Master Mathematician

Kepler described the laws of planetary motion in the early 1600's,
and The World Book Encyclopedia noted that these "are used to
determine the orbits of artificial satellites and to plan the flights
of spacecraft." In 1687, Newton published his famous laws of motion,
and these laws, "like Kepler's, form a cornerstone of space-flight
planning," said this encyclopedia. Why is this so?

Because by using these laws, humans can determine by mathematical
calculations where in space a particular body will be at a given time.
Such calculations are made possible by the consistent, ever predictable
movement of heavenly bodies, including the moon and the earth. The
moon, for example, speeds along in an orbit around the earth at an
average of 2,300 miles [3,700 km] per hour, completing its trip of
shortly less than a month with amazing predictability. The earth makes
its yearly trip around the sun, traveling some 66,600 miles
[107,200 km] per hour, with similar predictability.

Thus, when guiding flights to the moon, humans on the earth aim their
spacecraft at a point in space many thousands of miles ahead of the
orbiting moon. By various calculations they know exactly where the moon
is certain to be at the predetermined time. And if the spacecraft is
given proper direction and power, it will be at that spot too, making a
moon landing possible.

What makes such predictability in the movement of heavenly bodies
possible? The first American astronaut to orbit the earth, John Glenn,
exclaimed regarding the order in the universe: "Could this have just
happened? . . . I can't believe that." Then he added: "Some
Power put all this into orbit and keeps it there."

Space scientist Dr. Wernher von Braun, in awe of the laws governing
the universe, had this to say: "Manned space flight . . . has
opened for us thus far only a tiny door for viewing the awesome reaches
of space. Our outlook through this peephole at the vast mysteries of
the universe only confirms our belief in its creator."

Famous physicist P.A.M. Dirac, who was a professor of mathematics at
the University of Cambridge, concurred: "One could perhaps describe
the situation by saying that God is a mathematician of a very high
order, and He used very advanced mathematics in constructing the
universe."

Who is this Master Mathematician, this Supreme Intellect, responsible
for the marvels of creation?