At the center of a neutron star, the neutrons might fuse into hyperons.
The star may have an atmosphere of incandescent gaseous iron a few centimeters deep.
It spins hundreds of times per second.
Its magnetic field accelerates interstellar matter outward at near light speed.
Its radio pulse is detectable across the galaxy.
"Out of the whirlwind, God speaks to Job." (p. 260)
Another Biblical reference. And, indeed, ultimate forces are manifest in the pulsar.
Beyond it is "...the cold cataract of the Milky Way..." (p. 261)
(And see "...an infinitely cold cataract..." here.)
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I've said it before, but it bears repeating, Anderson was the SF writer who MOST often quoted from or alluded to the Bible! And that line from Job reminded me of the first two lines of the fifth stanza of Anderson's poem "Prayer in War," which deserves quoting: "You Who raged within the sun / when no life had yet begun."
Anderson may have called himself mostly an agnostic, but I get the strong impression there were times he did not want to be agnostic! And he was respectful of honest believers in God.
Ad astra! Sean
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