comparisons

solar system stands to universe like a grain of sand stands to 1 km2
of beach, while man
stands to the latter like a quark to the solar system. Is the
proportion
realistic?

I'd have said : solar system is to galaxy as galaxy is to universe
(infinity? not easy)
What was it Sagan said about the grains of sand on all the beaches of
the world ?
It was some time ago.
jc



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"John Carruthers" wrote in message
...
I'd have said : solar system is to galaxy as galaxy is to universe
(infinity? not easy)

but it is difficult for a 10 y/o children to get the idea of proportions
without any reference to daily-life objects, if they've got no idea of what
proportion Milky Way is! Better to start from objects which evidence they
can handle.

On Fri, 29 Aug 2003 18:35:34 GMT, "Grae" wrote:

hello, I should give an example to my students, but I suspect there's
something wrong in it (sorry, I'm not a mathematician). I said, solar system
stands to universe like a grain of sand stands to 1 km2 of beach, while man
stands to the latter like a quark to the solar system. Is the proportion
realistic?


Not far away... The Solar system is to the Galaxy like a flour particle is to
a dinner plate full of flour. Now the Galaxy is to the Universe like a grain of
sand is to a square km of beach. ( about 300 000 times bigger ).
Benoît Morrissette