The eagerly awaited results from the orbiting Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe resolve several long-standing disagreements in cosmology rooted in less precise data. Specifically, present analyses of above WMAP all-sky image indicate that the universe is 13.7 billion years old (accurate to 1 percent), composed of 73 percent dark energy, 23 percent cold dark matter, and only 4 percent atoms, is currently expanding at the rate of 71 km/sec/Mpc (accurate to 5 percent), underwent episodes of rapid expansion called inflation, and will expand forever.
from APOD 2003 February 12, a service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
{leaving aside the arrogance, the myopia, the likelihood of at least some flawed interpretation, this is an irrepeatable attainment.
one of many yes. only a step yes. no practical immediate application yes. but it is firm corroborative evidence of the nature of our place in the universe.
the impossible sadness of most of our minds and hearts being now focused on Washington and its reptilian hissing, as this news comes quietly in, is nearly unbearable. we are here in the midst of this infinite wondrous mystery, learning, seeking to know, at the same time ignorant grasping fools are preparing to send us all back to the cave.
well maybe it was like that then also, those first ones looking up as the sound of brutal conflict nearing filled the air, wondering at the clear stars, the passage of the moon, the otherness of the night sky.congratulations to all, and thank you.}
