to look at other planet's. our (so called)research is not moving as fast as our planet's deterioration. You do the math.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Chang, Germantown, MD — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:37:37 GMT

Amazing! It's beyond our human understanding. Nobody can say there is no God, heavens, re-incarnation, angels, other living creatures maybe just like us, maybe not. All we can say is I don't know. Let's be honest and be humble.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

LYNN ROBB JASPER GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:37:38 GMT

TAKES MY BREATH AWAY. HOW GREAT OUR GOD. THE ABILITY TO GAZE INTO ETERNITY PAST AND FUTURE THANKS NASA

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Matthew, York, SC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:37:43 GMT

The probability that life exist elsewhere in this universe and possible other universes is overwhelmingly high. In fact, the chance that life doesn't exist elsewhere is extremely miniscule at best. There are just to many galaxies, solar systems, stars and planets out there to truthfully believe otherwise. For those that think that the human race is the most superior higher life form in existence, I say poppycock, hogwash! To think so is beyond egocentric. I shudder to think that we're the most intelligent being in existence. Lastly, I do firmly believe that a much higher and complex power exist, but no human based religion can trully begin to understand or grasp this power. The creator of all and everything that is associated with it is simply a mind boggling concept to us to say the very least.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

samantha jo, San Juan, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:38:04 GMT

the stars above us are like lights that go on when simple and near mistakes that we have.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mark, Gainesville, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:38:10 GMT

Every time I marvel at the stars, and I do marvel, I turn my eyes back to the Earth beneath my feet. In its magnificent diversity of an estimated 10 million species of plants and animals, I find equal awe. And because they are close, because they are here with us now, we can get to know them. I encourage you to take the inspiration that deep space summons, and learn one new thing about your planet every day.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sean, Asheville NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:38:13 GMT

I am an amateur astronomer and have seen this galaxy many times, it is interacting with m82 the cigar galxay its distance really is not that great there are roughly 6 trillion miles in one ly but I have seen a quasar which is a very active type of galaxy at a distance of 2 to 3 billion lys sense its that far I was basicly looking back in time 2 billionyears,andif you look at a star in the night sky you arelooking back over 4 years.Everyone should get into astronomy but the problem is that around 2/3 of the population on earth cannot see even one star do to light polution because around 50% of the light goes up, thats a big waste of energy.some of you said they found a new galaxy this galaxy is not new it was discoverd long ago but this is the best view yet

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Aaro, Columbia, SC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:38:35 GMT

That picture just makes me think there is not a god. I sometimes wish we couldfreeze ourselfs somehow so we could see how much more we discover in the future, like Fry from Futurama.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Amelia Renkel, Harrison, AR — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:38:38 GMT

This is why we mere mortals were created; to learn about and be amazed by all of God's creations. From the momentary beauty of sunrise and sunset to the everyday miracle of conception and birth - His presence is evident everywhere....

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bill O'Reilly — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:39:32 GMT

Never again will the secular progressive atheists deny the existence, nay, the majesty of, The One True God: The Flying Falafel Monster!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Leo, Redondo Beach, California — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:39:33 GMT

From another perspective -- the entire M81/M82 is but a grain of sand. Is Earth then an electron? Amazing amazing.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

ms poirier redlands, calif. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:39:44 GMT

what an awesome life we live. thank you for sharing this amazing photo. i truely feel humble. and to mark, you need to get in touch with life! God, and only God, could create such beauty!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

ms poirier redlands, calif. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:39:45 GMT

what an awesome life we live. thank you for sharing this amazing photo. i truely feel humble. and to mark, you need to get in touch with life! God, and only God, could create such beauty!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Melissa, St. Paul, MN — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:40:29 GMT

Wow, God is so HUGE! To think that He created such art on such a large canvas. The universe is so massive, and yet God knows the name of EVERY star. I serve a big God, but the mind-blowing thing isn't even the size of His creation. It's the fact that He created little old me and cares about the finite details of my life. Wow. My life SO isn't about me. It's about playing a small part in a much bigger story about God. It's like He's saying, "You think that's a cool galaxy? Build a bigger telescope and I'll continue to amaze you." I'm so glad that God gave us science and minds to develop technology so that we get to see a small part of what He can do!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sarah Allen, VA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:41:21 GMT

Looking at pictures like these does not exhaustively prove that a supernatural being (like God) exists. But the intricate detail and overwhelming hugeness of a galaxy like this seems to indicate design. Would you ever look at a painting of this galaxy and think "Wow it's really amazing that these paint particles happened to gather in the millions of precise positions necessary to formulate this design!" You would be more likely to look for the identification tag to find out who the artist was, because you would (correctly) assume design. A spectacle like this can have the same effect on its viewer - it looks designed. And God is the only credible being to claim creation of the universe thus far. Random Chance is not a reasonable explanation for the existence of things even as "simple" as one cell. It doesn't make sense or fit the facts. That's why people bring God into it. He's the only known Being capable of designing such splendour.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Boyd Sasser, Millen, Georgia — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:41:26 GMT

That's amazing! Nobody can say that a man made that, or that some big rocks smashed together and then there was a galaxy! That galaxy was shaped by the hands of God! He is amazing! I wonder what other surprises he's got waitng for us out there?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Carrie, GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:41:52 GMT

For each person it seems that this image evokes a certain image. There is a pleasant mix of those who think "Wow! How can we be alone!" and "Wow, look at God's creation!" I think we can all safely just say that this really is amazing and it is certainly a scientific feat for us to be able to see it with such detail and clarity. No need for the age-old bickering.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

sara,manama,bahrain — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:41:55 GMT

I think some of you have missed the point. Can you really look at the beauty of that & not be awed? I agree with Paul.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Nick, Scottsdale, Arizona — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:42:12 GMT

Amen dingo. As always, GOD is just a placeholder name for anything we can't explain or understand. Everything in me says there is a greater power, I just cannot accept the crude mythology we have invented to try and explain it. Hey, whatever makes you feel safe and validated. To my mind (and I quote) "we are not sufficiently conscious to understand what the concept of God means".

Galaxy revealed in high-res

james kelly, mobile, al. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:42:21 GMT

it did'nt take this picture for me to believe in God

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bobby, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:42:47 GMT

One should be free to admit ignorance as well as awe. I think this applies to most of the postings on here. There may be aliens. There may not be aliens. We don't have enough data to deduce a real probability - only guesses. Who says life has to be carbon-based, or live in a spiral galaxy? That's only our best guess based on what know of ourselves. That's not the real purpose of science anyway. Neither is the purpose of science to tell us whether or not God exists. Science is supposed to tell us what the physical universe is like. The significance of aliens or God is quite another matter, involving but far surpassing the bounds of science. We will likely never solve either question to our satisfaction, but there is no need for hostility on the questions. Enjoy the view! It's there. Why spend time uselessly arguing on how it got there?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sarita, Portland OR — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:42:54 GMT

I'll betcha cavemen (no offense) and cavewomen had these same conversations when they looked up at the night sky and were filled with wonder.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jordon — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:43:11 GMT

It is amazing. Enough with the God stuff. We aren't even a spec compared to the universe.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Clayton, Los Angeles, Cali. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:43:27 GMT

Bravo! Yet another triumph for the Hubble and all the scientists involved. We the American public (as well as the global community) are well-served by NASA's efforts to inform and involve us in the study and exploration of space.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jay man — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:43:35 GMT

Cool. I only wish I would have been born a few hundred years from now. Also, this shows proof of science, not proof of a god. Anybody that says a god did this is uneducated in the field of basic science.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Luis, Yuma, AZ. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:44:11 GMT

We are but a single grain of sand in the vast ocean of space. How and why can we be so selfish as to think that we are the only life form!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Israel Chicago, IL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:44:26 GMT

So I read in this article that there's a black hole forming in center of our galaxy as we speak and that the sun will be in the center of our galaxy in 2012. Possibly the sun could get sucked in the black hole. Has anyone heard about this? Anybody think the SUN will be sucked in by the black hole? If it's true.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ivan, Brezice, Slovenija — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:44:55 GMT

Super!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mark Burelle, Sacramento, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:45:55 GMT

"What if we ARE alone? Probability isn't a living force that emerges from nothingness. To say that there are so many stars and planets out there that one of them MUST contain life like ours, basing the statement on nothing more, is like saying that of all the grains of sand on all the beaches in the whole World, surely one of them MUST speak French. Mark, MO" Your statement is interesting however, you took out a piece of the logic. To stay within your analogy, we are one grain of sand that speaks French and therefore with the high number of grains of sand there must be another that speaks French or some other language. Mark, CA

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Killer New York City — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:45:57 GMT

I think it's pretty arrogant to think that we are so special that there has to be a repeat of us somewhere else. We are just one more experiment. A glorious accident.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Michael, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:45:58 GMT

On this I would hope we can all agree. Hubble and similar tools give us an exraordinary ability to observe our Universe like no other humans before us. Seems worth every penny spent. And if there is order in this chaos, is that more insight into the Mind of God? Perhaps we won't be certain until we die. Still, I am awestruck with the emensity of it all. I am also overwhelmed with the feeling that, whether we are "alone" or one of billions of like planets, our petty human needs and disagreements are truely meaningless. Within a radius of several light-years, Earth is a very special place indeed. Perhaps one day we can all learn to get along and to take good care of our little planet since its the only one available to any of us. "Klaatu barada nickto", Michael from Atlanta

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jeff Nugent,Detroit,MI. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:00 GMT

Space has been growing south, north, east and west as we sit and read each others thoughts and views,what happens when we hit the end. It's much bigger than you think.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joe Fernandez Land O Lakes Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:06 GMT

God has,or had nothing to do with it. Our galaxy is a minutely infinitesmial speck, in a universe that will never be measured or fully detailed. There was no plan involved in its creation by a "greater being." What is responsible for US being here, began hundreds of millions of years ago. If you think God is responsible, you are entitled to your opinion. Intelligent design? Whatever. I really think that something so vast and beautiful, and full of mystery, is more than a plan, drawn out by a diety. Certainly too big a job, for one guy, to accomplish in Six days, or was it Seven?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

TIM IN PHILADELPHIA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:17 GMT

JUST ENJOY THE IMAGES. WHETHER YOU BELEIVE IN GOD OR NOT HAS NO RELEVENCE. RESPECT THE TIME AND EFFORT PUT IN AND SIMPLY ENJOY-JEEZ!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lu Belle, Columbia, South Carolina — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:17 GMT

With each new discovery I marvel at the success of Hubble. I still stutter when speaking of "light years". Let the journey continue! Thank you to all the unselfish folks who give of their talents and time to educate us.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Cessaly Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:18 GMT

Wow! When I took physics at Laney College (Oakland CA-Summer of 1991) our wonderful professor opened up our world by stretching our minds to embrace quantum physics. Man, I dreamed of actually seeing the universe like this and now, 16 years later, here it is. Thank you prof, wherever you are. Shows anything's possible.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bob, Port Orange, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:23 GMT

Alan Rice are you suggesting that the light captured to produce this image came from our own galaxy when it was in the images perceived location?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sean,Asheville Nc — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:27 GMT

Gary P, that probobly is stars from our galaxy caught in the image.Also just to let you now the pics are not even close to the amazment you have after seeing it with your own eyes that goes for planets especially

Galaxy revealed in high-res

peter, ocala florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:46:48 GMT

If we hadn't been trained to believe that there isn't life on other planets, we woulden't be so suprised and dazzled at the possibility of life on other planets- nor the fact that the universe is so large that our physical mind cannot even begin to comprehend.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lee, Shenzhen, China — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:47:38 GMT

A German guy and I were talking in a bar in China, about why only bad news seems to sell on this mad orb of ours. 'Schadenfreude' (pleasure at others' misfortune) came up; that we seem to have a need to know others are worse off than we are. After seeing these unbelievable pictures, it seems that the 'good news' is extrasolar.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

chicago — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:47:41 GMT

It is amazing...I thought i was in space and saw it live...good pics

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Summer, IL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:47:43 GMT

"On my ship, the 'Rocinante' Wheeling through the galaxies Headed for the heart of Cygnus Headlong into mystery"...Rush

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Barry Messinger, Bullhead City, AZ. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:47:47 GMT

This is absolutely amazing! Makes you wonder about other intelligent life forms!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John, Washington, DC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:47:56 GMT

God or no god, the pictures are beautiful, and humbling. For the creationists, could an omnipotent God not have created life on a gazillion planets? Could an omnipotent God not have used the laws of chemistry and physics to make his creations? Would the laws of chemistry and physics not run the show without a God? What we know is that we are here, and that there is a lot of "theres" out there. We have no direct knowledge that there are other creatures out there, or not out there. If we exist here, it seems logical that other life could exist out there, but we do not know that it does. To me, it seems likely to the point of being almost inevitable, but not absolutely so.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jerke Offh — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:48:27 GMT

I look at this and think, "Wow, there is no God."

Galaxy revealed in high-res

JoAnn Nelson, Duluth, Minnesota — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:48:29 GMT

What a fascinating and beautiful photograph. I think back to being a little girl lying one the grass on a warm summer's night gazing up at the sky and enjoying what my limited eyes could see. Thinking of the advances in science over the past nearly 60 years that I've been alive that allows a telescope to be sent into space is awesome. But even more awesome to me is that the God whom I worship and believe in created all of this for us to enjoy is even more wonderful. I am sorry for those who have no or very little belief in God, but please don't disrespect those of us who believe in creation and a Creator. I don't choose to disrespect how you perceive things. As a believer in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and Creator of all, I truly believe that He will reveal all to us. We each have the right to believe as we do, but it is at the moment of death that we will know for sure whose beliefs were true and whose were not. Thank you, NASA scientists, for sharing these amazing photographs of findings in our universe. (By the way, we have spectacular views of Aurora Borealis activity to enjoy in northern Minnesota, and that is also pretty amazing ... and it is visible without a telescope!)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alicia Delgado (Bellevue, Washington) — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:48:45 GMT

!WOW! it's amazing and I happy to see the there is some body who share the firmament, so thanks.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joni — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:49:01 GMT

yeah, put a bigger badder telescope up, so we can zoom in on the lives on the planets.. :) or should we just develop lightspeed traveling, or teleporting to can visit those galaxies? feel like my friends are there. come on scientists! you can do it! oh btw, about the existence of god debate.. which god? the roman gods? semitic god? the borneo dayak tribe's god?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Roy Nelson, Topeka Kansas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:49:27 GMT

Think about this galaxy's close encounter with another; it would have occurred over many thousands if not millions of years, but what about the life forms living in each? I also believe that the universe is inhabited by many entities. Entire worlds of people, animals, living beings could have been destroyed, perhaps thousands of civilizations vaporized. This hapens continuously in this universe.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Atheist — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:49:32 GMT

See what Carolyn Porco, the leader of the Cassini Science Imaging Team (which has been photographing Saturn from previously unseen viewpoints) has to say about the greatest story ever told: http://beyondbelief2006.org/

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Robert — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:49:54 GMT

Whats the big deal,we wake up and find something new and go "Wowee',so what it was there all the time wasnt it. Why dont we rather concentrate on fixing up planet Earth before we try and migrate elsewhere and screw that up as well.Oh and I believe God had something to do with this as well.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Marci Frost; Chilliwack BC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:50:12 GMT

If Earth spins clockwise from the "Big Bang" is M81 from a different Boom? It looks to be spinning counter clockwise.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Amber — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:50:17 GMT

These images are beyond beautiful. It almost hurts to think about everything that we are missing out on.. All of the human race is trapped on Earth, having no way of leaving, while the entire universe is still being created. It's definately very humbling to even KNOW that these things are happening, even if we have to view it from afar. What if we did not have the technology to see images such as these? Be grateful that you are all lucky enough to be alive in this day and age. It is only natural for our human minds to be overwhelmed by the thought that there is something greater than ourselves out there. I, myself, believe that only a superior form of existance (or God) can create something so remarkable. That is merely an opinion though. I would never force my beliefs upon somebody else, because I know how bothersome that can be. Let others believe what they want if it satisfies them, because you do the exact same thing. Do not argue and fight over things that you can never be 100% positive about.. Just appreciate what you DO know. Appreciate the universe, and it's breathtaking beauty. We can do nothing more than sit back and admire it.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Carl, Illinois — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:50:19 GMT

My thoughts are that, how can our brain that is finite comprehend or talk about something that seems infinite? We cannot come to conclusions that would be a fact based on our finite knowledge when the universe around us seems infinite or when we are still figuring out and finding new things in our planet earth. Also, how can something come out of seemingly nothing when looking at this universe? Big Bang theory contradicts the proven equation E = mc2, because universe has lot of energy out there and according to E = mc2, for there to be so much energy in the universe, the mass had to have been so great and not just a densely packed atom. That's totally absurd rather stupid. E = mc2 also states, for an atom to travel the speed of light, the mass has be great. According to big bang theory, the universe started with a big bang of a very densely packed atom that contained all the matter in the universe. Atoms are viewable at best through electron microscope. If somebody is gonna put out a theory to explain the universe existence, based on rules to be considered theory accepted in the scientific world you would also have to explain the science behind how can such an atom would contain all the matter that contains now in the universe.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Carol in Ct. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:50:33 GMT

Exciting and beautiful pictures!!!!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Shannon, Pittsburgh Pa — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:50:33 GMT

