The picture at the edge of the universe

Assuming that there is an end to the universe, I’ve always wondered what’s at its edge. At the same time, the size of the universe strains my pea brain. To presume there is a size to the universe also presumes that it has an edge. If it’s infinite, then can be no end to it. That said, thinking about a universe with either no end or with a defined edge scares the crap out of me.

I love to follow stories of daring-do by rocket scientists and their various toys. We might think of these engineers and scientists as dour, humourless folk; but they must have a twinkle in their eyes to name a spacecraft Stardust.

Stardust launched its comet-dust-gathering capsule back to earth this weekend past. Inside that little capsule may be the secrets of the beginnings of the universe. But better than that, Stardust itself has gone off to take pictures of more comets and such. It’s the mission that never ends.

In addition, the two Mars Rovers, that were supposed to last for just a few months, have lived far beyond that and are still going strong. They’re the Energizer bunnies of the solar system.

So, what can we make of this? It is possible to poke about the universe without a human being aboard. Sturdy little servants are going about asking our questions of the stars. The best part is that the stars are answering. They are yielding up their secrets in tantalizing little bits.

It’s not that there aren’t any big secrets out there: all of the things about the universe are huge. But, we don’t know the huge questions to ask. We are stardust and if we could just get in touch with that, maybe we could stretch our brains around that universe that was our original home.

So, hail fellow, well met, Stardust. May your mission go on and on and may our questions get bigger and bigger.

*Work for peace