How did the universe become `just right`?????

Answer 1

Simple. There are an inifinite number of universes, with every imaginable (and quite a few unimaginable) set of characteristics. Each of them is "just right" for any life that arises in them, but completely "wrong" from the standpoint of any of the others.

My guess is that this question is just another "fishing for God" expedition...

EDIT: I should mention that the above is a speculative hypothesis. We have no method to test for the existence of other universes. However, Roy H's answer below, listing the results of modifying certain constants, makes just as many assumptions as my given answer.

We can make mathematical predictions about how changing these might affect matter as we know it, but we have no means of determining exactly how these changes would manifest. It is entirely possible that an entirely different organization of matter and energy would be capable of giving rise to what we would call "life." The idea that these constants are "fine tuned" to make life possible is incredibly naive and anthropocentric.

Answer 2

This is the subject of much speculation, but without other universes to compare with, there isn't any way really knowing. One hypothesis is that there are multiple universes, perhaps an infinite number, but only those that are "just right" have intelligent life in them capable of noticing that fact. In addition to the ever-popular God hypothesis, less scientific thought on this includes the idea that consciousness creates the universe, not vice versa.

Answer 3

look into the anthropic principal. it basically says that we are here only because they conditions are right, they arent here because of us.

if the atomic nuclei was unstable then we would not be here to ask why it stable. if the earth was too close to the sun we wouldnt be here to ask why.

and the universe is not "just right", not at all. its just that the universe is so large that there HAS to be life somewhere. the places where life cannot exist greatly outnumber the places where it can exist. but still if we really reach out into the universe we will find that life isnt so special at all, and it can flourish under any conditions.

so basically we are here because the conditions were right. if they were not right we wouldnt be there, and wouldnt be asking why.

Answer 4

Regardless of what others here try to tell you, there is no definitive answer to your question. Lots of speculation and theories, but not one shred of evidence to confirm any of it.

So, the answer to your question is really that no one knows.

Here are few examples of how fine-tuned our universe actually is and what it would be like if the values shown were even slightly different --

GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT: Determines strength of gravity. If lower then stars would have insufficient pressure to overcome Coulomb barrier to start thermonuclear fusion (i.e. stars would not shine). If higher, stars burn too fast, use up fuel before life has a chance to evolve.

STRONG NUCLEAR FORCE COUPLING CONSTANT: Holds particles together in nucleus of atom. If weaker then multi-proton particles would not hold together, hydrogen would be the only element in the Universe. If stronger, all elements lighter than iron would be rare. Also radioactive decay would be less, which heats core of Earth.

ELECTROMAGNETIC COUPLING CONSTANT: Determines strength of electromagnetic force that couples electrons to nucleus. If less, then no electrons held in orbit. If stronger, electrons will not bond with other atoms. Either way, no molecules.

Answer 5

I was just reading about that this afternoon. If you are referring to life here on earth being in a "just right" environment, it is the other way around. Life here is "just right" for this earth and universe. If things were different, life would be different.

Answer 6

It is probably only our little corner of the universe that is just right. It might be exceedingly rare to find conditions that are even tolerable to us.

Answer 7

just right? The universe is constantly expanding, there are black holes sucking up everything in their paths, our galaxy and andromeda will eventually collide..what's "just right" about it? or perhaps the question should be more specific, i'm not sure.

Answer 8

It got lucky. It is 93 million miles away from the sun. A little closer; it would have been hooter then hell. A little further; it would have been a frozen tundra.