100 Billion Earths

Earlier this year I heard a news story that said there were about 100 billion earth-like planets out there. This story says 6 billion.   https://www.foxnews.com/science/6-billion-earth-like-planets-milky-way-galaxy    I was staggered by the thought. What is our population these days? Somewhere around 7.8 billion? What would you do if you had your own earth? How many people would live there with you? And where would you live…if it was just like our good, old Mother? Should we have one earth for democrats and one for republicans, of course even independents could have their own?! 

I suppose the definition of “earth-like” could really change the idea. But suppose there were even 100 or 50 or 5 or even one.  Some would say it is not only possible, but likely.

As I look at this photo of our little, blue gem sitting in the black jewelry box of space I worry about her. All of the craziness going on and the planet spinning around the sun at 66,660 miles per hour.  She/we seem terribly fragile hanging out there in endless space. It reminds me of a person watching their own EKG and thinking, “Keep beating, keep going!” ; it brings a raw awareness of our mortality and the big picture.