The Nature of Matter

What is matter? According to popular definition, anything that occupies space and has mass is known as matter. It is distinct from energy (physics), mind and spirit.

For example, a stone is made of matter; so is wood, metal, plastic, rubber, water, air, etc. Even the human body, all forms of animal and plant life, the sun, the moon and the stars above us are all made of some form of matter. The chemical composition of these various forms of matter may be different, leading to difference in appearance, texture, colour, behaviour, etc, but essentially, they are all physical entities which occupy space and have mass. One can touch matter and feel it's presence.

Having understood the basic nature of matter, it is time to dig a bit deeper and understand it's chemical composition, properties and behaviour. Matter is composed of metals and non-metals, also known as elements. Metals like copper, gold, silver and iron are lustrous, malleable and conduct electricity whereas non-metals such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, boron and chlorine are non-lustrous, non-malleable and do not conduct electricity. Matter can also be segregated into organic (carbon-based) and inorganic (non-carbon based) forms. Living organisms such as humans, animals and plants are primarily made of organic matter whereas inanimate objects are primarily made of inorganic matter.

If we split any element, we get sub-particles such as molecules, and further down, atoms. It is the atom or molecule (collection of atoms) which imparts specific properties to an element (matter) and which defines its nature and appearance. Thus, an atom of oxygen is different from an atom of gold or an atom of carbon. As science has progressed, humanity has been able to look beyond molecules and atoms. Today, we are aware that atoms are made of electrons (negatively charged particles), protons (positively charged particles) and neutrons (neutral particles with mass). Every atom has an equal number of electrons and protons, with the positively charged protons counter-balancing the negatively charged electrons. The hydrogen atom has 1 electron, the carbon atom has 6 electrons and an atom of gold has 79 electrons. They are all different in properties, appearance and behaviour and the difference is attributed to the varying number of electrons (or protons) in each type of atom. However, if we analyse the behaviour of each electron, we find no difference. An electron taken from an atom of carbon is indistinguishable from an electron taken from an atom of gold or iron. In fact, an electron taken from any form of matter (living or non-living) on Earth would be identical to an electron taken from any other form of matter anywhere in the universe. If the fundamental sub-atomic particles of matter are identical, what is it that differentiates living organisms from non-living entities? If an electron taken from a human body is identical to an electron taken from a stone or pebble, what is it that makes us, humans, intelligent, aware and conscious of our surroundings? What gives us the power of speech, thought, vision and locomotion? What drives our the growth in our bodies that the stone or pebble is not capable of? What is it that makes us "living"?

Let us take another example. A horse is a living organism which is capable of running at high speeds. A car, on the other hand, is a man-made mechanical device which is capable of high-speed locomotion. Smart Cars developed in the 21st century are capable of autonomous locomotion as well. Does that mean that a car and a horse are similar in nature? Can we treat the car as a living entity although the underlying sub-atomic electrons are identical in both? Popular belief and perception would say no. According to ancient wisdom and spiritual thought, there exists a life-force, a creative energy, an intelligence and consciousness which pervades every atom in the universe. It is this spark of creative energy or life force manifesting itself as intelligence, awareness and growth, which creates the distinction between living and non-living entities. Then again, if the universal consciousness and creative energy pervades every atom in the universe, it must be present in the atoms of non-living entities as well. Does this mean that the human perception of living and non-living is not well-defined? Does this mean that what may appear to be non-living in plain sight, may actually turn out to be an intelligent and "living" entity? We must remember that trees and plants were not considered to be living organisms until a renowned Indian scientist, Jagadish Chandra Bose, proved the contrary. It may, therefore, be possible that all forms of matter in this universe have an inherent creative force and consciousness embedded in them. In some entities it is manifested as "life" while, in others, it is dormant. How we communicate with that consciousness is a matter of debate and introspection.

Multiverse and Multiple Dimensions

The Human mind can perceive only four dimensions. The first three being physical dimensions such as length, breadth and height, and the fourth being the Time dimension. That is why we can see, hear, feel and touch only those entities which exist in the three dimensional world. Our sensory organs control how we perceive the universe that we live in and we believe in the reality that our mind presents before us.

Multiverse

The multiverse is a hypothetical group of multiple universes including the universe in which we live. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. The different universes within the multiverse are called "parallel universes", "other universes", or "alternate universes". The idea of different worlds and dimensions floating around might seem absurd and bewildering to some, but it is not just some random idea that scientists came up with. This is a hypothesis which has solid physics and mathematical evidence to back it up and which, if true, holds answers to several anomalies and discrepancies in quantum physics. There are numerous theories (e.g.: The String Theory) that point to the fact that there are multiple parallel universes out there, and some experts believe that chances are high that hidden universes actually exist in plain sight.

Concepts of a multiverse are also evident in the cyclical infinite worlds of ancient Hindu cosmology. According to Hindu Vedic cosmology, there is no absolute start to time, as it is considered infinite and cyclic. Similarly, the space and universe has neither start nor end, rather it is cyclical. The current universe is just the start of a present cycle preceded by an infinite number of universes and to be followed by another infinite number of universes.

