• Scientists identify 122 physical constants essential for life; a slight change in any would render life impossible.
• Universal laws were discovered, not invented, existing before the universe, indicating they are not its product.
• Such precision cannot result from random chance.

Examples of fine-tuned constants:

• Gravitational constant: slight variations would prevent star or planet formation, disrupting the cosmic system.
• Electromagnetic force: finely tuned for stable atomic bonds necessary for life; minor changes would prevent chemical reactions.
• Strong nuclear force ensures atomic nuclei cohesion for elements like carbon and hydrogen; any alteration prevents their formation.
• Weak nuclear force: balances elements like carbon and oxygen, essential for life.
• Electron-to-proton ratio: a small difference would destabilize atoms, preventing matter formation.
• Cosmological constant: regulates universe expansion; slight changes would prevent galaxy/planet formation or cause collapse.

Astronomical fine-tuning:

• The universe expansion rate enables star and planet formation; too fast prevents galaxies, and too slow causes collapse.
• Universe mass: precisely balanced for timely star and galaxy formation.
• The Milky Way’s spiral galaxy type is optimal for supporting life compared to other galaxy types.
• Earth’s galactic location avoids deadly radiation near the galaxy’s centre, ensuring a safe environment.
• The Sun is a G-type star: stable and ideal for life compared to volatile stars.
• Earth-Sun distance: allows liquid water, critical for life.
• The moon’s size and distance stabilise Earth’s tilt and seasons, ensuring a stable climate.
• Jupiter’s gravity: protects Earth from comets and asteroids.

Planetary fine-tuning:

• Earth’s rotation rate: balances temperatures and winds, preventing extreme conditions.
• Geomagnetic field: shields against harmful solar radiation.
• Ozone layer: blocks harmful ultraviolet rays that could harm living organisms.
• The atmosphere’s oxygen-nitrogen ratio supports biological life.
• Water’s unique properties (e.g., expansion when frozen, heat regulation) are essential for life.
• Carbon dioxide levels: maintain Earth’s temperature to avoid destructive extremes.
• Earth’s crust thickness prevents excessive volcanism and supports carbon cycling.
• Seismic activity replenishes minerals and nutrients vital for life.
• Liquid water: critical for biological processes like photosynthesis and respiration.

Chemical and biological fine-tuning:

• Carbon’s ability to form complex bonds forms the chemical basis of life.
• Hydrogen and helium formation in the Big Bang enabled heavier elements like carbon and oxygen.
• Photosynthesis efficiency: maintains ecological balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Enzymes: function within specific temperature and pH ranges, precisely available on Earth.
• DNA’s chemical stability ensures accurate storage and replication of genetic information.
• Astrophysicist Hugh Ross: The probability of 122 constants aligning by chance is 1 in 10^138, while the universe has ~10^77 atoms, making chance statistically impossible.
• Robert Jastrow (NASA astronomer, atheist/agnostic): The universe began with the Big Bang under conditions defying known physics, erasing evidence of its cause.
• "The universe came into existence... and we can't figure out why it happened. This is a sad outcome for scientists."
• For a scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has climbed the mountains of ignorance and is about to conquer the highest peak; when he reaches the last rock, he is greeted by a group of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries."

Biblical affirmation:

• Isaiah 40:26 (NIV): "Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."

Universe scale:

• Sun: 109 times larger than Earth, 330,000 times its mass.
• Milky Way: contains over 3,200 stars with planets, 100–400 billion stars total, 100,000 light-years wide (1 light-year = 5.88 trillion miles).
• Visible universe: 200 billion galaxies, 93 billion light-years wide.
• Earth compared to the universe: like one grain of sand among all Earth’s sand.

Alternative explanations for fine-tuning:

• Multiverse theory: We live in a "lucky" universe with life-compatible constants, but this is untestable, unobservable, and philosophical, requiring faith akin to belief in God.
• Oscillating universe theory: Eternal cycles of expansion/contraction lack evidence; the second law of thermodynamics (decreasing usable energy) makes eternal cycles impossible.
• Simulation hypothesis: The universe is a virtual simulation, but this raises questions about who designed and runs it, pointing to an intelligent designer.
• Alien design hypothesis: Extraterrestrial beings designed life or the universe, but this defers the question of their origin, returning to the need for an intelligent designer.
• Most logical explanation: God, the eternal, uncreated Creator, designed the universe with precise intent, as affirmed in Psalm 19:1 (NIV): "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands," and Romans 1:20 (NIV).

Conclusion:

• Faith choice: Believing in an intelligent, omnipotent cosmic designer versus untestable multiverses, simulations, or aliens, which require similar faith without empirical evidence.
• Physicist Paul Davies: The precise numerical values of nature’s constants are the most compelling evidence of cosmic design.
• Analogy: Finding a specific grain of sand among ~10^30 grains worldwide is as likely as a life-supporting planet existing by chance.
• Earth’s ability to support life is not random but meticulously planned by an intelligent, supernatural Creator.
• Romans 1:20 (NIV): "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."

[i] https://reasons.org/explore/publications/articles/probability-for-life-on-earth

[ii] https://fse.life/2982-2/

[iv] https://medium.com/@clay.c.edgar/if-earth-was-a-grain-of-sand-22ea58f43d5e

[v] https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/fine-tuning/

[vi] https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/case-for-creation/cc_03.html