TNRTB Archive - Retained for reference information

A study of relative masses of gas giant planets reveals new evidence for cosmic design. In order for a planetary system to harbor life, all but the tiny planets must exhibit coplanar orbits (orbits in the same plane around their star). Observations and now theory demonstrate that coplanar planetary systems are less common than once thought. A new study shows that if an outer gas giant planet (such as our Saturn) is at least 50 percent of the mass of an inner gas giant planet (such as Jupiter), then such a ratio will likely generate resonances that will produce non-coplanar planetary orbits. Therefore, the fine-tuning of the ratio of outer to inner gas giant planet masses—a feature of our planetary system—marks another design requirement for life.

Edward W. Thommes and Jack J. Lissauer, “Resonant Inclination Excitation of Migrating Giant Planets,” Astrophysical Journal, 597 (2003), pp. 566-580.

http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0308112

RTB articles: Hugh Ross, “Anthropic Principle: A Precise Plan for Humanity,” Facts for Faith, quarter 1, 2002, issue 8, pp. 24-31.

RTB video: Journey Toward Creation, 2^nd edition

RTB book: The Creator and the Cosmos, 3^rd edition