This image, like so many others is breathtaking. . .and as so many of you stated, it's almost too much for our mind to comprehend all that is out there. . .we sit in our offices, our homes, our cars, etc and right at those moments there is an endless universe out there with activity that we haven't even found or thought of yet. I love the feeling I get when I see one of these pictures; there is so much out there that is more beautiful then we could imagine. . .when I think ahead; what will we find in 50 years? 100, 500? The possibilities are endless!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

nuno silva,porto,Portugal — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:09 GMT

its´an amazing image in the cosmos exist so many galaxies but in this galaxy similar to milky away exist another solar system whith planets and provably life? its aquestion to resolve.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

nuno silva,porto,Portugal — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:13 GMT

its´an amazing image in the cosmos exist so many galaxies but in this galaxy similar to milky away exist another solar system whith planets and provably life? its aquestion to resolve.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

manthrax — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:14 GMT

are we alone? is this gods creation? blah! its just art. check out visionafar.com. this is some color enhanced doctored photo.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

jason martin,toowoomba,queensland — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:18 GMT

its amazing to see such a grand sight to think billions of stars make up that galaxy is something i cant put into words,but more so is the thought that someone is on a planet in that galaxy looking back at ours and seeing the terrible acts of violence and the terrible way we treat our planet and the millions of starving people on our planet and i bet not only are they shocked but also they are probly glad their galaxy is plenty far enough away from ours so they never ever have to worry about ever having visitor's. whats the point of being able to see someone elses galaxy if we dont first make a good impression of our own.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Cat — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:23 GMT

Has anybody notice that it forms just like a Hurricane? Maybe we are just cell in a large body and little by litte we are destroying our own life with wars and crime with hate and no love. WHat a shame and waste to ourselves. We are not able to appreciate what we have and what good we can make of it.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

manolo,harrisburg,pa — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:35 GMT

why did you named it m81? why couldn't it be a different name? by the way nice pictures of that galaxy m81

Galaxy revealed in high-res

sai,chicago — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:54 GMT

The pics are amazing that we can recollect it in our mind whenever we want it...incredible pics

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sarah, Kaysville, Utah — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:56 GMT

Thing like this really make you see how beautiful God's power really can be. It's absolutly too stunning for words.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alicia Delgado (Bellevue, Washington) — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:51:58 GMT

thanks for sharing the firmament is very important to the world, so we can see the value of what we have and this is amazing

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Name, Cali, California — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:52:58 GMT

"An AMAZING picture which in no way makes me believe in god." So true it's scary!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Malcolm, Malta — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:53:22 GMT

These pictures are a giant leap for mankind. If we get a microscopic close-up, who knows, we might find live on other planets in other galaxies? What are they waiting for, get a move on...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bubba, Chicago — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:53:36 GMT

God is our physics.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Paul Ziess — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:53:50 GMT

ZERO evidence as to this thing even existing today. To speculate that life is anywhere therein, well is nothing short of delusional. Keep dreaming. Alan Rice has a brain.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kyoung Hee, Chicago, IL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:53:53 GMT

So, some of you think all these things happend by accedent? I do not believe so. This is difinately by design by an intellegent mind. Just because we don't understand how the universe was made is not good enough reason to decide there is no creator. I heard His name is God of the Universe and all that exsts: Yahweh, Adoni, Lord, The Son of God, Jesus....

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ron Jordan — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:54:03 GMT

Evolution, people ! !

Galaxy revealed in high-res

eric — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:54:04 GMT

we are not alone in the space and it is not infinity. this is our ingnorance and poor knowledge which make of create false beliefs.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Robin J. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:54:05 GMT

This is beautiful!!!! We would have to be selfish to think this is for us and us alone. I came to the reality last week, I'm not just another animal on this planet!!!!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Doug, Houston, Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:54:06 GMT

Who can imagine the universe as large as infinity? Billions of galaxies that go on forever. The only way I can keep it in perspective is to picture in my mind that the universe (possibly one of billions as well) is kept in a glass jar on God's shelf.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Dot.......Hermiston, OR — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:54:18 GMT

Logan from CA..it could also be said that some people will never see what is always there. Keep up the good work Hubbble.....beautiful!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Branon,Phoenix,AZ — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:54:38 GMT

wow realy amzing and how can there only be us as living things, i mean there are so many glaxies and some Earth-like planets its very very hard to beleive were alone.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

joey — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:55:10 GMT

Beautiful.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bekah, IL — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:55:22 GMT

It's amazing what people had/have to say about this. It is beautiful! There's also nothing wrong with "inserting religious BS". Everyone has their beliefs and should respect that. Can't we all just share this discovery in awe together?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Barbara C — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:55:44 GMT

It seems small-minded to think God does not exist because the scientific proof is not apparent. M81 does exist and did even before we had the scientific proof. God is somthing larger than our minds can comprehend. You have to "believe it to see it" instead of vice versa. That's a stretch for many of us, but it seems we should remain open minded to the possibility that this is not all just an accident.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Myles, Portland, Oregon — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:55:50 GMT

AMAZING PICTURES, that we at this unique point in human history, have the very rare privilege to view! Begs us to ponder the question, did this all "happen by chance" or is there "intelligent design" involved?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sarah, Virginia — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:56:15 GMT

God is most certainly amazing! How can you ever imagine that that was created by chance? How can you imagine that our Earth, with so many details and specific perameters could be chance? Of course you could go on and on about how my comments are spurred from arrogance, but is it truly arrogance? My thoughts and my feelings on the topic do not spur from a superior opinion of man, but in fact a superior opinion of a higher being, namely God. I challenge each of you, as I have challenged myself, to equally measure both sides. I challenge you who don't see God in this, to read a book that supports creation. And I challenge you, who believe in God, to read a book that supports other theories. And please, if you do, keep an open mind. And if you think it was a waste of your time or will be, then you can at least think that now you can defend yourself. You can not know and defend your own position without first understanding your opponent's.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bruce Stemler,St. Pete. Fl. — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:56:19 GMT

I'm amazed that people with great scientific intelligence can look at pictures like this and say ther is no God. What caused the big bang? what was the catalyst that brought the elements together,that normally can't come together on there own to cause the big bang.Uh maybe God,so many try to prove he doesn't exit and end up proving he does!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Atif — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:56:52 GMT

This is so beautiful. We are so anxious to know if there is life on the other planet, what if we discover it and then what? We have life on our planet and we can't save it. We are looking the answers out there or thinking that someone would give you the answer about the whole universe. Infact we have the answers, but we just want to see it and touch it and talk about it. Save our world, it is beautiful and we'll discover so much about the universe which is unimaginable. If physics is your god then you must reevaluate your faith cause its our creation and we named it and its constantly in progress, we are descovering and come to know new thing that deny some of the old theories. So my friends our creator cannot be seen, but the work can see. God resides in you and me and in all of us. Save our planet and save our children.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Julie, Ft. Worth, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:57:29 GMT

Such amazing pictures... and such interesting comments! The thing about science and God is that they both require belief, but only one requires proof. As a Believer, I have faith that God created the universe. I may not ever be able to prove that God created this galaxy and all the rest, but science will never be able to prove that He did not.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Laura Kirkpatrick, Alamogordo, NM — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:57:34 GMT

The heavens do declare His glory for those of us that choose to believe that Someone so far beyond our imaginations created all of that for us to behold. He is also too much of a gentlemen to "make" you believe...you have a choice...worship the "created" or the "Creator". I choose Him! BTW, He also knows each one of those stars by name, and they probably aren't the ones our astronomers gave them. :) Thanks, Hubble scientists for the beautiful pics of our magnificent universe!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sean,Asheville NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:58:10 GMT

If you want to get into astronomy just get a star chart bionoculars and then move up to a scope.I moved from binos to a 4 inch scope to a 12inch Meade lx200 and use it for extragalactic research I've seen around 500 galaxys and use my computer to observe over 19 million objects at the click of a button.also if you get into it before your 40 your eyes will be at there best for astronomy.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Josh, Eden Prairie MN — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:58:12 GMT

people don't really believe in aliens, they just want to believe in something beyond this life because if there's nothing beyond this than to many people would be incredibly depressed. If we evolved then why would we care about any of this, we'd want eat and mate. that's it. survival of the fittest would say that if i kill you to get your job then good for me, but it doesn't work that way. and i agree with they one who said you can't look at this and say there's no God. that deep longing to believe in something beyond this life and this planet proves it.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Carol, Santa Monica — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:58:24 GMT

Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind - Albert Einstein

Science investigates, relgion interprets... Dr Martin Luther King, Jr

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Suzanne Magna, UT — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:58:44 GMT

To website: follow your rules, you keep posting negative remarks against people of faith. I know that is politically correct, but I would think people have the right to freedom of speech/ expression and freedom to worship how they want. Please quit allowing this to become a political forum for intolerance and hatred.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mary Nolen Tacoma, Washington — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:59:12 GMT

Breathtaking! What a wonderfull time we live in, to be able to have the technology to view what was once impossible. It's such an honor to be able to see what is out there and to even contemplate how it was created and by whom. Are we alone? Who knows, but it certainly keeps us all connected just thinking about it. The fear of the unknown keeps us all grounded and for some of us keeps us decent human beings. I get awe-struck, baffled, horrified everytime I see such beautiful photos. Its so beyond my comprehension. But I keep looking. Stay tuned, I'm sure there is more beauty and knowledge to come.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Abdul, NY, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:59:30 GMT

Majestic! See and admire Gods greatness and man's thirst for knowledge. I feel so small humbled at the sight of this beauty. Thanks

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Tyrell Middleton — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:59:35 GMT

Physics may be your God, Dingo. It's not mine.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Nicole, VA — Wed, 30 May 2007 15:59:43 GMT

You know what, I cannot believe that anyone can look at this and say it does not prove that God is real. How can you look at the stars and believe they are there by chance! Everything around us, every galaxy, every star, even down to the last atom of creation screams that there is a God who made it. Such beauty cannot just happen on its own! For those who think I am being "religious," go outside one night and just look at the stars, then tell me if you still believe that God does not exist. "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Galaxy revealed in high-res

dez, cali — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:00:15 GMT

photoshop. haha just kidding people.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Rion Iverson — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:00:31 GMT

We need to invest in the planet called Earth, anybody heard of it . . . it is a really beuatiful blueish planet and has things called human beings on it. But these human beings are all at war with eachother or selfish with their own wealth. We need to explore our beautiful planet earth and try to heal this planet before we should drift to other planets. Godspeed

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Drew, MN — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:00:34 GMT

to phil, that is living in reality, and to w, from texas, perhap your gods didn't create the beautiful image captured by the hubble telescope, but what ever gods created you two, i want no part of...it's sad that some people when they wake up and smell the coffee, that they don't realize without God they wouldn't have coffee to smell, let alone all the other beauty and wonders this Earth and universe have to offer.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Brian P, Henderson, NV — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:00:39 GMT

Are we alone? This is an irrelevant question. It is NOT arrogance or selfishness to think we are alone. There is, so far, no evidence of life anywhere other than on Earth. Yes the odds of there being life elsewhere are good, but until we find at least bacteria outside of Earth it is all conjecture and nonscientific theorizing. The scientific way is to form a theory then look for proof supporting that theory. Odds are not proof. Even if there is life somewhere else in the universe chances are we will never encounter it. With so many galaxies, stars, and possible planets in the universe it is highly unlikely any of them will find their way to our small, remote solar system and planet. Also, the distances involved make this travel practically impossible, even if you KNEW there was 1 planet out there with life. So in practical and demonstrable terms, we are alone, even if we aren't. But it is a beautiful and marvelous picture.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Frank J. Herbert Houston TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:01:34 GMT

As a citizen of the U.S. we all need to keep our finger in the space program. I sincerely hope you all will inform your congressional leaders of the magnitude of knowledge that can be gained from this type of exploration. Frank J. Herbert former Science Mission Manager of the NASA Appolo Program.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John, Sacramento, Ca. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:01:34 GMT

Now THAT is truely amazing, what a wonderful sight to behold. Thank you for shareing, I know I'm not alone when I say that I appreciate the efforts that went into getting this far with technology.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Richard, Humboldt, Tennessee — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:01:35 GMT

I do believe God created this magnificent Universe, but also believe that all life was placed here on Earth by God. Studying the Universe gives us a better understanding of our home planet. We are stewards of Earth. The more we learn, the better we can take care of it, which is our primary responsibility.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

David Jackson 20837 Coon Branch Road, Lawson, MO — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:01:38 GMT

So many people have already expressed what I would say except it is truly an Einstein's Design.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joel Kovacik, Brooklyn, New York — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:01:52 GMT

Nothing -- not even M81 -- is beyond our reach. As Man -- a continually burgeoning offshoot of the "Universal Creative Force" -- ultimately continues to evolve physically, mentally, spiritually -- he shall most assuredly one day, in the far-off distant future, become the All-Mighty, All-Encompassing God he can barely envision in his present state of being. And, at that point, his wondrous journey through the endless realms of inner and outer space shall (as always and forever) be but a new beginning.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Richard Stamp, Temple, Ga. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:02:11 GMT

Think this is something? Look at the hires of M81 then look at the hires of the deep field - mind blowing.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Paul, Chicago, Illinois — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:02:42 GMT

It is an amazing picture. I'm lost, how do we know it's 11.6 million light years away how is that calculated?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

David — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:02:50 GMT

Where did all this stuff (galaxies) come from and how did the big bang begin? Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't everything have a beginning? Don't scientist agree that matter cannot be created, only changed. Therefore where did matter come from?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Dan, Los Angeles, Ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:03:06 GMT

"Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes they call me on and on 'Across The Universe.' Thouhts meander like a restless wind inside a letter-box, they tumble blindly as they make their way 'Across The Universe.'" (John Lennon) It's a new frontier still in the throws of exploration-let's enjoy the ride. Leave your mind wide open when you close your eyes.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kuppuswamy Vythianathan,Chennai,Tamilnadu,INDIA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:03:45 GMT

Though not commensurate with such an absorbing phenomenae,life is thrilling once we find the beauty in existence farther away also.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Leo, Miami, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:03:49 GMT

Alan, Damn that was deep! I personally prefer the chicks from Venus theory but the thought that we are actually lookiing at ourselves in the past....that would mean that maybe a future version of WE are looking at us from the future. Timothy Leary, where are you now?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alex Dionisio, Taguig City, Philippines — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:04:33 GMT

totally awesome dude..... i like to view those stars above it reminds me of my dreams....... Hail to victorious deaths........

Galaxy revealed in high-res

naomie, az — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:15 GMT

what i find absolutely amazing is that all these people complaining about religion and "religious bs" are equally self-righteous and self-absorbed as those they are mocking. you claim to have a higher intelligence than those who follow religious beliefs- you have overcome the brainwashing techniques used to prey upon the weak-minded schmucks out there, right? and yet, you cannot allow yourself to accept the fact that other people have different views than your own. apparently YOU are the center of the universe. i just have one thing to say to you: get over yourself. you're just as self-righteous as anyone else. the difference is that your religion is "logic & science" ... and you are your own god. the pictures are amazing one way or the other.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Scott Nguyen — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:26 GMT

Mark MO wrote

"What if we ARE alone? Probability isn't a living force that emerges from nothingness. To say that there are so many stars and planets out there that one of them MUST contain life like ours, basing the statement on nothing more, is like saying that of all the grains of sand on all the beaches in the whole World, surely one of them MUST speak French. "

Aha! But there lies a problem. The analogy forgets to point out that we already know of a galaxy (ours) that has life on it initially. But we do NOT know of a grain of sand that speaks french or any other language. Should we come across a french speaking grain, then it wouldn't be wrong to assume that there must be another one out there. That's the hole in your analogy.

Anyways. It really upsets me to know that we are only looking for Earthlike life out there. Sure that's the only one that we know, but the immense scale of the universe should allow for other bases of life, such as life that's non-water dependent, or life that's dependent on a molecule that doesn't even exist on Earth. Either way, spectacular image =).

Galaxy revealed in high-res

David Ank Dover PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:28 GMT

It's all amazing, the universe and etc, fun to think about, but that doesn't prove either way some force (god) we cannot undersand didn't or did make it, and i find it amusing when someone assumes 'god' did or didn't make it, because there is know way we do or do not officially know for sure. There is NO proof either way based soley on observations we can see, or what we are able to see, because how we percieve things with our eyes doesn't always mean that is what is really there, since we can only see as much as our yes are able to see. It does sure seem though there should be some higher force at work with the universe. It's all very interesting. One doesn't know if there is life after death, or what it all really is, nor will we probably ever really know what is really going on or what the universe really is, etc. I would love to know, though! It's great reading everybody's view points, who kows everybody could be totally wrong, or somebody could be right to some extent. I think if humans don't get wiped out somehow, we will definitely, but slowly, be bound to go in space, with all the advances in science always coming about it seems inevitable, but then again, you never know. Oh well, back to earth life.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

DB - Bowie, MD — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:36 GMT

Yo Mark from MO -- I think we must know all there is to know about "sand", and I haven't heard that there are suns, planets,unknown elements, etc. related to any of them.. Sand is just sand without benefit of possible language, but there is defined water and many other elements that can support "life" in some form out there... Haven't you heard of the "X-files"?? Dave from MD.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

David Taras — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:38 GMT

I hope there is space flight in my life time

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Leah Phryce-Jones, Osoyoos, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:38 GMT

What amazing images, that make all the earthly wars and strifes seem minute...whether you are religious or not, whether you call him God or not, the fact that there is so much undiscovered out there only 'blows my mind', it doesn't make me feel religious, just absolutely amazed, in awe and wonder...if you believe in God, please don't force your opinions on others, and if you don't believe, then lets settle for how amazing the heavens are and just wonder how they were made or how they got there and how far they go....thank you....we should stay humble, who knows who and what is really out there!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Angie, Flint MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:50 GMT

An amazing photo. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

cheryl — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:05:53 GMT

Wow and this is only what we can see with the instruments that we created- just think about all there is that we dont even have the technology to see or get into sight- just like some " unknown aircraft " can only be seen by infared radar- & personally I think that all this is God - when people want proof- its in all of creation- not some hovering being over our heads

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Allyson, San Jose, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:06:23 GMT

I wonder there are others looking up into their sky, back at us, wondering if they are alone...Just imagine if we could zoom into this picture infinitely, what kind of wild and crazy planets we would see!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joker , OAK CLIFF X13 — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:07:05 GMT

I cant imagine the greatness of the creator of this. I believe some day we will know everything. Also, what if there is someone out there. It's scary to think we cant get along with each other much less someone from another galaxy. Humans suck!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ajay Kumar, Dallas, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:07:17 GMT

People!!!! Learn to be optimistic and appreciate the people who work hard not only because it is their job, but also because they have passion to explore the possibilities in different fields - Space, Medicine, Communication etc. If everyone was to have the same pessimistic attitude (as some of you do), then we would definitely still be living in the "Cave-Man" era. So, to all those people who contribute anything positive (even if it is merely appreciating other people's hard work)...I and billions of other people like me SALUTE You.... and for those of you that have an attitude....work on it, and have a good attitude....

