The structure of an atom and the structure of the Solar System are remarkably similar, but this is not a coincidence. In fact, there are several fundamental physical and mathematical connections between these two systems.
First, let’s look at the structure of an atom. An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons, where protons and neutrons form the nucleus, and electrons move around the outside of the nucleus, creating an electron cloud. The entire structure of the atom is built upon these microscopic components.
An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
The atomic theory originates from the ancient Greek word Atomos (indivisible). According to this theory, matter is composed of discrete particles. The atomic theory is one of many explanations of matter and space based on empirical data.
However, we can also describe the Solar System in a similar way. The Solar System comprises several planets, satellites, and other celestial bodies. The central gravitational field created by the Sun pulls these celestial bodies into continuous motion.
The structure of the entire system is analogous to the model of nuclear and electronic clouds in an atom. So how does this similarity occur?
On one hand, we can explain this similarity from a physical perspective. The resemblance between the structure of an atom and the structure of the Solar System stems from the similarities in the laws and interactions governing them, and this similarity can be explained by the Coulomb potential between them.
The structure of the Solar System includes the Sun and 8 planets orbiting in the following order from the inside out: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Each planet has its satellites. Additionally, the Solar System contains dwarf planets, comets, and asteroids.
The Coulomb potential is a fundamental physical principle that describes the interaction between electric charges, which relates to factors such as mass, distance, and charge.
In an atom, protons and neutrons make up the nucleus while electrons are maintained in the atom by binding at energy levels surrounding the nucleus.
In the Solar System, the mass of the Sun is enormous, and the motion of the planets and satellites in the system is sustained by gravitational force. This gravitational force, based on the Coulomb potential, also determines the orbit of each planet and moon around the Sun.
On the other hand, we can also explain this similarity as valid and objective based on data and experimental research by scientists. For example, in physics, researchers have found a certain degree of similarity by comparing the characteristics, properties, and other physical quantities in the Solar System and atoms. Based on the Coulomb potential model in atomic structure, some scientists have discovered that they closely resemble the structure of the Solar System in terms of size, density, and mass by studying planetary systems similar to the “atomic” model.
An atom is an extremely small and electrically neutral particle. An atom consists of a nucleus with a positive charge and a shell made up of one or more electrons with a negative charge.
The structure of an atom is so similar to the structure of the Solar System that many people consider a hypothesis suggesting that the universe is a cell. Some believe that the universe is indeed a living entity, with breath and heartbeat; this hypothesis is called “Cosmic Organism.”
The basis of this view is that there exists a prototype of life, similar to a primitive living body or cell, which eventually develops into a vast, spontaneous ecosystem, maintaining homeostasis and self-regulating, constituting the entire universe.
According to the scientists proposing this hypothesis, this prototype of life adheres to natural laws and forms the structure of the universe in sequence through three levels: physical, chemical, and biological.
Specifically, this bottom-up organization continuously reproduces through the ongoing evolution after the Big Bang. Additionally, the hypothesis suggests that the boundary between organic matter and ordinary matter is relatively blurred, and the states of living and non-living matter represent a continuum with distinct layers.
Thus, the entire universe is composed of interacting forms of life, similar to living bodies or cells. Notably, this hypothesis of the “Cosmic Organism” has yet to be widely validated, and much of the scientific community remains skeptical and cautious about it.
The entire universe is made up of interacting forms of life.
Because a living system resembling a cell covering the entire universe may be too vast and complex to clearly demonstrate its existence, and it is also very challenging to verify it through experiments and other methods.
Therefore, given that our current understanding of this field is still very limited, whether the universe is a cell can only be regarded as a conjecture and a temporary exploration by the scientific community, requiring further exploration and research to achieve a more accurate and reliable answer.
