Return of the God Hypothesis: Breakthroughs in Physics, Cosmology, and Biology Seeking Evidence for the Existence of God

by Stephen C. Meyer

energy density of space that contributes to the outward expansion of space in opposition to gravitational attraction.) The most conservative estimate for that fine tuning is 1 part in 1053, but the number 1 part in 10120 is more frequently cited.19 Physicists now commonly agree that the degree of fine tuning for the cosmological constant is no less than 1 part in 1090.20 To get a sense of what this number means, imagine searching the vastness of the visible universe for one specially marked subatomic particle. Then consider that the visible universe contains about 200 billion galaxies each with about 100 billion stars21 along with a panoply of asteroids, planets, moons, comets, and interstellar dust associated with each of those stars. Now assume that you have the special power to move instantaneously anywhere in the universe to select—blindfolded and at random—any subatomic particle you wish. The probability of your finding a specially marked subatomic particle—1 chance in 1080—is still 10 billion times better than the probability—1 part in 1090—that the universe would have happened upon a life-permitting strength for the cosmological constant.