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Vern-Pat, McKeesport — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:07:24 GMT

imagine infinity then put a fence around it!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alma — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:07:25 GMT

if any thing is possible.. time travel is possible.. traveling light years away is possible.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Prof. Terry Santa Ana, CA> — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:07:26 GMT

Mr. Mo: Interesting comments, however, "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius --and a lot of courage --to move in the opposite direction." (Albert Einstein 1879-1955). Please note when science finally locates the center of the Universe, some people will be suprised to learn they're not it. I have seen many pictures, this one is breath taking. Go NASA. One final thought - the scientic theory I like the best is that the rings of Saturn are composed entirely of LOST Airline Luggage.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

B.K.Crowe, Georgetown, Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:08:14 GMT

Unbelievable image with unimaginable ramifications for the intellect. The question of are we alone or not is a great thought but if living in the moment - it doesn't amount to much. Here we are, in this moment, enjoying this crazy cool image, allowing ourselves to imagine whether there is a God, whether we're alone or not, etc. All I can say is...what a ride! Today I'll choose to live like it's the only day I have and stop sweating the details but enjoying the fragrance.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

DIVA RODRIGUES CORDEIRO — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:08:17 GMT

Não sei o inglês, mas gostaria de entender o texto, não seria possível uma versão em português.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

steven, NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:08:17 GMT

Mark, MO French is a learned behavior. life is evolution and mutation. 2 very different processes. With all the grains of sand on the beaches of the universe, it is entirely possible that other froms of single cell organisms evolved into..whatever... expand your horizons, physically and mentally.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mike, Dallas, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:08:34 GMT

Now if we can just figure out a way to take a decent unblurred photo of a flower in my backyard, we'll be a whole let better off....

Galaxy revealed in high-res

JB — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:08:55 GMT

Yes there is a God, this is just one of the amazing things we have just dicovered and many more to come, Physics was made by God. What an amazing picture.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Milind Girme Pune India. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:09:02 GMT

alex...is the big telescope. it is an incredible picture.i like that.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

dude, space. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:09:47 GMT

I want to go there, and there, and there, and that one, and that one, and that one, and those over there, and the other one, and that one, and there, and there,...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

c, california — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:10:32 GMT

When I saw the picture I was in awe of such beauty. It is good to know that even when we (earth) is not around there will still be someone or something that will look up into the stars and feel blessed for this wonderful life.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

CMW, Chicago, IL. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:10:50 GMT

Why must religious people constantly inject religion into things that have absolutely no bearing on subjects like this one? When we finally DO discover life on another planet, (be it intelligent or simply mircro-organisim) will we finally be rid of such ignorance and pride? In a world saturated with such religious rhetoric and tradition, it's nice to see that there still are some sane people out there and I thank you for your posts related to the actual subject at hand, and not full of religious propaganda.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jim Westcott, Rochester, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:10:51 GMT

To a layman like myself, this image just reminds me that we are beings that must continue to explore and ask why. We are hard wired this way. At times, I forget this. This image is a good reminder that our species have barely begun to understand our physical place, either on this earth or beyond. Our physical place can not be separated from our spiritual place as well, or our beliefs about creation. The two are connected.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Bob Finch — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:10:57 GMT

Wake up astronomers...M81 is US! We are looking at our own galaxy.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Clark, Chicago — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:11:00 GMT

Maybe orbiting one of those "grains of sand" there is a planet with life slightly smarter than ours and is now looking at earth through a super-astro telescope. Right now they see the first sharks terrorizing the seas, the first ducks waddling on shores and the first ancestral primate of many that will lead to hominids. Or maybe Adam and eve- whatever floats your boat.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Wed, 30 May 2007 16:11:19 GMT

eet çok süper

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Rachel, Michigan — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:11:45 GMT

There is a God - without a doubt - that doesnt mean one is religious to say that. Im a christian - not religious. Things are too incredible for a big bang to happen and just happen to be. Its phenominal.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Luke, Birmingham, AL — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:12:17 GMT

I wonder what God thinks when we look at pictures like these and continue to disbelieve in Him. I don't need to understand physics to enjoy His awesome Creation. Great picture, Hubble.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Nick Gorana, Ocean Springs, MS — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:12:19 GMT

Mark is funny. These pictures are probably fake too, eh Mark?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

dave Johnson — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:12:39 GMT

Is there a God? Maybe, maybe not. Everything we know about God man created. I choose not to believe what other men wrote or say. If a God exist we don't have a clue what it is all about.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Eru — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:12:45 GMT

Alan Rice, you just blew my mind with that one. I've never heard of anti-logic, but it is an intriguing theory. What if we are looking at our own galaxy 11.6 million years ago? Time Travel, anyone? Gives me the chills just to think about things like that.......

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Colette Kellerman, Hollywood, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:13:05 GMT

All this magnificence proves there is an intelligent Creator, a God with a purpose. Everything runs so perfect! A great timekeeper. And HE tells us he knows each of these stars by their name-billions of stars in the billions of galaxies!! If HE named them, and we're made in HIS image, we, too, can have a purpose. HE never creates something for nothing. HE wants us to live as long as HIM (forever) to find out his grand purposes. To explore the universe with HIM. How awe-inspiring and beautiful is the universe! Keep up the good work with these awesome pictures. Thank you!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Diane, Austin, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:13:10 GMT

unfaithful people see only what IS there. When I look at the stars, I know there's more out there than meets the eye. Possibility is everything...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Tom Orban — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:13:29 GMT

Do they all spin the same way..like water going into a drain? Then what? With the entire mass in the black hole, do the laws of physics change? Must exert a huge gravitational force, and be invisible. Also, closer to the middle, is it ever dark for the inhabitants?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Phil.H, SC — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:13:51 GMT

To say we are alone in the universe is not completely selfish. The fact that there is not creature on our planet with brainpower to match is actually rather amazing, so to apply that to the universe is not really selfish. It may be ignorant but that selfish. With all the other possibilities in the vast universe we have not been recieved by a great alien superpower. With all these possibilities counted about life in the universe, other life is probably animal-like anyways. Regardless of all this what should probably be taken from these pictures of immense vastness is humility. Whether religious or not there is something infinitely greater than man. I personally think the religious are more prepared to understand the ideas behind infinity because all religion must acknowledge something which is intensely greater than them

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Papada, Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:13:52 GMT

Hello. I'm very interested by space. I hope, that one day, man will be on another planet.

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rebecca savage, northfield, new hampshire — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:13:56 GMT

What are we learning here....the wonders of space and time...or how intolerant man can truely be...learning takes time....and some take more time than others. VIVA LE HUBBLE!!!

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Sajid Rafique — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:13:57 GMT

So what does the Pope of rome has to say when he threatend and coerced galileo to accept the biblical story that earth was at the center of the universe ?

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dina, NY, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:14:00 GMT

Everything we see, has been made already, it was just discovered by the human eye, it was, it is, and it will be there, til we find it. God made it. The Heavens declare his majesty, I believe in intelligent design, God is the greatest painter, see all the beautiful colors, and the greatest designer, the greatest scientist, we are made in his image that is where our thirst to find what our maker has created comes from.

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Darrell Messbarger Kansas City — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:14:16 GMT

I have little doubt that there are other planetary systems that have all of the elements for the initiation and development of life. My greatest concern is not "Where is there life?" but "When is there life?"

Man was little more than a monkey just a few hundred thousand years ago. In the life of the universe this is not even a hiccup. If there is life currently at an advanced level of intelligence and technological development somewhere in the universe, the coincidence of timing would be extraordinary.

That being the best argument against extraterrestrial life existing, we must now consider the numbers, of galaxies and planetary systems within, as so great that contemplating the impossibility of other life existing is totally idiotic. Do not allow religion-based egocentricity to dismiss the discussion.

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Krzysztof K, Old Bridge N.J. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:14:22 GMT

Please remeber this is just a one ..Galaxy ! with about 100 billion stars then there is bilions and billions galaxys just in this universe not mention that there is also possible other univereses..... As you see just debating about "if we're alone" shows how human imagination is limited.... Everything in this Universe including humanity is part of the whole...that's why as people we are co-creators and part of evolution of counsciousness

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Raj — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:14:29 GMT

If we define God as omniscient, and omnipotent then Yes, looking at these pictures and several recent discoveries, I have no doubt that God is definitely there.. but not in the shape or form that relegious zealots have rammed down our throats since time immemorial(most relegions without naming them fit in this category). Fact is humans have absolutely no clue about who/what the god is and mask their dumbness with foolish beliefs and "faiths". Very sad.

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Amir Sariri Kh., Mashhad, Iran — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:14:36 GMT

Thanks, very nice

a world , a house, a house in world without roof, with love, cry for stars and see your love in moon...

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Elisa Vargas Miramar Fl. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:14:41 GMT

We look at all the beautiful sites of the Universe and the other galaxies and say wow these sites are amazing. You often wonder way are we a mere spec of sand in this galaxy as well. Keep on sending out these beautiful sites--thanks for making my day in this part of the universe.

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T Misst — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:15:07 GMT

To equate these scientific acheivements with a higher power is a true sign of our mankinds ignorance and arrogance!

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someone, PA. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:15:10 GMT

Truly a mezmorizing sight!! We are all individuals on one planet with our own seperate minds and lives. Whats to say our universe is not the same??? Like the tootsieroll tootsiepop slogan, "the world may never know"!!! We only live once, enjoy every moment and endulge ourselves with what our lives bring to us.

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Bill Abbott - St. John,s, NL, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:15:20 GMT

I am impressed - where is it - when can I go - how do I get there. This old universe of ours is an amazing place. Awsome pictures...........

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Fnord of Dyscordia — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:15:54 GMT

Pondering the existance of extraterrestrial life is useless speculation -- "daydreaming," if you will. So what if "they" are really "out there?" Even at an evolutionary divergeance of 0.000001 percent, "they" are likely to be either bronze-age primitives or so advanced as to make us look like apes.

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Elise Tiffany, Tahoe, Ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:16:09 GMT

hello, hello, hello, is there anybody out there?... If there is intelligent life they would stay away from us- we have made a mess here. It would be wonderful to see the planets of M81. If there is a blue marble does it have evidence of polution? From space observations we can see how our planet is changing for the worst. Fresh air, water, and food that still has nutrients should be everyones top priority. ET, Tahoe, Ca

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Joe, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:16:29 GMT

In a world where everything has an end; streets, rivers, land mass, even life. Have you ever truly thought of the possibility that the universe is infinite? That there is no end to it regardless of which direction you travel and how long you travel? It is impossible to truly comprehend just how big the universe is. M81 is made up of billions of stars which have trillions of planets and yet M81 is in itself just a insignificant spec plastered on the wall of our universe.

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Allyson, San Jose, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:16:31 GMT

I zoomed into the lower right hand corner and there is an AMAZING cyclone-shaped star -- the weirdest thing I've ever seen. Some sort of worm-hole funnel black hole thing?????

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CameRon James Hogate age 11 Big lake Alaska — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:16:31 GMT

I think it is amazing that God could creat something so beautiful as that and that man could creat a camra that could take pictures like that. you go God

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Kathy, Seattle, WA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:17:22 GMT

To negate that the magnitude of this beautiful and amazing galaxy is the handicraft of something bigger than ourselves is just arrogant. Yeah, I believe in God and I believe he's the Great Architect of the Universe, but my faith doesn't make me ignorant- just grateful and even more appreciative of the gifts God bestowed upon man that we have the science to discover all these wondrous things.

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Lawrence Stanley Dumas — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:17:29 GMT

Reminded me of an image I retained from psychedelic days past. Atoms make up molecules, molecules make up cells, cells and molecules make up us, millions of atoms, molecules, cells, etc make up the world we live in, all these worlds make up a solar system, solar systems then make up a galaxy, galxies make up the universe. Occured to me now as it did back then, I wonder if this all makes up what we call "God"? Nah, I'm just making this up.

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John,Oregon — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:17:51 GMT

Don't insert religion? How can you not. Regardless of what religion you adhere to, the evidence of design is undeniable & takes more faith than I can muster up to believe otherwise. It's no "leap of faith" to think that God set all this in motion. To say this is an arrogant view & places way to much importance on us within the Universe & beyond I would agree with(unless of course we were created), but its also equally depressing to think we have mutated out of swamp life with no real purpose for existence.

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Denise, Bristol, CT — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:17:59 GMT

The photo is amazing. I believe that all things that exist have a beginning from some point, I would think – you can label that how you may (GOD?). Also, I believe all that exists is connected in some form. We should always believe and “reach for the stars”. Pass down our knowledge of the unknown to each generation. Someday we (mankind)WILL encounter who or whatever is out in the ‘beyond’ (why not?), and all because of those who are willing to do the search. Great work!

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Louis, Orlando, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:18:05 GMT

Wow...amazing comments but this should be taken for what it is. A beautiful picture of a distan galexy. Paul, you are such an optimist, must be a real pleasure to be around.

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Sam in OH — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:18:09 GMT

What a beautiful image...truly breathtaking. What an awesome design by the Master Designer. I feel sorry for those of you who can't (or most likely choose not to) see how the "heavens declare the glory of God." To think all this wonder, this beauty, this infinite space and all that's in it just suddenly arose from nothing, as if by magic, now THAT's hard to believe...

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Phil, Los Osos, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:18:24 GMT

Warp Speed, Scotty! We've just seen where no one's been before!

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Judy Sunderlin, Gunnison, CO — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:18:35 GMT

This is so awesome, Thank you,

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John R Cokato,MN — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:18:38 GMT

OK, are we alone? maybe.Think about the fact that another planet that has life on it may only be sustaining single celled life and has 100's of millions of years to go just to get a fish on it. I believe the odds now are at 1 in a 100 that there is a planet with life on it.We may at this time be the only planet with humans on it so we should be protecting this planet as it was the last. If this planet disapears nobody would ever know we existed at least not for millions of years if we were not unlucky enough to get sucked into another sun or a neutron star, then never, would they know we existed. global warming hope Gore runs for president

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Rob Orlando, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:18:40 GMT

Mark from MO, our galaxy is a "normal" galaxy and our store is a "normal" star. when we look throughout the universe we see other galaxies and stars like ours everywhere. all the atoms that you and I are made of were built inside stars. we are all stardust, or children of the stars if you will. How could you suggest that we are the only life? There is no doubt in my mind that life is a natural part of this universe, and that the stars have many diverse "chilren" throughout the cosmos. how selfish and egotistical to suggest we are all there is.

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Jane Doe — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:19:00 GMT

I say this is were all the good souls go when we leave this earth, and I might add that it does seem right. We need this much space to fit us all... over time. If were not good we get to come back here and do it again. Either way its okay with me.

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Amir Sariri Kh., Mashhad, Iran — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:19:10 GMT

SO nice good

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Mike, MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:19:18 GMT

Really amazing stuff. Mark from MO. Lay off dude. Isn't it a bit arrogant to actually think that we're the only ones living? I believe it's even more ignorant to say that humans are the dominant force in the universe. Think about it. A worm in an apple sees the apple as the universe. What if we're just one worm in some giant's apple?

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mike austin — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:20:12 GMT

Makes one feel small. And to think people on earth are spilling blood for such little plots of land.

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magda eilat israel — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:20:15 GMT

I agree with Dingo.Physics is God,and God has blessed American scientists.How ingenious you are.

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Papada, Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:20:16 GMT

I want this site be in creole also because milions haitians get news of space by this site.

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Paul McDonald, Snellville, Ga — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:20:20 GMT

Fabulous pictures. Actually, the very notion that this is a sign post to God is a bit silly, considering that astronomers like Galileo were put under house arrest and nearly executed for putting forth a more accurate view of the universe than the one in the Bible. It's about as inappropriate as astronauts up on the moon reading from Genesis, for pete's sake! The very book that states quite clearly if human beings can build a tall enough tower, they can actually make it into heaven. And where does this leave Jesus' ascension into heaven two thousand years ago? Even if he was accelerating at the speed of light, he would still be in the Milky Way galaxy, no? And if man really is the center of the universe, why create a billion galaxies with a billion stars in them? That's like writing a novel by pulling out a billion sheets of paper and surrounding yourself with a billion notebooks, even though you only need one. Talk about inefficient. Now if we look to older myths and metaphors, when we gaze into the heavens, what we're actually seeing is the living body of the goddess. You go girl! We're stardust, folks. We're the ears, eyes, and mouths of the universe. That's really more than enough.

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Dave, HW, UK — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:20:24 GMT

"My God, it's full of stars"

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Keith, Elk Grove, California — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:20:38 GMT

This picture is awesome! It is just another expression of God. By the way, I do see the "made by God" sign labeled all over it and around. We all see it, we just call the sign by different names. Some call the sign "physics", some call it "Mother Nature", some call it "Jesus Christ", etc. Regardless of what you call it, the sign says "made by God". This beautiful galaxy was created by something! Something very powerful and intelligent. And that is a FACT!!!! You just better hope that whatever you have chosen to accept as your "god", you are right. If your "god" turns out to be false, just be willing to accept the consequences. Signed by "A Citizen of the Kingdom of God"

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Craig M — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:20:53 GMT

Mark- I agree with you, it is human arogance that makes us think human kind is so common not the other way around. Loved the analogy, will be using it. I argue this all the time with people but choose to ignore the "confederacy of dunces"

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Jason Aloiz — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:21:13 GMT

If any of you have doubts about weather we are alone or not, you should research something called the "drake equation", in this equation the actual number of planets able to harbor life as we know it at this point in time (carbon-based oxy-nitreogen breathing) is calculated using 11 divisors. You might be surprised at what drake came up with. It can probably be found on wikipedia.

