The Lord has determined the laws of nature and the kinds of particles that can exist so that our universe has the right properties for life.  Biology is possible because of chemistry, which is possible because of physics: the elementary particles God created and the rules governing them.  A slight change in the properties of particles or the laws they obey, and atoms could not exist and biological life would be impossible.  The intelligence needed to construct the right particles and laws such that biological life can exist is far beyond the combined mental capacity of all people who have ever lived.  Quantum particles give us a bit of insight into the infinite mind of the Lord.

The Lord created certain types of fundamental particles and also determined the rules these particles obey. These are what allow for the rich diversity of substances in the universe today. We here consider baryons – the substance of the cosmos. We will find that baryons confirm biblical creation and challenge secular explanations.

In the core of every atom is a nucleus consisting of one or more protons, and (except for hydrogen) some neutrons as well.  Protons and neutrons are responsible for most of the mass of an atom.  The electrons “orbit” around this central nucleus, generally in equal numbers to the protons, which makes the overall atom electrically neutral.  Electrons are elementary – meaning they are not made of any smaller particles.  But protons and neutrons are composite particles; they are made of smaller particles called quarks. 

But the electron is merely one member of a group of particles called leptons.  The term lepton comes from the Greek and means “small,” or “thin” and refers to the extremely low mass of leptons.[1]  The electron, for example, is 1800 times less massive than a proton.  

Quantum physics deals with how the universe behaves at very small scales – on the level of atoms and smaller.  And it’s weird: very weird.  Particles that are smaller than atoms do not behave in exactly the same way as the much larger objects to which we are accustomed.  This makes quantum physics one of the most intriguing areas of research, and one which declares the glory and majesty of the Lord.

As an astronomer, I spend a great deal of time outside at night looking up. I have seen many wonderful things in the night sky. And I am often asked if I have ever seen a UFO. Before I answer that question, it is always helpful to define our terms. What is a UFO?