Friday, February 13, 2015

Five years - The Solar Dynamics Observatory


               What were you doing five years ago on February 11th? It's okay if you don't remember, because  neither do I .  On the other hand, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) remembers exactly what happened; the Solar Dynamics Observatory was launched. 

Photo courtesy of SDO 

                  This incredible instrument captures images of the sun almost every second.  The information that is provided allows scientist to better understand  the Sun's eruptions ,magnetic fields, and its relation to the Earth's weather.  Celebrating the 5th anniversary of the launch NASA has created two videos which show some of the best images taken over the last five years.  I have posted one of those videos below.  I encourage you to watch it before you continue.


               
                  After watching this video I was in awe.  In awe of a Creator who spoke the sun into existence and put the laws in place that keep our universe together.  In Genesis 1:14-19 we read,   


 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.  And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.  And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,  to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.   And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day. (ESV)


                Do you ever find yourself looking at technology in a negative light?  When you do remember this; God has allowed technological advances like the Solar Dynamics Observatory  to point to his glory and majesty.  


                You can appreciate the technology that God allows, but don't let it pull you away from Him.  Allow it to remind you that we have an incredible Creator and He is in control of everything.   Most importantly  remember  that  He has created something far superior to technology and he loves that creation very much.  Just look in the box below. 


   

3 comments:

  1. Ivy, the video you posted was incredible! I didn't realize that the sun "bursted" out with fire and flames like it did. Or maybe that's not even the correct term. And thank you for giving application to the post, to recognize God's creation in the sun, but also in the technology to capture it's magnificence. Also, maybe I just didn't get it, but what was suppose to be in the "box below"? It just showed up as a black screen for me.

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    1. Lauren, sorry for the confusion. Think of the black box as a mirror. This might help.

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  2. Ivy, I really enjoyed this post. The sun video is amazing! Such beautiful imagery. I also think it is so valuable that you took the time to describe how technology can be used in such good ways. As you said, often it is spoken of with negativity. However, technology does allow us to interact with something as astounding as the images of the sun. Thanks for sharing.

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