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RONNIE "DOE" PROSPECT PARK NY. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:24:51 GMT

11.6 billion miles?. The image is truly spectacular!. The "Hubble" is well worth its weight in gold, or maybe not. . Gold weighing that much could probably buy several "Hubble's". Expanding the mind through knowledge with technology is the way to go!..Bravo "NASA"! BRAVO!...OH AND FOR THE REST OF THE NAYSAYERS - POO ON YOU!..(LOL!)...

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Tracy, Homer GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:26:08 GMT

Well, this photo was possible years ago except that the Hubble had a focus "glitch". I have waited years for this, and it has been worth it. I moved to the country from the city and only wish I could identify the stars I see at night. The first time I looked up and REALLY saw the stars I lost my balance. And I was sober. As far as God and the evolution debate go, accidents in nature don't repeat themselves. I am no accident and neither is this beautiful universe. Only a small person admits that there can be no One bigger.

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shelby gwinnet county georia — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:26:43 GMT

wow!! amazing i wanna know if there are real people out there living like we do its mind blowing!!

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Raj — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:26:56 GMT

Is there life out there? If P is the probability that life exists at a star system.. P is understandably very very small.. Number of stars in the Milkyway 300,000,000,000 give or take a few hundred billion.. Number of galaxies in the "visible" universe (of which Milkyway is but one) ~ 100 billion That brings the extremely rough estimate of stars in the Universe to be 100billion X 300 billion Number of stars that support life would be P X 30000 Billion. Note that this number keeps varying as new stars are born and stars die or planets perish due to galactic wind causing life annihilation Only god knows the number and I doubt if he cares enough to keep track

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RZ — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:27:09 GMT

Do they sell Full Blown Up real posters of the picture? I mean the one that is almost 700mb. That would be awsome, I'd stick it on the side of my house.

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Cynthia, Marietta, Ohio — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:28:16 GMT

Wonderous photo.. what a miracle that we can share in these discoveries when just several centuries ago it was the belief that the world was flat and the center of the universe. It will take as many generations into the future as it has from the first cell from the past to understand even a small fraction of the beginning of life and its vast variety.

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Papada, Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:28:55 GMT

Mwen menm sèl sa mwen ta di sè ke, mwen ta renmen sit sa a bay posibilite a moun ki pa pale anglè konprann sa ki ap di sou sit sa a. Mwen enterese anpil a lespas. Mwen ta renmen yon jou wè moun sou planèt Mas ou nan yon lòt sistèm solè. This language is creole. www.tlfq.ulaval.ca/axl/amsudant/creole.htm

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Danny Manning, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:30:00 GMT

"E.T. Phone Home"

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T.RENGANATHAN,CHENNAI,TAMILNADU,INDIA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:30:51 GMT

This news of invention is the amazing one and it remembers me the Indian Old Hindu Mythology news that there are twelve numbers of ADITHYAS (SUNS)- the UNIVERSE and the invention is reminding me our solar system/Milkyway of galaxy(named in Hindu Mythology as AKASH GANGA. This is great invention of the twenty first century. I appreciate the team of scientists working in this mighty project.

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Pete Pongrac, Port Dover, Ontario, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:02 GMT

I am wondering what might be out there, say only 100 million light years away, or for fun, 200 million light years. Will we find our creator?

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KP, Arlington, TX. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:21 GMT

It's beautiful. Looking at the comments, the simple picture of this galaxy is thought provoking. What an amazing place we live in. Regardless of science, religion, or chance, I hope we aren't alone out here. It is an awful waste of space if we are the only ones in it.

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Anne Marie, Omaha, Nebr. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:28 GMT

I think that has to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. As far as life on other planets, I'm fairly sure there is...unfortunately, we'll probably never know in this lifetime. We're all too worried about trivial things like land-wars to worry about anything else. I think until we all start getting over ourselves and set aside petty nationalism, we'll never know.

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Peter Adolphson — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:31:44 GMT

I wanted to add just a brief and humble "thank you" to all the NASA support staff and scientists. Not often does one have the opportunity to expand ones mind through the efforts of a government agency whose goal is exploration, discovery and the search for knowledge. The money is well worth it, especially when considering that the current administration is set on spending my tax dollars on an unnecessary war.

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Harvey LaFever — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:32:22 GMT

I want off this rock.

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Chelsea, Lincoln, Ne — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:34:14 GMT

Mark from MO - What you've said makes no sense whatsoever. It's wrong to compare grains of sand speaking French to Galaxies with living beings because, at least that I know of, there is not one grain of sand that actually speaks French. However, there is a galaxy with living beings, thus, there could be another. As to this image, beautiful! It's exciting to imagine what scientists will uncover in the future, even if it is not in my/our lifetime :D

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Robert, West Bloomfield, MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:34:17 GMT

Mark from MO, Nothing like making ambiguous statements, sprinkled with a little pessimism. Anyway, you mention the word probability, and the thought of random events occurred to me, you can't have one without the other. However, these ideas come from a very narrow view based on a lack of understanding. There is no random event in the universe. Everything has some purpose. You can find plenty of examples in a general or organic chem class, and as you move along into biochemistry the complexity increases exponentially, with purpose. No doubt, when these finite details are glazed over, they appear like random events, but they're far from it my friend. Follow the citric acid cycle, or glycolysis. No, random events can't lead to anything like these processes, or the many many other reactions that take place in our own bodies. I can recreate some of these processes in a lab, because I will it be, with some knowledge, preparation, and a little intuitiveness. But to suggest these processes occur at random is tantamount to putting marbles in a jar and rattling them around with your hands until some so called random event causes them to form a new life, and then even if were so, you've only managed to prove a fatal flaw in your own hypothesis, for it was your own doing and intervention that caused the random event in the first place, so the random event wasn't random after all. ciao

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Mike, Jackson, Mich. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:34:25 GMT

Hm. Mark from MO. I don't know that it is fair to say it's the same thing to say "that of all the grains of sand on all the beaches in the whole World, surely one of them MUST speak French." as compared to one of these planets MUST have life. You can't compare the two because we don't view sand as being able to produce or contain life upon it. A planet could very well have a species on it that is able to survive on that particular planet, whereas a grain of sand is inanimate. Just don't discard the theory so fast. Also. You have to think we could be one of those grains of sand on that beach. What if our entire universe is just a speck of sand on a beach of another universe. And then their universe is just yet another speck of sand. Trippy, eh?

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Jim Gacey, Tucson, AZ — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:35:28 GMT

A Universe so massive and large we have to partition it into "known" and "unknown" portions! To say we are all alone in this Universe is a mindboggling misconception. Our known Universe may only be a wart on the nose of a cosmic dog! Even evolutionists will be pressed for enough time to create this Universe! What a beautiful picture(s). Makes me feel super small!

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Mac, Columbus, IN — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:36:00 GMT

I'm a devout Christian, but I have some issues with things that have been said:

First, I do not see how this is proof that there is a god. I would like someone to explain why this cannot be explained by science.

Second, it is not selfish to think we are alone. If we are incorrect, then we are misled, not arrogant. We would be selfish if we wanted to be alone, and arrogant if we thought the galaxy was made for us to play with, or as one person said, terraform.

Anyway, I agree that it is beautiful and absolutely amazing that such a thing even exists. It is beyond my imagination. I wish I could be alive during its exploration.

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thomas — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:36:34 GMT

wow, what a great way to start the day. sure can be exhausting sitting back in the office chair trying to grasp the true size of the universe. which makes me think i hope god didn't go and mess up those other plants by tempting his creation with apples and talking snakes and then making them live in sin the rest of their existance. good day

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Rick, Gilroy, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:36:35 GMT

(Where is Carl Sagan when you need him) Lets just ponder on the diversity of life on our little planet for a moment... If so many life forms can inhabit our little planet, the odds of life out there in what could be billions and billions of galaxies containing countless solar systems is pretty compelling. All said and done... As of today, at this very moment, and until proven otherwise.... We are alone!

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Greg, Madison, WI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:37:01 GMT

Alan, you bring up a very intriguing theory, some serious food for thought in your "antilogic".

What a fantastic image, it truly is awe inspiring. Whether it evokes a spiritual response, or just gets the wheels spinning in your mind trying to grasp the immense dimension of unknown we are surrounded by, really makes no difference. Something like this connects us all a bit more than we just were a moment ago - and that is important in its own right. [...]

Au revoir mon ami

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Viking, SW MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:37:23 GMT

This picture is showing a view thats 11.6 million years old. Somebody has probably already bought the place up and put hamburger joints all over it.

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Paul Murphy, SLC, UT — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:37:38 GMT

What do you all mean, "Is there life out there?" Does no one realize that stars have they're own existence and consciousness? Just because we, as carbon-based and DNA-dependant life-forms, cannot comprehend the massive existence of greater beings does not mean they don't exist. Before dismissing this as "airy-fairy, new-age" crap, recall that the best scientific theories have yet to explain human consciousness. Some believe that consciousness is a self-organizing crystalization that happen when a critical number on neural cells connect with each other. Think of the number of neurons in your brain. Then multiply that by millions of magnitudes to reach the number of atoms in a star, each creating multitudes of intricate patterns as they travel near the speed of light, collide and evolve into new elements. Then try to claim that our brains contain the only consciousness in this universe.

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colin, minneapolis, mn — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:37:49 GMT

i think the universe is far beyond human comprehention. but i dig people continue to understand it.

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Alex Bourquein, Beaumont, Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:37:55 GMT

Wow! It's so beautiful. It's so amazing what God has created in this world.

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colin, minneapolis, mn — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:38:15 GMT

i think the universe is far beyond human comprehention. but i dig people continue to understand it.

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Tom NYC, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:38:24 GMT

Carl Sagan lives on M-81....what a truely inspirational celestial photo...

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James, New Jersey — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:39:03 GMT

The logic behind these comments suggesting that these pictures prove that there must be a god is equivalent to that which the Greeks and Romans conjured-up in ancient times to explain thunder, lightning and everything else that was unexplainable at the time. Come on people!

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The Kitsune, San Marcos, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:39:12 GMT

If you feel small, imagine how the dust mites feel! Spectacular picture, really. I do have to say though, Mark, your grain of sand theory is moot. Apples to apples I say. We aren't trying to say that SOME other being out there MUST speak english like we do, we're just saying that probility of life out there besides our own small planet is huge, even if it is just small bacteria that would have amazing possibilities for evolution. It's also not arrogant to think that we're the only life, it's ignorant. Anyone ever think that maybe the gods just happen to live in the universe, same as we do? Who knows where it all began, and how much would it change our lives to have such information?

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pamela lewis — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:39:22 GMT

mirror,mirror what do I see? Could there be life,in space,we might get to see?I hope I live to see the day,being's might visit from there galaxy so far away.

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Greg, Madison, WI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:39:31 GMT

Alan, you bring up a very intriguing theory, some serious food for thought in your "antilogic". What a fantastic image, it truly is awe inspiring. Whether it evokes a spiritual response, or just gets the wheels spinning in your mind trying to grasp the immense dimension of unknown we are surrounded by, really makes no difference. Something like this connects us all a bit more than we just were a moment ago - and that is important in it's own right. Not to close on a sour note, but methinks that Mark is a bit idiodic, and may be socially repressed. Some therapy sessions and a good schedule of anti-depressants may be helpful for you. Au revior mon ami

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Jim Hennessey — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:39:50 GMT

We only live 900 months. We have been in the air about 1300 months. We have been in space about 700 months. We are only in our infancy in space. If we can invent a fuel that will travel us 7 times around the earth in one second (light speed), then we will have to just enjoy the sight of M 81. A trillion trillion galaxies with zilions of suns in each galaxy with zillions of planets and moons in that just right distance from there sun. Where there is water in all three states. Mix with all the Univeral elements of the periotic table and electrical activity. Protiens have been made like this all over the world in labs. It would be naive to think that we are the only ones. We have already discovered more that 200 extra planets in our own galaxy. It is only a matter of time.

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Janet — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:39:55 GMT

Cynically, I'm just grateful that humanity lacks the technology to escape very far from Earth - imagine the damage we'd create if we did. Hubble provides the best reasons for taking care of our own planet.

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Charles D. Carter, R.A. Akron, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:40:16 GMT

With amazing clarity we are only just beginning to see the depth and breath of our universe in high definition detail. Boundless and ever expanding, the universe holds countless stars with solar systems similar to ours. To assume we are the only living planet among this stellar cast seems incomprehensible given the age of our planet in comparison to others. Truly magnificent and humbling.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

MrDeadfolx, Iowa — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:40:38 GMT

This goes with what Alan Rice was talking about, what if instead of being billions of years ago, the galaxy we're gazing upon is actually years ahead. If time travel is indeed possible and some day we figure it out, is it possible that intelligent life in the universe (commonly called greys) is actually us in the future? More specifically is it our evolved state? It may sound ridiculous to most but if you think about it, it makes some relative sense. Black holes spin so fast that nothing, even light can escape, did we think about the possibility that time can't even escape? With that in mind, what if all the galaxys we see are actually our own but in diff periods of time. Now there's something to chew on.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

E-ternal1, Sarasota, Sunshine — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:41:30 GMT

Many interesting, thought-provoking, & occasionally entertaining comments from the lot of you. God/no god?, alone/not alone?, optimistic/pessimistic? (Mark gets a gold star for eliciting the most responses...lol) - without contemplation, there would be no progress. It never ceases to amaze, what feats the mind has - and has yet to - accomplish.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Peter Schoen — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:41:38 GMT

What convinces me most that there must be life elsewhere is not just the infinite number of "elsewheres" that exist, but the insistent nature of life. Here on this planet, it is EVERYWHERE -- pitch black caves; miles under the sea; in sulphuric waters. Some life can lay dormant for decades waiting for the right conditions in order to flourish. Faced with something as ubiquitous, tenacious, and varied as LIFE, it seems more likely that it exists elsewhere. Now, INTELLIGENT life, which is often difficult to find even within our own species ... that's another story!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Eru — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:41:40 GMT

"I think we should be buoyed by the fact that it is amazing what we are able to understand at this random time in the middle of nowhere in the universe" -a very wise man

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Don, Here & There — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:41:54 GMT

When it is all said and done...we really don't know anything. We only use about 10% of our brains, and we have been only learning about what we call physics for a few hundred maybe a thousand years. We have a very long way to go...but I do believe we are on the right track, as long as we keep our minds open to new ideas and change. After all, isn't that what science is really all about, questioning everything, finding new answers to old solutions?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Hank Tweedy — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:42:28 GMT

lower right looks like galaxies to me,

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Big Lou, WPB, FLA. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:43:37 GMT

Wow. Now I want to become an Astronaut. I'm going back to school to take up space!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Trevor, Las Vegas, Nevada — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:43:57 GMT

Wow....interesting comments, I guess if we want to visit this galaxy in our life time somebody better design something like they have on that Stargate show! By the way, we ar not alone people, too many U.F.O. sightings ove the last decades, these people cant all be crazy, right? ;-)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Elisa Vargas Miramar Fl. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:44:03 GMT

We look at all the beautiful sites of the Universe and the other galaxies and say wow these sites are amazing. You often wonder why are we a mere spec of sand in this galaxy as well. Keep on sending out these beautiful sites--thanks for making my day in this part of the Universe.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Donald D. Dowdy, Saint George Utah — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:44:05 GMT

alan rice: the reflection theroy. ive heard of, & contemplated it before. i think i liked that about the best out of all of these comments, except maybe the cosmic chicks theroy. please except my own addition to this wonderful, thought prevolking article, (of which has at the very least made my day): "when you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, anything your heart desires will come to you. If your heart is in your dreams, no request is too extreme, when you wish upon a star as dreamers do. (fate is kind, she brings to those who love, the sweet fullfillment of their secret longing) Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in and sees you through. When you wish upon a star your dreams come true!" Thank GOD for the human imagination! I too would like to think that maybe, just maybe, our real future destiny is to visit & live in the stars. Thats one of my dreams, & because i dare to dream it, IT CAN COME TRUE!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Paula, Tallahasse, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:44:10 GMT

Holy cow. How small we are...God's work is amazing. I seriously doubt we're sharing these wonders with anyone/any thing else.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Tim, MD — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:44:17 GMT

if the universe expanded faster than the speed of light perhaps we are looking at our own galaxy 11.6 million years ago...either way there is a God and His name is Jesus.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Tim, Corinth Tx — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:44:28 GMT

Truly awe inspiring. Yes it is amazing what GOd created. W, at least have the guts to put your name if your going to make fun at those of us who believe. Even Einstein believed in a God.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Scott McFadden, Birmingham, AL — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:45:10 GMT

If everyone stayed in the "know" mankind would cease to advance. The key is to live in the "mystery" and excell w/ imagination. This is BEAUTIFUL!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Hokey Pokey Canton GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:46:53 GMT

Honestly people, it's a beautiful picture. Don't ruin it by putting in your own opinions of God or no God. Enjoy it, absorb it how you want to. Don't attack other people's beliefs.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kay Enn, Whitfish, MT — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:46:58 GMT

I enjoyed reading all the comments, thanks. I often wonder about people tho - what is the point of arguing about anything? Do we just want to be right? It is my hope that looking at this wonderful photo would inspire humans on THIS planet to do better - treat each other better, be kind to other life forms on this planet, and quit being selfish and self-centered. Instead of educating your neighbor to think like "you," why not educate yourself? Never be satisfied that you know enough, because there is MUCH to learn (this picture proves it). "You don't know much, and that's a fact." And Mark, I would suggest counseling. Yes, our lives are but a blink of the eye in terms of evolutionary history...however, we should make that blink count! Do something positive. Live for today.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Milissa, Newton, KS — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:48:20 GMT