It is also possible for each universe to have multiple dimensions and not just the four we humans can perceive. According to the Puranas and the Atharvaveda, our universe consists of 7 upper (Vyahrtis) and 7 lower (Patalas) planes of existence: Satya-loka, Tapa-loka, Jana-loka, Mahar-loka, Svar-loka, Bhuvar-loka, Bhu-loka, Atala-loka, Vitala-loka, Sutala-loka, Talatala-loka, Mahatala-loka, Rasatala-loka and Patala-loka. The concept of multiple planes or dimensions is echoed in several other religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Thus, it is evident that the concept of multiple universes and/or multiple dimensions is not new. It is something which has been known or pondered upon since antiquity.

Let us take the example of fire or a burning flame. It has neither length nor breadth nor any thickness. Yet, we can see the the light emanating out of the flame and feel its warmth. We cannot physically touch it or hold it, yet we get burnt by the flame if we come in contact. Can we define its existence in any of the three dimensional physical planes? We cannot; yet, we know it exists. It is possible that the flame exists in a different dimension and is perceivable to us only by our sense of sight. If we were not able to see the flame, it would not be possible for us to sense its existence. We might have felt its warmth but we could have never identified the location of the flame if it was not visible to us. Similarly, there might be an infinite number of dimensions around us which our limited senses are not able to perceive but it does not mean that they do not exist. It is possible that we may be able to travel or move to these other dimensions or planes in future once we achieve a certain level of technological and psycho-physiological advancement. This could also potentially explain the sudden appearance and disappearance of Gods and other worldly beings as depicted in several religious and historical scriptures across the world. It may be that these evolved beings had the capability to transcend our three dimensional world and move between various planes of existence. Modern science explores such a possibility by means of wormholes.

A wormhole is a theoretical passage through space-time that could create shortcuts for long journeys across the universe. Wormholes are predicted by the theory of general relativity and may offer a plausible explanation and solution for inter-galactic travel through the space-time continuum. If this hold true, then we should probably not limit our search for extra terrestrial intelligence within our perceptible universe or three dimensional world. It is time to explore and revisit our perception of reality and undertake research to create break-through technologies which may be able to transcend physical barriers.

The Multiverse and Multi-dimensional universe are possibilities not yet proven by science but accepted by many as a possible reality. The sooner we accept it the better it would be for the evolution of mankind.

The Alien Theory

Since time immemorial, humanity has been perplexed about the possibility of extra terrestrial life and visitors from outer space. There have been numerous reports of sightings of spaceships and natural phenomenon which did not have any logical explanation and which could not be attributed to any other event or source.

Cave painting in Chhattisgarh, India.

Cave paintings and inscriptions on rocks found across the world indicate that we have had alien visitors since antiquity. Several religious scriptures also indicate the presence of other worldly beings. However, if aliens or extra terrestrial life forms have been visiting us for a long time, why have we, in recent history, not encountered them up close or had any meaningful interaction? One possibility could be that humanity is not yet ready, either culturally or technologically.

Petroglyphs in Barrier Canyon, Utah, USA.

A significant portion of modern human society still believes that the origin of Man was an act of God and that we are alone in this universe. But have we ever wondered that if God could create humans and establish life on Earth, could he not have done the same in other Worlds? Is it not unlikely that life never originated in any of the billions of galactic systems in the ever-expanding and infinite universe?

A particular school of thought suggests that life on Earth was seeded or implanted by technologically advanced visitors from outer space. They tweaked their own DNA and started the process for human evolution. This explains why many rock paintings and early scriptures depict alien visitors as having physical forms similar to that of modern humans.

Nourlangie, Kakadu National Park, Australia

Their purpose, according to proponents of this theory, was to use planet Earth as a laboratory or testing ground for studying various life-forms, primarily human, in an effort to create perfectly evolved intelligent beings. Just like scientists visit their laboratory experiments from time to time to record progress and observations, our alien creators also visited us and continue to do so to study and record the progress of human civilization. This theory lines up with frequent sightings of spaceships and records of alien visitors in cave paintings and inscriptions since antiquity.

It also explains reported abductions of human beings by extraterrestrial beings. Indications of extra-terrestrial contact and presence of technological inventions, which were much ahead of their time, have been reported in Egyptian hieroglyphs as well as in archaeological findings across the World. Depictions of modern-day helicopters, tanks, submarines and spaceships in carvings dating back several thousands of years have no logical explanation except for the fact that early civilizations had contact with extra terrestrial beings. Now, coming back to theory of human civilization being an experiment; if an experiment goes wrong, or if the results are not as per expectation, scientists usually terminate the project and sanitize the laboratory for a new experiment. This is probably what happened with the dinosaurs (the meteorite collision theory is not well-proven) and this is what probably might happen to humans as well, in future.

Egyptian Hieroglyphs

Another example of unexplainable natural phenomenon would the Nazca lines of Peru. They are a group of very large geoglyphs formed by depressions or shallow incisions made in the soil of the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. They were created between 500 BCE and 500 CE. Most lines run straight across the landscape, but there are also figurative designs of animals and plants, made up of lines. It is not just the sheer size of such patterns but also the geometric alignment and coordination, which surprises us, even to this day.

