The number of features of the universe that are recognized as being fine-tuned are increasing as scientific knowledge increases. In Hugh Ross’ 2001 version of “Creator and the Cosmos”, he lists 66 features as being fine-tuned. In the 2018 version he lists 150 features.
These characteristics must be present in the right quantities to create a planet capable of supporting human life. What is the probability of all these characteristics come together randomly?
The probability of all variables is the probability of each independent variable times the others. For example, what is the probability a head coin toss, rolling a six on a six-sided die, and drawing the ace of spades for a deck of 52 cards. It is.
1/2 * 1/6 * 1/52 = 1/624
Each feature added makes the probability less likely.
These are a few of the features listed in the book “Creator and the Cosmos” that are required to make the earth habitable by life and especially humans.
Fine tuning of planet Earth.
· distance from the center of the galaxy – if too close to the galaxy center, then gravitation and radiation would be too great
· number of suns in the planetary system – must be one or the heat and gravitation would be too great or too small.
· sun’s mass – if greater, the star would burn too rapidly; if less, then UV radiation would be inadequate for plants
· sun’s color – if redder or bluer, photosynthetic response would be insufficient
· sun’s stability – if less then too wide of temperature variation
· solar wind
· sun’s rotation rate
· solar magnetic activity level
· earth’s mass – if too small then too little or no atmosphere; if too large then atmospheric pressure is too high
· distance from sun – only a 2% variation would kill all life.
· inclination of orbit – if too great, temperature variation would be too great
· orbit eccentricity – if too great then seasonal temperature variable would be too great
· axial tilt – if greater or smaller then temperature variation would be too large
· rotational period – if longer, temperature variation would be too great; if shorter then wind velocities would be too great
· thickness of crust – if thicker then too much oxygen would be transferred from the atmosphere to the crust; if thinner then volcanic and tectonic activity would be too great
· ratio of reflected light off earth’s surface – earth would become too cold or too hot
· asteroid collision rate – if too great then extinction would occur; if less then crust would be too depleted of materials essential for life
· oxygen to nitrogen ratio in atmosphere
· carbon dioxide level in atmosphere
· water vapor level in atmosphere
· oxygen quantity in atmosphere
· ratio of potassium-40, uranium-235, -238, and thorium-232 to iron – required for volcanic activity but too much would create too high levels of radiation
· volcanic activity – if lower then insufficient amounts of carbon dioxide and water vapor would be returned to the atmosphere; it too high then too much life would be destroyed
· oceans to continents ratio
· soil mineralization
· mass of moon – effects earth’s rotation rate, stability of earth’s tilt and ocean tides. If earth’s moon were as small as Mars’ two moons, earth’s tilt would vary by 30 degrees not the current 3 degrees. Ocean tides create strong ocean currents which circulate heat helping regulate the climate.
· Jupiter size and distance from earth – Jupiter protects the earth from asteroid and comet collisions but if too close would disrupt earth’s orbit
· atmospheric pressure
· atmospheric transparency
· chlorine quantity in atmosphere
· iron quantity in oceans and soils
· ozone quantity
· quantity of soil sulfur
· average rainfall and snowfall precipitation
· aerosol particle density emitted from forests
· level of oxidizing activity in the soil
· level of water-soluble heavy metals in soils
· quantity of soluble silicon and phosphates in the oceans
· quantity of dissolved calcium in lakes and rivers
· magnetic field - if stronger then electromagnetic storms would be too severe; if weaker then ozone shield would be inadequate and the atmosphere would leak into space
For a planet to have a life-saving magnetic field it must have a liquid iron core. Sulfur, iron, nickel and potassium-40 must be present in just the right mixtures to keep it molten.
One may assign a probability to each of these characteristics. It is a difficult task and many of the variables are not independent. But we can estimate by assuming the variables are independent and being very generous in the probabilities.
With just these 40 features, give a probability of each 0.25 or 1 in 4.
(1/4) exp 40 = 8 * 10 exp -25
If the probability of each is 0.1 or 1 in 10, then.
(1/10) exp 40 = 10 exp -40
The number of possible planets in the universe is estimated at 10 exp 22.
Even given the vastness of the universe, the probability of randomly producing one earth like planet is vanishingly small.
The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.[1]
Ps 19:1
You alone are the Lord.
You have made the heavens,
The heaven of heavens with all their host,
The earth and all that is on it,
The seas and all that is in them.
You give life to all of them
And the heavenly host bows down before You.[2]
Nehemiah 9:6
[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ps 19:1). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[2] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Ne 9:6). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.