I think that if people want to post their opinions, such as that the photo is a creation of God's or that it in no way is just that, feel free to do so, but do not force these opinions on the others and do not get angry if your views to not match that of someone elses. we are all individual people and we will perceive things in different ways. let this be what it is. this is a beautiful picture which is something we can all agree on.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Nick, Houston Texas — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:48:23 GMT

When one views this magnificent creation, you can only feel humbled by the greatness of the creator, along with a thirst and hunger for more knowledge to our limited information. Surely WE are not the only species in this vast and great universe, as to think so only serves to show our arrogance and immaturity as a race. I for one feel cheated that in my lifetime I will never have the opportunity to see such greatness at a closer range, but am filled with joy that men and women of the future will be able to explore and learn of our creators majesty and see his glory, provided we don't kill each other off before.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kye, Pukalani, HI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:50:16 GMT

The image is awesome. What am I looking for in the bottom right corner? Is it in the picture at the top or the picture at the bottom?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

you — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:50:24 GMT

BORRRING

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Lizze Mcphee — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:50:25 GMT

wow

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Reggie, Annapolis MD — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:50:32 GMT

This is awesome. God is great,to think one day I will get to see it all up close a personal.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jesse, Federal Way, Wash. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:50:40 GMT

Allen, I'll chew a little. If it were a picture of our galaxy a long time ago, would it not have a "tracer" type of look behind its path of travel. Or would this somehow not show up in our images today? I am not a scientist, butI do enjoy, and support our space exploration.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Neil, Wilmington, DE — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:50:44 GMT

The beauty and grandeur of space, and the views of majestic galaxies as this, should make one and all feel a bit small. And also quite fortunate that we live in a time where these can be viewed early on. Now, where are the next John F. Kennedy, Gene Roddenberry and Carl Sagen who can take us to the next steps!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

J. T. Grant, Brooklyn, New York — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:50:51 GMT

I can almost hear, whoever they are, calling us to join them when I look at that picture. Perhaps, one day, we'll climb out of our primitive selves and make the connection. What I wouldn't give to be there...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Hexdragon — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:53:16 GMT

I am sitting here reading these posts debating God and if we are alone in the Universe. To me, God is the Universe, and the Universe is God. Being part of the Universe means we are part of God.... But enough on religion. Carl Sagan once say, (and I paraphrase) "If there are 100 Billion, billion stars, and only 1% of them had planets, and of those if 1% were the right size and distance from their sun, and if 1% of those had life on it, and 1% of those had intelligent life, that would mean there are millions of civilizations out there”. The only reason I can think of for us to be alone, is that someone has to be first….

Galaxy revealed in high-res

HOPING in CANADA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:53:43 GMT

OH MY GOD ! ... "when I die may my soul traverse - far away into the universe"! (ES 07)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Robert, West Bloomfield, MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:53:45 GMT

Don, Here & There, It's very common misconception that man only utilizes 10% of his brain. We actually use the entire thing. Yup, 100%. I've often wondered what 10% of the brain, are you people referring to....hmm.. Make of few empirical observations of your own. What happens when you remove different parts of the brain? Are there not different functions affected by the procedure? Why? If we only utilized 10%, we should be able to remove the other 90% with no adverse side effects, imagine that.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Grant, Seabeck, Washington — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:53:49 GMT

Ah the power of Astronomy! It provokes us to examine our existance! It challenges us to push forward! It promises limitless possibilities for our restless minds! God teases us! Wonderful!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Joe,Norfolk, virginia — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:54:02 GMT

Wow. That is beautiful. To think that there's a black hole there...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mahmood Umer, Dallas TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:54:48 GMT

Looking at this picture it just dawned on me that these are nothing but storm in the universe. Since we are so small, we are focusing what these small lights (Starts) contain, but if you think that there is huge space, and these galaxies are storm, it make perfect sense. Since these are moving anti- clock wise, these galaxies are northern sphere of the space….that bring to the next point…that every thing is attached by gravitational force ll which means that there should be very huge mass/body compare to these galaxies that forcing these objects (galaxies) to rotate anti-clock wise and creating this picture….I can go on and on…but I should stop here.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Eru — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:56:18 GMT

"I think we should be buoyed by the fact that it is amazing what we are able to understand at this random time in the middle of nowhere in the universe" -a very wise man

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John Sherwood — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:56:24 GMT

Humans tend to overrate their importance in the overall scheme of things.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jeff Filby, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:57:39 GMT

How anyone could look at that picture and think that we are all alone in this vast universe is beyond me. Leave it to the human race to elevate arrogance to such an art form.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Aaron, Colorado springs, Colorado — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:57:41 GMT

I believe that even though we can find any galaxy at any time with hubble, that doesnt make it any less spectacular. Even though the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life is very slim to some people, I think we can and will find life eventually. And who knows, this galaxy may contain life that we have yet to discover! But even though that picture may be magnificent, its even better to think about the fact that the way you are looking at it now is the way it was billions of years ago! its like looking back in time and finding something so incredible, humanity itself is at a loss for words!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

phil S. Oakland, Ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:58:16 GMT

the hardest thing in my adult life is keeping perspective...that's why I keep the image of M81 on my computer desk-top just to remind me of how vast it really is

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Allen Dermody, Jacksonville, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:58:26 GMT

Awesome, I just wonder what life could be like if humans could come together as one race, and venture to these beautiful places in our universe.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

D Vigil of Long Beach — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:58:54 GMT

I can't help but recall my reading of "Alice in the Looking Glass".. it may be applicable in this case.. we could be looking at ourselves... either way; makes one's perspective of what's important and contemplative of the possibilities and opportunities we are given everyday ... We are living in incredible times... Nothing is impossible.. I'm excited to view M81.... definitely overwhelming .. If Sir Isaac Newton only knew who far we have come..could this be his third law incarnate?... he would be overwhelmed too!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Tasha, Va. Beach. Va — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:59:14 GMT

Amazing picture!! We are not alone. God is out there. Anytime someone makes a negative comment about a higher power there is a negative response. It just shows your fear of faith. The universe might have been created by the big bang theory, but, who set the fuse going is the question. Mark it doesn't matter that we get up close and personal with the galaxy in our lifetime. What matters is that we are on our way.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Catherine — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:59:23 GMT

Why analyze? Why not simply enjoy the show?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Sam Martin, Moseley, Va. — Wed, 30 May 2007 16:59:32 GMT

cool image!!! Now, so long as there are no Vogons. I'm in for a ride. We'll need good towels. beautiful image. good work

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kurt Student, MA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:00:31 GMT

Why are we soooo eager to find another civilization. If they are more advanced than us then we can expect to be exploited as nature takes its course. If we are more advanced than they, then enormous distances invovled will prevent us from expoiting them. I would just keep looking for that armagedon asteroid and enjoy our solar system and yes exploit it.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kristin Henry, Chicago, IL — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:01:05 GMT

If you click one of the links and look closely, you could see what looks to be "planets" surounding the "stars". How could we possibly be the only living life forms on any galaxy?! If we developed, maintained and evolutionized, whose to say others some where else haven't? All assumtions aside, I must say that this is truely one of the most amazing and eye opening photos ever!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

EWE SD, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:02:02 GMT

He wears galaxies like sequins and lives between the quarks.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jon Deakin London England — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:02:55 GMT

God bless America!!!! God Bless Hubble !!! Show us more... PLEASE!!! - from a yellow toothed Brit !

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ron, Newbury Park, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:04:18 GMT

The only thing more ludicrous than believing GOD created this is to believe that GOD didn't....

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mary, Houston, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:04:26 GMT

Doesn't it seem to require a great deal more faith to beileve in a supposed "big bang", than to simply accept that a loving God is responsible for such an incredible creation? How dare we, sitting here on our tiny planet, in our temporary little clay houses that we call bodies, doubt His existence? Are we really ignorant enough to believe that such perfect beauty and order were an accident?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Paul, Phoenix, Arizona — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:04:32 GMT

Almost as amazing as the image itself is the array of responses from all over our tiny planet. I just hope that everyone, whatever their disposition, can appreciate this marvel for whatever they believe it to be.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Hever,Anchorage,AK — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:05:17 GMT

I cannot believe how marvelous those galaxy look. Just imagine in a couple more decades, Hubble might discover the first living thing in outer space. I still have doubts though. But thanks for posting and sharing those magnificient pictures! AWESOME!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Wendy, Calgary, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:05:23 GMT

There are so many things we don't know, and we don't even know we don't know them. A beautiful picture, that is all it is.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Fred,Bedford,Indiana — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:05:26 GMT

Is it possible our galaxy left the area photographed 11 million years ago?

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Mike, Toronto — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:07:39 GMT

WHAT IF....it was meant to be that there was only one planet from one star in every galaxy that supported life, at different levels of eras, i.e. renaissance, or computer age, and its purpose was to develop in harmony within its home. Maybe we are too far away from the others so we don't contaminate and destroy theirs too!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ansari, Toronto, Canada — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:07:54 GMT

Well done NASA I am sure there is much more to explore and I belive there is much more to learn

Galaxy revealed in high-res

prem richmond hill new york — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:08:38 GMT

god is the greatest of all engineers and the master of nature

Galaxy revealed in high-res

William Borner, Baltimore. MD — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:08:42 GMT

The dumbing of America via the interjection of religion in science is frighteningly apparent from these many comments evoking a creator. M81 is truly glorious, and it is natural to compare its awesomeness to something or someone beyond us. That's how religion was born, as a means to explain the bewilderingly complex to the undereducated. That said, wonder whether Jerry Falwell is out there!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jessica, San Jose, CA. — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:08:59 GMT

WOW! It's really overwhelming looking at the new galaxies. It show us that we are nothing compering to the infinite universe that waits for us to discover.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

E. San Diego, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:09:29 GMT

Ooooh! I so dizzy!

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?..."

"You left your cell phone on WHICH planet?"

Galaxy revealed in high-res

What's-Your-Name-Again?, SanFranCA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:10:07 GMT

Captain's Log, Stardate 05.30.2007.... imagine that what we are seeing now (in those images) isn't even as that universe, those stars, those planets appear at this moment.... 11.6 MILLION years... imagine what could have changed, what life could have develeoped under the right conditions... AMAZING. It's almost impossible for us to comeprehend something as vast, on such a cosmic level. In comparison life is like viruses in a body, surging through a bloodstream or the atoms that create a molecule in a body... Absolutely amazing.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

JWilly, Minnesota — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:11:41 GMT

It takes my breath away. How could we be alone...highly doubtful. If we are, what a waste of space! Kudos to the Hubble. Simply amazing.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Dave - just Dave, Charlestown, I — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:12:13 GMT

Since there seems to be disagreements between believers and non believers in God, and since it is a matter of faith. I thought I'd bring up a movie.

Contact.

I found it interesting that in the movie, she did not believe in God because she needed proof.

However, after seeing her father during her adventure, she was told that others could not see this yet, "small steps".

After she returned, the others did not believe her and during the inquiry, they asked her "You want us to take this all on faith"?

If you dont believe in God, that is too bad. I wish you luck. I couldnt imagine a universe without him.

If you do believe in God (as I do) He is revealing what we need to see, small steps.

Just because we cant see something doesnt mean it doesnt exist.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Louis E. Jones — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:13:23 GMT

I would love to find a nice little planet there, such as our own and fish the boundless oceans, lakes and streams of a new world. I would be ashamed to think there is no other life out there! THANKS HUBBLE AND NASA!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Wed, 30 May 2007 17:13:53 GMT

Many of us need, desperately, to do ourselves a favor and get over ourselves. Some of these comments are just more proof that an intellectual desert still exists and that there is still quite a bit of room for all of us to grow intellectually, physically, and professionally... certainly, personally. The extent of the arrogance and superficiality evident in many of these comments only proves just how much smaller than a grain of sand many in the human race are - and it degrades us all. There is no doubt, we "...have many miles to go before we sleep." Look for the unanswered questions - ponder them. Let's get over our bad selves, people. Let's stop trying to impose our own beliefs and convictions on others. Rather, let's put our energies into expanding the horizons of our intellect - open up to the possibilities! Let's not close ourselves off from what is happening around us. Let's be courageous - let's allow for change to occur in ourselves and in others... just as it obviously is... not only here, on our own planet... but also out there... on someone else's? Who know's - could be... Thanks, Hubble, for shaking us up! It is interesting to me, to consider what it will be like, when the dust settles... even if it takes another million years (or so), for it to do so. Of course, by then, hopefully, there will be other 'dust' in the air... settleing... I've always found it exciting to be part of change, especially when it can have a positive impact on so many. All we have to do is allow it to happen. Dare to let it happen. Are we brave enough? Success is nothing more than taking advantage of opportunity. How many 'arm chair philosophers' are there among us... and how many heros? How many achievers? How many are willing to allow for change, not only in ourselves, but in others? Hubble has presented us with another opportunity to learn and expand our collective intellectual horizons. Great chicks? Well, in my mind, hope springs eternal. I'm always hopeful... always trying to make the ideal a reality!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Anthony, Cincinnati, OH — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:15:22 GMT

Alan Rice. thanks for the most intellectual comment out of all these ridiculous comments. and the god fanatics need to tone it down. i believe in god but i'm not fanatical to the point where he created everything. i'd rather believe in science.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ryan Byrd, Spruce Pine, NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:15:46 GMT

There are twenty different amino acids used as building blocks in proteins. The sequence of the amino acids and the three dimensional shape determine the function of the protein. Therefore, let us look at what it would take to create a functional protein or enzyme. A typical protein is made up of a chain of 445 left-handed amino acids. No protein found in nature contains right handed amino acids. Though origin of life experiments produce equal mixtures of both, all proteins use only the left-handed variety. Therefore, in order for the original protein to be formed, all amino acids used out of the original mixture needed to be left-handed. We can now apply the laws of probability to this. The chances of an average protein consisting of 445 amino acids forming by chance are one chance out of 2 to the 410th or 10 to the 123 (35 of the amino acids would be glycine, which is symmetrical). To illustrate the magnitude of this impossibility, let's have a contest. Suppose we give a snail moving at the speed of one inch every million years the task of moving the entire earth atom by atom over to the other side of the universe and back. Then, imagine the length of time it takes light to travel one millimeter, and a million proteins forming in that length of time hoping to form one protein with all left-handed amino acids. Guess what! The snail would win, many millions of times over before even one left-handed protein would be formed! Presume now that we can make amino acids ambidextrous for the moment and ignore this problem for the evolutionists' sake. We now have a problem making sure that the amino acids are in the right order to give the protein its function. Each amino acid has a characteristic that forms weak bonds, giving the protein its three dimensional shape. It is this shape that gives the protein its activity in living systems. If we disturb a protein with an outside force such as heat, acid, or any other abnormal environment, the three-dimensional shape of the protein will be upset, and it will lose its activity. When this happens, we say the protein is denatured. Therefore, a protein may have all its amino acids left-handed and in proper sequence and still be useless because the three dimensional shape is not correct......Then after much more blah-blah-blah... After giving evolution all kinds of concessions, the probability for the first cell to evolve by accident has one chance in 10 multipled 29345 times.<-----it would take an 80-page book just to show that number... Now, thats just for the first cell to form. Its even more unlikely that it would even manage to replicate. Then we have all the other things on this planet alone cats, plastic, trees, magnesium, whatever. Yet, we are dumb enough to think that all of this came from an infinitely small point of matter that one day decided to explode-which would be exponentially more dense than a black hole(light cannot even escape a black hole.) Sorry it's just impossible, it takes more faith to believe in the big-bang and evolution than to believe in God. I know I was an atheist until 6mos. ago----->when I actually researched.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

BILAL,PAKISTAN — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:15:56 GMT

KOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL ! GOD IS GREAT!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kevin J Gaughan — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:17:44 GMT

11.1 million light years away. As I look at this I cannot help but wonder if within that disk if there are any advanced civilizations there. I have often thought that if there are advanced civilizations that they are not hundreds or even thousands of years ahead of us in technology but actually millions and possibly billions of years ahead. For example, if this galaxy had a civilization as advanced as ours when the light we see from it was created and that civilization still exists it would mean that civilizations would be 11.1 million years ahead of us in technology. Assuming this is true, I would have to believe they have conqured space travel and if they are able to traverse the distance between their galaxy and our's it would mean our understanding of physics is wrong and I happen to believe that is the case. Any civilization that old must have already cruised around their own galaxy and have since then ventured out to other galaxies. There are galaxies that 12 billion light years from our's and if they were then, what we are now, then they would be 12 billion years ahead of us in technology. I have always enjoyed physics and astronomy as well as quantum physics, string theory etc. This picture is amazing and full of wonder. My biggest regret is that I was not born 5,000 years from now. Then again, if I had been born 5,000 years ago I would not know what I know now.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Becky Howard, Flagstaff, Arizona — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:18:20 GMT

How wonderful that this amazing image, this hard work of scientists from around the world, this beautiful view of a galaxy we know nothing about has elicited such varied responses. Maybe this is the purpose of the universe: to continually urge us into debate, to constantly challenge our perceptions, our ideas and knowledge, to affirm ALL faiths, be they faiths of science, faiths of religion or faith in the human capacity to grow, to learn and to love. Even though I find it quite silly that anyone would be willing to say that they KNOW FOR SURE what this picture means; I find it all so lovely that we are able to disagree peacefully; to debate the meaning of the universe, or the meaning of a photo without fear of tyranny. How wonderful to live in free countries (for those of us who do, not all are so lucky) where we can all believe something quite different, yet together continue to gaze upon creation with wonder. To debate and disagree peacefully is the foundation of democracy, what this photo is the foundation of...I simply don't know, but I feel gifted to see it today and tickled by the conversations I'm reading. The only thing I KNOW FOR SURE is that in the large scheme of things I’m pretty sure I really don't know very much at all.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Neil Kelsey, Vancouver, BC — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:18:27 GMT

There is no God, and that galaxy is beautiful.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Billy Braun, Caldwell, Idaho — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:19:05 GMT

Feeling or believing that god exists is not the same as *knowing* god exists. Speculate all you want to, but please don't expect anyone to be convinced your emotional and unprovable evaluations of the truth.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Kirsch — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:19:11 GMT

I am not trying to get into a religous debate. The thing that I find interesting is that when people see the vastness, wonder, and complexity of things such as space, many seem to argue this is evidence there is no God. From my perspective, what is the probability that all of this wonder happened by chance? To me, it points to the opposite that the more wonderous and awesome, the more it supports it couldn't have all happened by chance.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:19:18 GMT

Such a wonderful picture! I like it!!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

timmin, Rochester, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:19:23 GMT

Way to go Jeb from Montana. Loved your line from the poem.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jay, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:19:31 GMT

how do we get there! i need to get there, Now. lets go find the other life that obviously exsists!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jay, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:19:35 GMT

how do we get there! i need to get there, Now. lets go find the other life that obviously exsists!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Fred, South Jersey — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:20:52 GMT

Stand on the beach and pick out the grain of sand that contains 6 billion loved ones......that's God. These fascinating pictures are an example of what he has enabled us to accomplish......so far !

