A photo of a spiral galaxy delivered courtesy of Hubble can bring a stray thought to our minds. Could we draw energy from it, and use it instead of electricity? Could this universal energy end the slow exhaustion of our planet? Perhaps someday, but not just yet: We are only just beginning to understand universal matter.
Ancient Yearning for Universal Energy
When we step out into a clear night far from artificial light, we enter into a magical land of stars. Things are so quiet we imagine we can hear the universe humming.
The possibility of experiencing this universal energy has been a matter of psychic interest since humanity began. However in this blog we prefer to focus on things that we can touch and see.
Energy is Everywhere, But Where Is It.
There are actually two types of energy in the universe. Firstly, we have potential energy like a rubber band wound tight. Secondly, we have kinetic energy we release when we let the rubber go. All molecules have kinetic energy to a variable extent. In fact it can flow between them in a process called energy exchange.
Potential universal energy is inside a humble lithium-ion battery, and in the awesome power of our sun. We cannot feel it. We are unable to touch it, but we can observe its effects.
The energy in a lithium-ion battery causes our smartphone to start at our command. When we spend too long around a swimming pool we suffer sunburn.
How We Interact with Universal Energy
Molecules with high amounts of kinetic energy are always on the go. Think of boiling water, and a roaring wood fire in the hearth. Cooking involves transferring this energy to food, and transforming its molecules until they look and taste good.
Our skin becomes warm on a hot summer’s day as it accepts heat from the air around us. In a similar way, out skin grows cold when we step out into a cold clear night. We take, and we give just as the tides flow and ebb. Thus we can experience energy and be part of it, but we still cannot touch it and feel it.
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