The Condor, Nazca Desert, Peru.

Some of the Nazca lines form shapes that are best seen from the air (~1,500 ft), though they are visible from the surrounding foothills and other high places as well and are usually made from one continuous line. Could it be that these lines or patterns were merely some form of ancient art or irrigation system? Or, could it be that these were some sort of marking for our aerial visitors, similar to landing strips for aircraft and spaceships? We do not have an answer.

Questions have also been raised on Darwin's theory of evolution. It is said that modern humans evolved from apes. But apart from the ape-to-human evolution lineage, we do not see similar and drastic change in appearance and intelligence in other life-forms on planet Earth. For example, sharks have been around for more than 450 million years according to available archaeological evidence, while primates diverged from other mammals around 85 million years ago. The Hominina sub-tribe (humans and biped ancestors) separated later about 4-7.5 million years ago.

Evolution of Sharks

Apart from a reduction in size (probably due to scarcity of food resources) and some minor changes in appearance, sharks have not evolved much. On the other hand, the evolution from primates to humans has been dramatic and significant in terms of changes in appearance, behaviour and intelligence in a much shorter period of time. Does it not bring forth the obvious question - were humans destined for such rapid evolution or was it deliberately brought about by external influence and assistance?

The last couple of centuries have witnessed the emergence of break-through technologies and inventions in science and space research; technologies, which enable us, humans, to peer into the vast galactic wilderness beyond our Earth. Spaceships, solar-powered satellites and interstellar probes have already started visiting nearby planets, satellites and asteroids for research and for seeking possible signs of extra-terrestrial life. Humans have already landed on the Moon and a manned mission to Mars is on the cards. If humans could achieve so much in so little time, would it not be possible for extra-terrestrial civilizations, who may be light years ahead of us in evolution and technological advancement, to visit us and maybe, even guide us towards a higher form of evolution? A recent observation suggests so.

Artist's impression of Oumuamua.

Oumuamua, (which means “scout” or “messenger” in Hawaiian), is an elongated space object, which was discovered speeding past the sun in 2017. It is the only celestial body known to have visited our solar system from another. Oumuamua is believed to be an exotic type of comet or asteroid, but it is such an oddity that some astronomers have speculated it could be an alien spacecraft. The interstellar object's origin, path of motion, non-gravitational acceleration and strange reflecting properties have baffled scientists across the world. Several theories have been proposed which indicate that Oumuamua could be an alien light-sail or space probe.

Acceptance of the concept of extra terrestrial beings has become more common in the modern day due to the emergence of the internet and the viral nature of conspiracy theories and sightings. The recent spate of western movies dealing with concepts of inter-galactic journey, genetically evolved super-human beings and time-travel have helped promote the alien theory, but the pertinent question still remains: If aliens created humans, who created the aliens? It may now be time to acknowledge the fact that we are probably not alone in this universe. There is a higher intelligence, in whatever form that might be, observing us and probably guiding us, through to our destiny.

Tata Tigor Petrol Review 2018 Refresh

The Tata Tigor is a compact sedan from the stables of Tata Motors. Powered by a 1.2 litre 3-cylinder Revotron petrol engine, this smart-looking car is a head-turner. This brief review is for the manual top-end variant (XZ+) of the petrol version of the car.

The Tigor stands out for its distinctly fresh appearance, bold lines and aggressive stance. The top variant comes with dual-chambered projector head-lamps, fog lamps and LED tail-lamps. Auto-retractable ORVM(s) are a handy feature which are usually available in high-end full-featured sedans but Tata Motors has introduced this feature in the Tigor and it is a welcome addition.

The ground clearance of 170 mm and dual-tone 15-inch alloy wheels help the Tigor tide over bumpy roads and obstacles like a breeze. Handling and suspension are superb and power-delivery is smooth. Contrary to what some would say, the Tigor offers sufficient power (84 bhp @ 6000 rpm) and torque (114 Nm @ 3500 rpm) for both city rides as well as long trips on the highway. The engine uses latest technology and offers two modes: City (for better power and torque) and Economy (for better fuel-efficiency).

Cooling and air-conditioning is impressive and the 8-speaker Harman-Kardon music system is a real treat for the occupants of the car. Safety has always been on the priority list of Tata Motors and the Tigor is no exception. The build-quality is excellent and this leads to the overall heavy weight of the car. Although this may compromise the fuel-efficiency of the car by a couple of kilometres to the litre, it increases the stability of the car and guarantees peace of mind.

The Tigor XZ+ comes with a 7-inch integrated infotainment system compatible with Android Auto. The fully automated climate control feature integrates into the large touch-screen system and the controls are super-responsive. The dashboard is nicely designed and the gear shifts are slick. The tilt power steering offers good control and balance and it comes integrated with bluetooth and audio controls. Overall, the cabin is spacious and the seats are ergonomically comfortable.

In comparison to the other compact sedans in its class, which are more expensive, The Tigor is a well-built package and is a good value-for-money proposition. Considering the safety aspects, fuel-efficiency and on-board features, it is definitely recommended for those who wish to be a part of the sedan experience.