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Linda Moody, La Habra, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:21:22 GMT

Could GOD have made the universe for us? We are multiplying so fast, will we run out of room for us here on earth? Could we go exploring the space out there and find a new place for us to live? hmmmm The space out there is beautiful. I do believe there is a God.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Michael Popienko — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:21:48 GMT

Only in this world can we have everything and still have nothing. How can the finite ever comprehend the infinite? If ever a grander puzzle, than the ever expanding universe, as Hubble himself figured out in Einstein's mathematics, where one finds an answer but leads to more than a hundred more questions. I know a lot but not much of "everything" and certainly looking at a picture of this clarity and being alive at this time make me appreciate how precious life really is. The universe had a beginning. There for there must have been a beginner. Big Bang or God? Both will still lead to one more Question ...WHY? You get to choose in this life. Scientists say they are seeking the equation of all things (Stephen Hawking), the "holy grail" and I'm sure they will find it someday...but 100 more questions again shall rise invariably. Nature does not give up her secrets so easily and never will I believe. Or else there will be nothing left to do. All ?'s are answered...boring. Whats the purpose of LOVE I ask? Love of space is what led to the creation of the magnificent telescope Hubble that which we appreciate the sight of M81. We only are looking in the mirror of the grand picture. We're looking at our own love that we create. Leave this world a better place than you found it, then "your" light will continuously shine till the end of your life, time itself and all of reality and eternity. Live your life slowly and get as much love as you can for love "is" the only thing you can take with to give back to BIG BANG or GOD when you get there and that is how I believe you win in this life. Like the Beatles said, "the love you take is equal to the love you make"! Thank you scientist for your love of space that I can see the heavens more clearly now! I am truly enlightened and grateful.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ern — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:22:18 GMT

Why does this image cause an argument over the existence of God? As far as I can see, this picture doesn't support either side of the argument. It does, however, make me wonder what interest the 'creator' could possibly have in the affairs of a bunch of insignificant specks living on an insignificant speck, orbiting an insignificant speck. One might as well pick out a single cell from one's own body, and pass down a set of commandments to the quarkes that make up the atoms that make up that cell. And send to Hell all those quarks that don't comply. And chill out and leave MoMark alone. His opinion is as valid as anyone else's on these philosophical matters.

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John Wilber Thornville, oh. — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:24:34 GMT

Mark up there is quite right, because even at the speed of light it would take 11.6 million years to get there. If you believe in the evolution theory then what will mankind have evolved to in this amount of time, even if he has survived? Besides that, the speed of light---can we get up to that kind of speed and remain intact? Even with warp capabilities and the folding of time/space --- these have not been explained to me in any understandable way so far. Oh for the brain of Stephen W. Hawking!!!!

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Dennis Callegari, Tillamook, Oregon, USA, Earth, Milky Way — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:26:53 GMT

Get with it people! The universe is what it is, even if we don't understand it. Just embrace the mystery! No one can explain it, but it is our nature to try. I believe we are star dust and we will return to the stars eventually. Concepts of infinite space and time are too much for our brains to wrap around, but what fun it is to open our minds as far as we can! Do not limit yourself. STRETCH.

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RFS, denver, CO — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:27:00 GMT

Hubble?? taking pictures?? This is an alien sending us pictures of their galaxy... Hubble doesnt exist anymore, it got destroyed or tell me has anybody took a picture of hubble recently??? My camera has trouble sending pictures from 1 mile to 1 mile... What makes you think that this are hubble pics from far away??? with high def??? come on this is pure alien stuff!!!... Dont you get it?? we are not alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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God, Universe City, MO — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:28:43 GMT

Okay folks settle down...I'm encouraged that most of you like my little trifle ....Just for the record I want to tell you that It's obvious to me that you are still not ready for true knowledge. My desire is to have humanity understand spirituality. Unfortunately most of you got religion confused with spirituality.. Religion is man made. True spirituality does not need the trappings of ANY religion. (Just a side note here: If your religion is telling you that I want you to go and kill people. I truly don't need your help. Your dogma is barking up the wrong tree on that one.) Want to see spirituality.... look up. Or perhaps at the little trinket I made a little time ago. You've finally been able to take a pic of it and get it on the net. Congratulations on that feat…I must say ...it is kind of pretty isn't it!

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Ron P, Prospect Park Nj — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:29:35 GMT

11.6 billion? . .Trully spectacular!..The "Hubble", is well worth its weight in gold..

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Bruce, Minneapolis Minnesota — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:31:00 GMT

These images possibly show us that Chance is an awesome God. We search the skys looking for purpose and, by chance, find evidence of what we are looking for; though each person's gaze is limited to his/her prefabricated understanding of that purpose. The universe seems big enough for Chance to be the ultimate power that drives all existence.

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Shelly, Houston TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:31:56 GMT

This is spectacular! Take the time to reflect on what is really important.

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Jerry — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:33:05 GMT

A magnificant picture of something we do not yet understand. Us humans naturally feel threatened towards the unexplained. Some run and hide from it, others blindly attack it, but the ones who challenge it and seek truth are the ones who advance us in every aspect of our existence. I feel we should most thouroughly embrace those point of views that are based on known truths, but at the same time not totally dismiss those views based on blind faith. An open mind is a doorway to the mysteries of our universe.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Ed from New Hampshire — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:35:59 GMT

Something to think about. When we look at a sand pebble, we typically don't view it at the subatomic level, electrons, circling a neucleous of protons, neutrons and other stuff to small to make out. When we look at this extrodanary picture, it displays similar design characteristics as an atom, neucleus with orbital components. Take this point of view one step up, could the galaxy in the pic be a subatomic component for something much larger or one step down could the atom, our subatomic component, be the galaxcy for something much smaller.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Woody Alford, Sedro-Woolley WA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:36:11 GMT

Belief in a supreme being has nothing to do with this. This is science at it's greatest. If it happens to coincide with your spiritual beliefs, so be it. But it is what it is. Awsome. And to think there are those who would eliminate the funding for the Hubble. How stupid is that......

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e ferg pasadena, TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:37:39 GMT

Hey ya'll. God here. I'm so embarrassed. funny that ya'll are spending so much energy studying my blemmish and from it contemplating my existance. Why don't ya'll focus on something else! It should be gone in a few zillion light years. no big deal, eh? Oh, and by the way- to settle the arguement: there is life everywhere!

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Don, Fullerton, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:38:05 GMT

The universe does not respond to human logic. Which, of course, is why human speculation on the existence of other lives gets linked to speculation on the existence of a super being (God). It's like Art: all you can do is enjoy (or not) it. Never understand it with human tools.

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Tom, Co — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:41:33 GMT

About sand and life the question is this: Are there grains of sand that are identical and what percentage of all sand grains have another identical grain? The analogy doesn't quite work however as the mass does not have to be identical to earth to foster life. I am confident there is other life but not confident about it's form.

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Josh, ATL, GA — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:41:47 GMT

It's really quite amazing how people lean to God when they cannot understand things. There are to many people who readily dismiss what they cannot explain to a higher power, but who can fault them, this has been going on since man first received the gift of knowing he is going to die. It kind of makes you wonder if when alien beings find our planet, they hide, observe and leave without making contact because they know that when man-kind realizes they are only an advanced organsim, they make take a turn for the worse. Now who would want that on their mind, especially a being who realizes how precious a life is,knowing you set a whole planet off its course and drove its inhabitants mad?

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Yogesh Kumar, Chennai, India — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:43:04 GMT

I wish that i was a part of this to view a galaxy which looks exactly like ours and also would like to know were the space starts and were it ends. Awesome and terrific work.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Spyros Solomou, Larnaca Cyprus — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:43:13 GMT

Wow I have never saw such detail of a galaxy. I wonder what the webb telescope can do when will be set to orbit at year 2012. These images will look like black and white compare to it. The new cameras with mirrors could zoom at the edge of our universe 11 billion light years distance. Unfortunately we can't travel to those places with the existing technology. For example light travels with 30000km/s speed. Spaceship can travel only with 20km/s and in future up to 100km/s. Even with 100km/s we can go to our next neighbor sun which is only 4 light years away after 1200 years. Also we don't have enough fuel to go there. Enjoy the photos in this lifetime. Maybe in the next one (if exist) we might become spirits and travel with speed of thought then we can go there. And imagine if more universes like ours exist out there that light don't even reach us.

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Derek Meche Lafayette La. — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:46:34 GMT

Great Pictures! Thanks to the talented engineers and technicians who made this possible. I wonder why some people bring religion into astronomy? I am Roman Catholic and I believe God started the universe with a bang, created the laws of physics to allow the formation of galaxies, stars, planets, and eventually us. I believe he is the grand designer of all that we see, but sometimes he allows the universe to run on auto pilot. Hence free will. Just like you can't jump off a building expecting God to save you. I am really puzzled by the atheist who insist there is no God. I accept that there is, 95% of the world belives in God in one form or another. I do not hold anyone's belief or disbelief in God against them. What I can't understand about atheist is that they INSIST on TRYING to convince others they are right! If you hold your beliefs so dearly, why must you try to justify them by insisting others accept your logic? Great picture by talented people who show us the magisty of the universe.

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Cem, KCMO — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:50:29 GMT

It seems to me that what started out as an honest and open minded forum for discussing an amazing photo has degenerated into an online debate about the existence or non-existence of a higher being. Such a shame, regardless of what you believe.

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Susie — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:52:02 GMT

Jason - there are hot chicks out there, they are just all 11.6 million years old!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

bruce bessler black diamond wa — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:53:40 GMT

proofs that some are astronauts and some are astrologers, I want to go, and after most of these above comments pray I find intelligent life finally!

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Bruce, Minneapolis, Minnesota — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:55:48 GMT

Answer to Michael Popienko--<> I'm not sure about that. When you consider the idea that time is a property of space, you run into the hairy concept of an absence of time before the big bang. There literally would have been no time before the big bang--no time for a creator to act within.

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Brian Costello, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:55:57 GMT

The galaxy, located near the Big Dipper, is just barely visable to the naked eye along with its nearby companion M82. The interesting thing is that there are probably peoples living in that galaxy very much like ourselves looking out at us through telescopes and wondering the same things about our galaxy as we wonder about theirs.

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Flip, Pittsfield, NH — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:56:45 GMT

So many out there with a small view of "truth". We were not nor will we ever be decendants of monkeys, neither did we climb out of the sea. We were created in God's image and every thing that was created was created by His spoken word. As for is there life elsewhere... those who believe in God and His plan of salvation will find out.

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BigRick Tucson AZ — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:57:17 GMT

Hello. Just as there is a hierarchy in the construction, from the nano up to the macro, of our perceived universe,... the same "system" seems to be in play from plants & ants, on up to an omnicient being responsible for existence. What makes us who we are appears to fall on a low rung. We're endowed with the consciousness to appreciate SO much of our experience, yet powerless to affect significant advances or changes.

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BH, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:57:21 GMT

To Kye in HI. Go to the zoomable image mentioned in the last p'graph of the article. Center the image on the lower right hand corner - where there doesn't appear to be anything. Then zoom in to see the image mentioned in the first posting. Pretty amazing.

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Orlando Gois, Martinsburg, WV — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:06:18 GMT

Thanks to the people who throught all those years contributed for the advance of science and technology to build those suberb tools that allow Mankind to see beyond our terrestrial confinement.

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Paul Yeung, Toronto, ON — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:09:04 GMT

These images are great and we are awesome in advancing our technologies:- giving us time (and money), we can do ANYTHING. We create computers, for example, so we are its creator. If the computer (hardware or software) has done something wrong, we fix it. If god created us, he is the creator. But if we had done something, even terribly, wrong (e.g. thousands of children die every year), god just stay there watching. Some faithfuls even say that god want us to solve our own problems! But when we do good, we should thank him! There must be something wrong here. If there is god, who needs him.

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Matt, Huntington Beach, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:11:00 GMT

A million planets does not a single life make. For us to know the origin of life we must first know how to create life, and we don't. We can make life from life but not from non-life. so for all you sudo scientists out there stop speculating otherwise you'll just sound like a religious zealot and I know you won't want that. As to the mission I've never seen so much money spent for so little tangable results in my life. Except maybe by the seismologists but at least they're tring to do some good.

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Jimminy Crickets, somewhere now lost in time & space — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:11:10 GMT

"when you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are, your dreams come true!"? this article has become only more & more fascinating as the day wears on. Thanks Human Race for your thoughts here! there IS hope! but my gun is still under my pillow...

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Mahmood Umer, Dallas TX — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:16:26 GMT

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Julian T Chicago — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:16:29 GMT

what...? science shows us a picture of a far away galaxie, and instead of merely looking at it in awe for what it is. We find reasons to take sides and invoke questions of faith and hatred, and we wonder why we can't all get along. People give your head a shake.

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Sheri St Pierre Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:17:49 GMT

I think it would be extremely shortsighted to say that there is no life out there considering the vastness of the universe, but I'm sure that life would not be necessarily defined as life as we know it. I'm sure it is dependent on many factors such as planet composition, atmoshere, gravitational pull, etc. These images are our first step in future discovery and exploration. And who knows Mark from MO, we just might be there to see it. Re-incarnation anyone? Sheri, NV

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Bob Keefe — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:23:57 GMT

Enjoy the picture, that's as close as you will ever get. Its impossible to comprehend space and time, so just enjoy your nano second now.

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Tricia, AL — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:29:15 GMT

You can't truly look at this and say there is no force, other than GOD that keeps everything in PERFECT balance--- Gravity???(Blow raspberries)This is some people's explaination, but there is a point where there is absolutely no other possible explaination. Like, how big is the universe?? How are people who are diagnosed with stage 4 cancer get completely healed with no scientific explaination...THE POWER OF UNITED PRAYER, WHICH STIRS THE HEART OF GOD, TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIM, BY THOSE WHO REACH OUT TO HIM. By HIS stripes we are healed.

So tell me how if this earth is tilted as such that we were even a degree off balance then we would either freeze to death or burn up?? Hmmmm???

So for all the skeptics of the One that is bigger than this universe, I would want something or someone that BIG on my side...wouldn't you??? I mean, if God could fit into the human brain and we could grasp Him, then He would be too small anyway!!!

Some call being religious weakness or a crutch, but if God was weak, how is the universe so strong? If He is a crutch, then why do I walk straight?? (In other words, my soul is peaceful, loving, bitterless, happy, hopeful, joyful, stressless- I used to be opposite)

His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. Just as heaven (or the universe if you will) is higher than earth so are His ways higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts...

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adam — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:47:06 GMT

every time science provides us with new images and learns and develops new theories we all benifit.the beauty of the universe and the understanding we gain of our own existence in it allows us to find meaning and reason and comfort in our short lives. we can hope for a higher purpose and rejoice in our faith. but ultimately its just believing that what we do down here matters and that life is a precious gift and we should appreciate it that makes the difference for me.

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Researcher — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:47:27 GMT

Very good photo with so much detail. I'm wondering what can do the webb telescope when will be set to orbit around Earth at year 2012. I heard it's own cameras could reach almost at the edge of our universe 11 billion light years far away. Enjoy the photo coz is the only way to observe our Galaxy and other Galaxies. Unfortunately the distance is great for our technology to travel to that places with spaceship. Our Milky Way galaxy diameter is 100000 light years. To travel to Andromeda Galaxy is 2.2 million light years. And light travels 300000km/s compare a spaceship travels at 20km/s. How long it will take for us to explore the universe? We simply can't with our physical bodies. The only way is to find a way to travel with speeds greater than light for example speed of thought. However only God, Angels and Satan with his demons can travel with speed of thought.

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Dave-Just Dave, Charlestown, Indiana — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:48:28 GMT

I found a sign in the universe.. it says.. Eat at Joe's

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Joe, Long Beach, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:48:28 GMT

Whether we are alone in the universe or not, does not diminish God's Glory, nor his gifts to us. After all, He is the great artisan of the Cosmos, and it is His Sculpture. Who are we to say what it is, or what it represents? It is, for us to study, discover and enjoy. It would be very exciting and interesting to discover life on other worlds, but whether there is or not, will not prove/disprove His existance. Those who believe, will believe, and those who don't won't. Like it is now. I do think it is somewhat amusing that we look to the stars for beings like us, and we can't even get along with each other here. Let me propose a somewhat romantic notion to you all, however. Suppose we ARE alone in the universe. God is without beginning, or end. He has time. He can create/destroy as many universes as He desires. Perhaps this one, is just for us. What an beautiful and awesome gift that would be.

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Brandon from Reford MI — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:52:46 GMT

Tut tut Mark from MO. A person as intelligent as you should realize that language is irrelevent. Only thought truly makes up a lifeform, wheather it be sentience, cognitive, or independent. Why look on any grain of sand on any beach in the world and would would find (with microscopic image technology or super sight if one has such) that each one harbors its own life. Essentially, the universe is a beach. We are just one grain of sand on that beach. And the sea, is just what our universe has yet to expand upon. And to you Daylo from USA, saying God has to do with our doing incredible things and his actual involvement are two different things. We has no actual proof a Supreme being existed, and even if one did, would that not be a reason to assume an even Greater being created him, granting His unimaginable and unhindered powers to create, imagine, and explore? That would be almost as crazy as to say that there is other life out there, because we have no actual proof that life does. Maybe microscopic life, but that nearly on par as religion. Taking the tiniest sign and constructing a grand idea, write a few books, and soon you've got a following. Science and Religion both preach a gospel. Communication and substance equal truth, not words and ideas. But then Mankind didn't get where he is today by just touching himself and waiting for something to happen did he?

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Paul, Bridgeport, CT — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:54:11 GMT

Very thought provoking. Yes, it would be foolish to think that Earth is the only planet that supports intelligent life, given the umpteen billion possibe locations in this universe. Yet after many years of looking, SETI hasn't found any such evidence. This leads me to think that when intelligent life occurs, it self destructs, as we seem to be on the verge of doing (climate change, etc.). We've only been producing "intelligent" transmissions that might be detectable from other planets for a nanosecond of astronomical time. An ever so brief spark of intelligent activity, then we stop. If this is the cycle that life takes, SETI's failure to find other intelligent life is explained. Our universe is incomprehensibly enormous. Time is also. We really aren't even intelligent enough to see the big picture on our own planet, much less act in unison for the betterment of all life. We keep trying to understand, but there are so many of us with many differing points of view and self interests that we keep getting confused. Governments argue & not enough gets done. Then differing religious beliefs embattle & distract us. Meanwhile, our exploding population puts huge stresses on ecosystems & resources worldwide, these stresses increasing each day. Whether one calls it Armageddon or not, I think our time will be up before we figure things out. My view is not one of sadness or blame; it's just the way life seems to be. "No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should."

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MarkS, Denver, Co. — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:56:29 GMT

Even though I am well aware of the pervasiveness of peoples religious beliefs, I am still dismayed when I read comments about the "greatness of god" when some people see these photographs. The world would be a much better place if people gave up these religious delusions and placed the same effort they exert to practise their religion, in taking better care of this world and the people and life in it. The people who hold these religious beliefs get all the advantages that science has brought to us but then deny the scientific viewpoint that is based solely on reason. Perhaps they should give up their gadgets, cars and the comfort of having electricity, etc. and truely live according to their beliefs and then maybe they would see what the abominable results of true religious belief are. These pictures are astounding and should make us humble and filled with awe that we live in a time when they have been made available through the dedicated efforts of great scientists.

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Alvaro — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:58:48 GMT

We can defintely not be alone in such a vast swirl of magnificence such as these...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jeff Ward, Hawaii — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:03:06 GMT

I am impressed. Looks like I am about to have a new hobby. Aloha. I love the stars. I spent 20 years in the US Navy and always enjoyed the natural light shows at sea.

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Ricky, IN — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:06:14 GMT

I know that everyone is getting all worked up by this Mark fellow, but there is no need. He is just a troll trying to smash peoples hopes and dreams so just ignore him.

This is astounding to me. This galaxy is 11.6 million lightyears away! that means that even if we were able to travel at the speed of light it would still take us 11.6 million years to get there. I don't think that fuel is exactly the means we need to get to this place. What we need to do (which isn't likely any time soon unless we get another Einstein that comes along) is find a way to warp space and time. If you could somehow bend space and travel through what is bent, you would be able to get to this place much quicker depending on how much space has been bent. This idea sounds ridiculous I know, but think about it, don't just dismiss it, actually THINK about it. The thought of time travel seems ridiculous to most of you Im sure, but Einstein was 1/4 of the way through the invention of a time machine. It takes a great mind to do great things. Anything is possible. Hell, we've only had cars and tv's for around a hundred years and the earth is how old? we have gotten many crafts into outer space in this time period. I think that is quite a bit of advancement for just a footnotes time of the earths history. Imagine where we will be 100, even just 50 years from now.

just my 2 cents

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Peg Santoro, Brooksville, Florida — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:08:01 GMT

What components make up the "plasma" of which the sun is comprised? Is this plasma as in a gel-like substance?

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ITISAPITY-HaHa DENVER, COLORADO — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:24:21 GMT

THERE IS SO MUCH MORE OUT THERE TO SEE. BUT, DONT FORGET HOW BEAUTIFUL THIS PLANET IS. THIS IS A GIFT, LETS APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE!

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marian, barcelona, spain — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:33:57 GMT

gracias por vuestra sabiduria que ayuda a crecer la esperanza de mas vida en el universo!!

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James Woods, Juneau, Alaska — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:34:35 GMT

Quite beautiful and also quite ancient...thankfully we live in a time where curiosity, science and technology have combined to bring such thought provoking imagery. Regardless of ones religeous belief, personal philosophy or political affiliation there is an element of hope in viewing something so far from the home we all call earth. If nothing else it is more appealing than our daily imagery of a war that few understand, celebrities sans underpants or the sexual predator or murderer of the moment. I think in some ways and on various levels it is like we are all looking back in time at our own future and the promise it held. Akin to being an older, wiser senoir citizen being able to magically view oneself still in the resevoir of the womb with all the hope, joy and freshness of a new life to be. Thank you for the imagery, the hard work and dedication involved in sharing such beauty and the chance to share some thoughts.

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Cindy,Canon City, Co. — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:38:04 GMT

How powerful this image is to provoke such passion in people.

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Matthew Carrillo, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:43:24 GMT

Why would god stop at one! he absolutly had to have made more living life forms just like us.

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John, Brooklyn, New York — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:58:13 GMT

Lower right...galaxies in a cosmic dance - horizontal foreground - vertical background; colliding perhaps. There is a faint ring glow on the periphery which might suggest gravitational rearrangement is already in progress. I'm told that, someday, our galaxy will collide with our nearest neighbor, M31 Andromeda. Now, Andromeda being the big guy on the block, you might want to hold off ordering those new address stickers.

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Don Scott, Atlanta, Ga. — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:03:27 GMT

It is interesting to note that if we took the most powerful telescope we have to our closet star, Alpha Centauri, when we look back at the direction of earth we cannot see it. We are just a very tiny speck in the cosmos.

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Laurel Rodman — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:05:43 GMT

And they tell us "all this is an accident" ? Yea... Right...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Brian, Bethlehem, PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:14:20 GMT

How can we look at this photograph and possibly believe that man could have an affect on global warming on this planet? We are such an infinitesimal spec of dust in the universe.

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Shane, PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:25:02 GMT

why do so many people bring up god here. how in 'gods' name does this image speak of any kind of god? I understand it is huge, beautiful, complex, and completely in the unknown - but saying, "Whoa there is a god" is a strange impression from the amazing image.

I'de rather people here philosophize a bit about all space, mater, time, evolution of systems, etc... - rather than stripping down everything to just "Whoa god made that!"

If this image is proof enough for someone to say "god exists" then i think you could also step outside, pick up a pebble and say "god exists" all the same. I'm not arguing anyone's beliefs, i do not believe in a 'being' god, but rather an unknown force or something. God cant be humanlike, because humans were evolved. See, i can't tell you any more than that because i am still in search of it, and i think thats better than just settling on someone else's idea and dismissing all other thoughts.

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Jessica, Newyork, Bronx — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:26:13 GMT

Well for me this information was quite valuable.. I'm only 12 and I love astrology. Its quite interesting.. I quite never knew that there would be other planets around us.. Imagine if we have another of ourselves.. It would be quite amazing to see myself on another planet.

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Dean Lailey — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:28:37 GMT

Truly amazing....the pictures and the responses which are almost as diversified as the galaxies themselves.

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Frank, Eastlake, Oh — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:31:47 GMT

What does this have to do with the idea of god? The Buddha talked about being reborn on various world systems well over 2500 years ago. Buddhism does not believe in a creator. The creator-based religions are the ones that believe that we are the center of everything.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Pat Stevens — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:33:27 GMT

Maybe if we find life on another planet we could all unite against them and stop finding fault with each other. LOVE the pics, they make my mind spin!!

Galaxy revealed in high-res

gabe and dad, portage, IN — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:41:11 GMT

Wowzers from gabe and dad.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Denis La Force, Palm Desert, California. — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:47:23 GMT

Alice; You are so right. At 186,000 miles per second there is no way that our bitty brains can comprehend the events that have transpired within the year that light travels. Look, over there! No! Over there! What happened? Did you blink? Macro and Micro are concepts that the likes of Steven Hawking grapples with in his corporal body on a cosmic scale that the rest of us cannot aspire to. Are you awed by the picture of M 81 by our Baby Brownie? Please understand yourself as a perceiver of your own perception. Enjoy the mystery of the inconceivable.

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Paul, Bridgeport, CT — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:49:14 GMT

Because, Brian from PA, we've burned upon billions of barrels of petroleum, to say nothing of the billions of tons of coal & the billions of cubic feet of natural gas since the industrial revolution began. Most of the carbon from all this is still in the atmosphere. We're polluting one planet's atmosphere, not the entire universe. The many superficial remarks I read here prove my earlier remarks. We really are only intelligent enough to advance our species in the short term to the detriment of most everything else. And so it goes.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

John P. Cich, Apple Valley Ca., — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:53:42 GMT

I have read over the past couple of years of plans to not perform any further maintenance on the Hubble Telescope, with the information that is and will be gathered and the knowledge that will be gained about our universe and others like ours is inconciviable that these plans are in place and we may lose the use of the telescope in the years to come..

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Sylvanah Crager, Morehead, Kentucky — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:00:54 GMT

WOW! that is a beautiful galaxy. M81 sure does have my vote.i wonder when another picture will be sent of a different galaxy? maybe it will be as pretty...

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Alan Boyle — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:20:21 GMT

All I can say is WOW! Yes, about the picture, but also about all the comments you sent in. We strugged to keep up with the more than 600 comments that were registered. Not all of them were approved; as time went on, I had to tighten up on the approvals, to cut back on the comments that went too sharply after other commenters, or merely quoted from scriptures (not only the Holy Bible, but also the Holy Koran, long romantic poems and pop lyrics). If someone voiced a sentiment that many others did, I also may have held off on approving such comments as well. If your well-crafted comment isn't appearing in this list, please don't take it personally, and it may be missing merely through my oversight ... just because of the haste with which I had to go through the list. As always, some comments were approved that probably shouldn't have, and some were missed that would probably be good to have here. But I do hope that, in the main, we gave a little bit of exposure to a wide range of viewpoints. Welcome to the Cosmic Log community, and I hope you'll stop by again. Just wait until you see what we're working on for tonight! ;-)

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Brian, Bethlehem, PA — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:46:18 GMT

Well Paul, those billions of barrels of oil, tons of coal and cubic feet of gas have done nothing to warm the planet. We could not destroy the planet if we wanted to. One good volcanic eruption would pour more carbon dioxide into the environment than a hundred years of our so called pollution. Did you know that Mars' global temp is also rising? I am not sure how many Cadillac Escalades GM has shipped to Mars, but it can't be THAT many. Might it just be that big orange ball in the sky, that we call the sun, actually be responsible for the elevated temperatures on Earth? Is that possible?

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Chris E. — Wed, 30 May 2007 21:54:39 GMT

Holy Hanna! Good job! I saw the photo on MSNBC's front page right at the top! Hopefully this will tell the powers that be to give the log a bit more publicity! I've personally yet to see a photo that took my breath away like the first time I head a pair of Binoculars up to the sky. The first tier of stars that you see (sometimes just barely in the city) suddenly give way to a jaw dropping arena of dense star fields like no kid would have ever imagined.

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Prem, Richmond Hill, New York — Wed, 30 May 2007 22:11:27 GMT

Think of this in your silent moment, how could a big bang create this great magnificence? Oh MY GOD!

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Teri, Boca Raton, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 22:59:43 GMT

Hey! I can see my house from here.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

TONY CAMPBELL N,Y — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:03:30 GMT

THE ONLY THING THAT MAN HAS NO CONTROL OVER FOR YEARS, WILL COME AND GO. STILL WE WILL BE AMAZED; LET'S CONTINUE THE SEARCH FOR A BETTER FUTURE.

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Seyi Adeosun, Keffi,Nigeria — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:04:24 GMT

Somebody out there could looking at us from there on M81 and be musing about the possibility of life existing here.Some day we shall start intergalactic games with the dudes up there,hopefully with the help of science that will produce more revealing space gadgets than the Hubble Telescope.The picture of the galaxy is simply amazing and awe inspiring.

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Janet Bos Victorville, Ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:11:28 GMT

I truly love these extraordinary pictures of space. Thank you for showing us Gods greatest accomplishments of space. Incredible!!

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Ken Rogers, Miami, FL — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:12:32 GMT

In a future (non corporeal) life, I'm going to sail through the galaxies listening to the stars sing.

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Dione — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:14:01 GMT

I want to know if this galaxy ahve any plants in it's system if so are they simular to ours

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Drew Roberts Denver CO. — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:18:58 GMT

I'm no astronomer so please correct me if I'm wrong.The photo's of m-81 are from 11.6 million light year's away. That only proves that it was there 11.6 million years ago.I won't assume it's gone away somehow but should I assume it's not? The photo's can't prove that m-81 is out there today!Don't get me wrong ,I like believing the gas went away and that planet's flourished but I'm not sure I want to base my faith on it, in any case it is aw some to see! D.R. of Denver.

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Stephen- Pinon Hills, CA — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:30:53 GMT

Mark from MO, I like your comment, it is original. Ladies and gentlemen lets think a minute. We seem to be getting closer and closer to discovering an extrasolar planet that is like Earth. You would have to think that each galaxy has an earthlike planet. I seriously doubt we are alone in this universe, and if they do speak French that makes communicating with them alot easier.

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Drew Roberts Denver CO. — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:34:59 GMT

We are but grains of sand freely moving throughout the mind of a static universe.D.R. of Denver.

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Jon, Redding,Ca — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:36:49 GMT

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Cristina, New York, NY — Wed, 30 May 2007 23:37:06 GMT

i have to state that you (Brian) pointed out a very reasonable alternative to global warming, but i have to ask, isn't the sun supposed to decrease in temperature as it gets bigger and closer to its death?

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jose campbell queen n,y — Thu, 31 May 2007 00:03:36 GMT

is breath taken, just to see part of the univerce

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Johann, Port Townsend WA, USA — Thu, 31 May 2007 00:14:46 GMT

"My God ... it's full of stars!" Dave Bowman, 2001: A Space Odyssey

This is one of the most humbling and stunning pictures I've seen. Thank you for expanding our views of the heavens, of ourselves, and of our place in this incredible cosmos. I can only hope we learn to take care of this little spaceship before it is (if not already) too late.

We are but infants barely beginning to see beyond our little crib. What is out there? The reality is far beyond our imagination. Who are we? We do not yet know. What is our place among the stars? Only by searching outward (and inward) will we find out. Keep it up, our future depends on it.

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Robert Gaskill, Santa Ana, California — Thu, 31 May 2007 00:38:15 GMT

You can't get something from nothing. Where did all the elements come from that made every object in the seeable universe? Define and describe all the forces such as gravity and radiation that mix and control those elements. What fills the huge spaces between the objects through which all those forces are effective, and yet there seems to be nothing there? What purpose or reason is being served by the existence of all these objects (including us humans)? It is either all real or it is not, and if it is not, what is it? Imagination? If so, whose? For lack of a single definitive name, call it God. And when you finally learn the answers to these simple questions, call it by any name suitable to the enormity of the answers.

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Donald D. Dowdy, Saint George Utah — Thu, 31 May 2007 00:39:05 GMT

the top of page article reguarding M81 has a clickable link to the hubble site, which has a better larger pix of this M81, with a zoomable feature. zooming in on any desired point of light results in the most beautiful mosaic of points of light. contemplating the reality that every speck holds within it the infinate possibilitys so far beound our capabilitys of understanding has been so injoyable for me, i just cant begin to explain. it inspires me to try doing web searches on the information availible out there that our worlds scientists are beginning to understand & share with us. as for all this god/ no god stuff thats filled this blog today, hey, eveloution IS creation, people. 6 days to god could very well be a 10 billion timespan to humans. just like the births & deaths occuring in our own galaxy of billions of stars, that IS evidence of creation. Just like our planet earth, these galaxys are living breathing growing dying things just like us. there is life all around us. im so very thankfull i have the oppertunity to even just have a look at it. so very many stars to be able to make a wish upon, & the last time i tried doing that, it all came true for me. try it some time!!

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steve james, osprey, fl — Thu, 31 May 2007 01:11:28 GMT

when we acknowledge the incomprehensable vastness of space and time we MUST question the foundations of the middle eastern based faiths. the diety was invented by men seeking power to control others at a time when the sun orbited around a flat world which was the center of the universe and creation was only some 4700 years old. get with it children and realize science has given us far better understanding of the universe and life; and we have no reason to hate one another because of out dated differences of faith. if possible, mankind may indeed someday travel to the stars, not by faith nor by god, but by science. in fact faith is probably the largest impediment for us doing achieving such a goal.

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Tara Tak, West Chester, PA — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:25:05 GMT

I have a very wide range of feelings toward this article. First off I love learning about new discoveries that are made in the astronomical field of science. I find it so amazing that there is some much more to life then just you and me (hypothetically speaking.) We are just the tiniest speck of dust among these great astronomical beings. The article is explaining about how much more is out there then what we know and think we know. I love to think of all the endless possibilities that our universe has and this article really got me thinking. Now, on the other hand, I am a religious person. I personally do believe in God (is it alright I talk about this) and this article shoves the fact of the evolution theory right in your face. Most scientists believe that the world and universe was created in the theory of evolution- any process of formation or growth- this does seem true, to a point. Although by my religious teaching, I was told God was the creator of all man kind and the universe. It is hard for me to read this article knowing in both ways I look at it, it seems right. But I strongly believe in God. Even still I found this article so very interesting. In the end, I am just glad to know that the astronomy field is learning more information as time goes by. Also, I think it is not too surprising that the astonishing image was taken by Hubble, considering its’ past performance. I hope more research will be carried out on the subject. I hope to follow up on what knowledge is being learned and understand what is going on in our universe. In addition to all of this, I really enjoyed the photos that were shared.

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Paul, Bridgeport, CT — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:51:00 GMT

Brian, that urban legend was laid to rest years ago.

http://www.realclimate.org/index.php?p=192

The text sums up with : "Thus inferring global warming from a 3 Martian year regional trend is unwarranted. The observed regional changes in south polar ice cover are almost certainly due to a regional climate transition, not a global phenomenon, and are demonstrably unrelated to external forcing. There is a slight irony in people rushing to claim that the glacier changes on Mars are a sure sign of global warming, while not being swayed by the much more persuasive analogous phenomena here on Earth..."

Global climatologists the world over are of the opposite opinion of yours. These are thousands of people who devote their life's work to such study. People who think in scientific terms, like those who produced the Hubble telescope that sparked all this commentary. Have you not heard the recent reports released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change? About 600 scientists contributed. FAQ's here:

http://ipcc-wg1.ucar.edu/wg1/Report/AR4WG1_Pub_FAQs.pdf

In fact, they say "Major volcanic eruptions can thus cause a drop in mean global surface temperature of about half a degree celcius that can last for months or even years." Volcanos don't put much carbon into the atmosphere. Burning hydrocarbons does. Further from the IPCC, "The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased by about 35% in the industrial era, and this is known to be due to human activities, primarily the combustion of fossil fuels and removal of forests." "Adding more of a greenhouse gas, such as CO2, to the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect, thus warming Earth's climate." You sound somewhat like a tobacco industry spokesman from decades ago. Time to smell the coffee, as big business has started to do worldwide.

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john doe, seatle, wash. ): — Thu, 31 May 2007 02:58:07 GMT

object in lower right corner, a giant thumb tack to hold image up to the great dome of the sky... proof positive the flying spaghetti monster is the creator!,

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David Santana, Trinidad, West Indies — Thu, 31 May 2007 03:09:59 GMT

Remember that only 4% of the universe is made up of energy/mass that can be measured. 73% is dark energy, 23% is dark matter, both of which have not been detected yet, but for which evidence, including gravitational forces that hold the universe together, with individual galaxies shining like sequins of a dress. The ancient psalmist in Psalm 104, without a telescope, described it perfectly: "Bless Jehovah, O my soul.O Jehovah my God, you have proved very great. With dignity and splendor you have clothed yourself, Enwrapping yourself with light as with a garment, Stretching out the heavens like a tent cloth". Truly "the heavens declare the glory of God, and the work of his hands the expanse is telling."

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Carl, Eugene, OR — Thu, 31 May 2007 04:32:32 GMT

Photographs are appreciated as we learn about the variation in nature. I feel no need to call on an unknown intellect to organize all that we see. People who demand a religious force as the only rational simply have not been willing to accept their own ability to understand nature. When the religious people of this blog get around to recognizing that the humans are all equal in nature regardless of what the shapes of our bodies or eyes have. Our skin color or intellect level or p;ersonal customs is our own and remains so and we start out to be equals; let us keep it that way.

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Mohammed Yahya, Muscat, Oman — Thu, 31 May 2007 06:05:38 GMT

I do admire the good job that Huble telescope does. I think it should be supported world wide. Keep-up the good job.

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Al, Chicago, Ill — Thu, 31 May 2007 09:41:50 GMT

All you people claiming god created this and that are just plain crazy. I think Men In Black is spot on. Giant aliens playing marbles and we are the parasites/germs infestating inside one of them marbles.

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Javeria younes,karachi,pakistan — Thu, 31 May 2007 12:15:00 GMT

stephen hawking said when we gaze at the stars it the past that we are gazing at.the infinite beauty and unlimited vastness of this universe made me realize that i am nothing but a mere grain of sand in the scheme of this universe.

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Frank, Pennsylvania — Thu, 31 May 2007 12:38:25 GMT

Breathtaking!

Consider our insignificant short existence here on Earth; the technological advances that we have made during the blink of an eye, including sending 2 probes (Voyagers 1 and 2) 100au from Earth, beyond our Solar System into interstellar space...

Our universe is roughly 13 billion years old. Now consider the Drake equation. How many countless times during this 13 billion years, in all of this universe, has intelligent life had to emerge and evolve, that was advanced enough to make their presence at least known by now?

Wouldn't it make sense that at least one civilization during the past billions of years has learned to overcome the vast distances of space or traveled out to other distant galaxies?

Are our current-day telescopes and receivers so primitive that they are basically useless? Might there be another method of seeing or discovering life out there that we have not even thought of yet?

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Wade Schultheiss,Waters,MI — Thu, 31 May 2007 12:46:00 GMT

People---There are no boundries

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Joseph Basile, Burrillville, RI — Thu, 31 May 2007 13:00:08 GMT

Wow, that alot of comments. I'm a bit disappointed that some people question others comments on the basis of religion. I'm aetheist and honestly, if someone wants to interpret this photo as us seeing the work of God that's fine by me. It may not be what I beleive but I think it is just as relevant as the comments about ET.

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Bill - Tidewater Virginia — Thu, 31 May 2007 13:19:20 GMT

Wow... WOW! To think we are looking at such a mega-sized and far away object, interacting with its' neighbors. Now, turn to consider those protons orbiting electrons that we know make up our atomic particles. Are them creatures living on the surface of electrons taking pictures of nearby atomic particles and molecular structures asking the same questions that we are of our solar system, galaxy and of space? Are we just a part of a molecule on a grain of sand on a beach somewhere on something even larger??? Wow!

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Dow G, Plainville, CT — Thu, 31 May 2007 13:35:13 GMT

So amazing, so much more to discover. With the unthinkable amount of distance between just that galaxy & our own, and to know there are far to many more out there, the thought of an all powerful being running this one teeny tiny planet and nothing else in the 'verse, is just wrong to me. Open your mind, see past the dogma, science is FACT, something you can see and touch and hold, not stories passed down via word of mouth, based on pretty much nothing other than the words of MAN. What an amazing image, see what man can do when the put their minds to it, nothing is out of reach!

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jon r, RVA — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:33:19 GMT

Well... looks like the map makers have got their work cut out them!

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mike sugarman — Thu, 31 May 2007 16:22:32 GMT

From Students at Desert Springs Middle School: Beautiful Pictures. Hard to believe we are looking at 11.6 million years in the past.

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Gampoo — Thu, 31 May 2007 16:32:05 GMT

Beautiful what the mind can percieve. I am always weirded out when I look at myself looking-meta looking? Whatever. The galaxy is out there, or something is out there, but it is my mind the puts meaning to that, 'it'. Thus the 'whatever' is out there is really a manifestation of my mind (the table is only a table because you think it is a table-an ant crossing it, if an ant can reflect like this-thinks of it as a desert, or a mesa, but not a table). The 11.8 million miles of galaxy is really the reflection of my beautiful, our beautiful, stunningly, infinite mind (and if this is true to the Theists who buy it then where is Thou god but within)

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jody, belpre, ohio — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:30:20 GMT

God is amazing...look at this. how could you look at these very images and not believe that there is a higher force than all of us holding our very universe together? remember-there is evidence all around us. God is still watching over us. we cant hardly begin to imagine what we havent found yet. i can hardly wait, as a science junkie myself, to find out what else our universe holds in the near future.

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John(Jack) Schroeder , Overland park, KS — Thu, 31 May 2007 19:48:48 GMT

I am very disappointed that my post of 5-30 apparently got zapped.It related directly to the pictures & what God ,through his prophet Ecclesiastes in 8:17 said about man's attempt to find out His glorious works. You allow quotes with reference from the Koran & other quotes & atheist's foolishness (has life EVER come from non life?}. Why not allow what God says in his Word about His own creation? Also see Isaiah 55:8-9 & Psalms 8:3 for direct reference to these things. There are none as blind as those who WILL NOT see! Our natural sinful carnal mind (which is the enemy of God-Romans 8:7) does not WANT to believe there is anything greater, so that we can be our own god! I have given God's truth here & expect it will also be zapped by those who are afraid of truth.

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Matt Bova, Buffalo, NY — Thu, 31 May 2007 20:17:07 GMT

God is in your mind. True beauty is found amongst the stars.

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Wanda, Portland OR — Thu, 31 May 2007 21:16:36 GMT

It does not matter now that in a trillion trillion years nothing we do now will matter.

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Alan Boyle — Thu, 31 May 2007 22:54:02 GMT

Dear John (and others): As the comment count went over the 400 mark or so, I did stop approving comments that did little more than quote scripture (as I said above). These included koranic as well as biblical references (and one long Byronic poem). But I always find it hard to resist messages that say things to the effect of "you'll never approve this message because you're afraid of the truth" - so that's why I approved the follow-up. If there are other posters who intend to use that strategy to get their bible concordance in the comments section, don't bother. I'm on to you! ;-)

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John(Jack) Schroeder , Overland park, KS — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 01:38:00 GMT

Dear Alan, I know this is supposed to be a site referencing that spectacular picture & not just quoting things or blasting other posts, so I will be careful here. This is the first time I participated in a discussion site. I couldn't resist this good one. Neither do I intend to use it to start a religious "free for all". I do have three comments: 1)You proved you weren't "afraid of truth". Maybe I was too strong on that- sorry! 2)If people are willing to consider the possibility of other life out there, why not consider the possibility that there is a God, not just out there but everywhere? 3)Paul's post of 5-29 gave the first five words of Psalms 19:1. Add the next six words & it would make a perfect caption for the photo. look it up; I will not quote it here so as to not violate the guidelines of this great site. Thanks

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Alice Rook Phoenix, Arizona — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:40:31 GMT

Most amazeing! What could it be 100 years hence?

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Jesse Tollison, Odessa, Texas — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:08:07 GMT

Why do you wierdos always have to bring up the bible every time you see something as grand as this? Just set back and enjoy it for what it is, pure beauty. It doesn't matter if you get there, It doesn't matter if there are alien life forms there. It doesn't matter where it came from. Just enjoy it, and the wonderfull gift of being able to see it.

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Des Emery, St. Thomas, ON, Canada — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:56:42 GMT

Hi, Alan -- bet you never expected such a volume of replies from around the world to a simple picture of another galaxy like our own Milky Way, did you? The Hubble shot is a WOW all right, but the wonderful thing about it is the response it has induced from its viewers. Who would have thought....

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Bruce Allison, Canton, Ohio — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 10:04:25 GMT

Our astonishing universe appears to be infinite with all its vastness of mass and energy. However to the living and invisible God the universe is finite and just a tiny fraction of his glory. In all our amazement of these new discovered galaxies our own existence is the most amazing because we are the crown of God’s creation. After all no moon or star can see the beauty of a sunset or hear the voice of a playing child, or smell the odor of a newly cut flower. Yes enjoy his glory for we serve a wonderful God.

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Alan, Kansas City MO — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:29:22 GMT

I knew when I saw the number of posts that there had to be a controversial post to have triggered it, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. When did everyone's religious beliefs become so public? God. . . no God. . . keep it to yourself, please. Fantastic photo. Plain and simple.

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Albert L. Levinski Mrcer Island, Wa — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:47:42 GMT

Mankind is such a little speck of dust. Itis hard for me to understand. I is possible that God intends us to see all this, to make us realize we are just a speck of dust

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Kevin, Tennessee, Planet Earth — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:59:15 GMT

Obviously, a lot of the comments from this page, stem from the prior lack of experience...at viewing Galactic Images. Rookie onlookers, often leave the most neolithic comments. Many of you seem to be dumbfounded by the Holy Universe. True; the images were magnificant. There should be no Science vs. Religion debates. Both fields are wrong, but yet...they are right - within their limited perspectives. Existence is way too diverse to be labeled & claimed by humanoids, that think they 'know the way' or can 'unravel the properties of eternity'. Imagination is way more powerful than acquired knowledge. Answers often bring greater questions. You should be using 'no way' as 'way'. Have no limitation as limitation. Be shapeless & formless and never commit yourself to a certain style or a pre-set standard/belief. Names & Titles mean nothing; meanings & feelings mean everything. Everything is always changing & never doomed to a pre-set destiny or path. Limits & inhibitions are found within your own acknowledgment of "self." Be free & honest, when expressing the core that churns your soul. Don't think; feel...... With that being said: If you are scientific, think with an open mind - quit totally relying on what you can prove & actually see - use your imagination in addition to your current knowledge. If you are religious, don't limit yourself to pre-set beliefs - expand from them - never fall for the 'stagnant order' that was obviously being used to control the people of the past. Our existence is Holy in itself...and your mind is also a Universe in itself. Everything is here, whether you are viewing matter from light years away or from this Earth -- in all aspects. No matter the complexity or simplicity, we all come from one diverse source of energy. Hail to the Unity!

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Fernando — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:38:36 GMT

It's amazing how majestically this one huge galaxy look so tiny from afar. It makes me realized that we are just some micro-organism living within its realm. All the sacrifices to get to the top and longing for selfish power to be the first, when in reality we can cannot change what’s surrounding us, but only to change oneself or others to good or evil, like a herd of sheep that don’t know where it’s heading. We have been foolishly drawn by all these wisdom and knowledge but to all of these…. just perished. All but just rushing after wind….

As I had observed this galaxy, which I am sure similar to ours, we are just getting closer to our ending in existence; we are getting pulled closer and closer to the furnace in time to be burned. But there is only, “but only one” hopes who can give us a better body that is indestructible. His name is right at the very tip of your tongue. Don’t take it as a religion, but a friend who is saving us from a burning house. Hence, He died and went back to life within three days and lives forevermore. If you know his right name, you surely shall be save. Anyway, It’s a beautiful creation……...No doubt about it!!!!

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God, Heaven — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:37:06 GMT

Look but don't touch. You should clean up your own pathetic little planet before even thinking about polluting more of my universe.

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Albert Pembroke Pines, FL — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:06:51 GMT

This is great! All the different opinions. That is all it is, just opinions.
But I would side with those who say this is an intelegent design. I would find it hard to believe that the car that was design by Ford just happened to evolved over a period of time. And that all your body parts just happen to fit. A seat to sit, breaks to stop, steering wheel, head lights etc...

This is an intelligent design universe. And according to the bible it was design so man would search it out. "And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith."

And again it is said, "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out."

Whatever the case, we all choose our own destiny. That's why you were created a free agent. Believe or nor believe, that is the question.

Anyway the picture is awsome. I get chills just looking at it.

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Vince, Houston, Texas — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:08:10 GMT

This is an awsome photograph - why is the center of the galaxy eminating light? Is the center of this galaxy luminuous? And if the center of the galaxy is a black hole, why is there visible light coming from it?

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Saker Sus, Denver, CO — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 07:36:43 GMT

It's amazing to be able to see how M-81 looked 11.6 million years ago, the hubble does not bring picturs from far far away, in fact it brings pictures from far far ago, when I look at this picture, I know I'm looking back about 11.6 million years ago, while I'm supposed to be looking in the other direction.
I mean common, if we see any thing in this picture, it's already history, way beyond history.
let's try looking in the other direction, let's turn the hubble the other way arround, yes , towards earth and look at our own problems, we might find solutions that we cannot see from earth.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

rainer zurbano new york — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:39:15 GMT

looking at this magnificent galaxy, im wondering where is heaven and hell in the universe as people thought there is. its time to seek and cultivate happiness from within not from the outside. if there is no heaven and hell out there it must be within myself where it exist.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

David Clark, Washington. — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:03:32 GMT

Just wanted to say to all thank you for the pictures.
Keep up the good work.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Wesley, Last House on the Right, Orbis Tertius — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:53:42 GMT

It must really irritate astronomers and astrophysicists, spending all that time and effort to produce this fabulous image of a galaxy similar to our own, only to have [religious believers] give their god all the credit. If there is a god and he did cause the Big Bang, he hasn't done a thing since then. We don't need "God" to understand physics, just math.

And, by the way, that grain of sand that speaks French is now insisting that all the other grains speak French, too.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Jason Ks — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:13:30 GMT

Mark Mo, [...] you can't compare our universe with a beach and for sure you will never see a sand particle speak any language for it is impossible. BUT! it is possible for millions of diff. life in our universe to exist intelligent, animal, or plant life that you will never see nor hear of in your life time, or will you? Who knows, but for our galaxy to be as old as it is and universe and as young as we humans are, intelligent life could have evolved and died countless times all over the universe and even on our own world, in a million years from when the humans go extinct, what will be left, imprints in rocks, probably, most will be buried deep through time and deteriorated....Just enjoy what you have in this life time.....

Galaxy revealed in high-res

I-RED — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:47:42 GMT

Im very proud about that story.Iam very amaze when i had been read that story.

Galaxy revealed in high-res

Noemi, Woodbridge, Virginia — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:27:40 GMT

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows his handy work."

There is nothing else to say ;+)

Galaxy revealed in high-res

payal sharma,surat gujrat — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:26:58 GMT

i want amazing galaxy pictuer