Exopanding Universe 2

[Female-Mezzo-Soprano] Pickering’s women at Harvard, we leave our mark on the sky, But never can we be students, only dreaming as stars pass by. Hired as scanning machines, we examine photographs by the ton, At a mere twenty-five cents an hour, under the harsh light of the sun. [Female Chorus] Men say we’re just the Harvard Computers, But we know we’re so much more. Examining stardust our minds cosmic commuters Opening up the universe's door. [Female] Would you believe heartless Pickering, hired me and twenty more? His house-maid leads our efforts, while men dismiss us and ignore. He says males lack concentration, and sacks men with no thought, But we remain, scanning stars, with the diligence we’ve brought. [Female Chorus] Men say we’re just the Harvard Computers, But we know we’re so much more. Examining stardust, our minds cosmic commuters Opening up the universe's door. [Female] No recognition, no fair compensation, Yet here we are, defining constellations. Williamina found the Horsehead Nebula, Annie’s stars shine in spectral splendor. [Female] We measure and catalog the brightness, Marking all the positions with great care. Amidst celestial charts we seek the starry lightness Yet we know for sure, the universe is aware. [Female Chorus] Men say we’re just the Harvard Computers, But we know we’re so much more. Examining stardust, our minds cosmic commuters Opening up the universe's door. [Female Chorus] So here we stand, under Pickering’s gaze, Women of science, breaking through the haze. With stars above, we chart our course, Silent, yet powerful, a cosmic force.

[MALE 1] The farther a nebula is, the faster it flies away, Double the distance to a nebula and the speed doubles, clear as day. Triple the distance and the speed triples too, It’s all neatly proportional, the universe anew. [MALE 2] An expanding universe, an overpowering view, But what does it mean, the farthest nebula moves fastest too? What are the implications of this cosmic flight? A universe expanding, out of sight. [Chorus] Expanding universe, swiftly in all directions, Redefining existence, sparking new reflections. Cosmic mysteries and celestial clues, In this grand expanse, we search for truths. [MALE 1] It’s truly intriguing, though its meaning I can’t say, An expanding universe, redefining us in some way. I feel it in my bones, a fundamental shift, A cosmic revelation, a celestial gift. [MALE 2] You’ll have to do better, Hubble, to make this claim, Einstein says the universe is stable, forever the same. [MALE 1] Why not challenge Einstein, is he not fallible like the rest? We’re confident and ready, we’ll put our theory to the test. Einstein can take it or leave it, our data will speak, Cosmic repercussions, our discovery unique. [MALE 2] Yah! A janitor and an upstart, against the icon of science, bold, Your timing is troublesome, wait until it’s sold. The reputation of Mt. Wilson is at stake, One wrong move, and it’s more than your career we break. [MALE 1] Why rest on laurels, our discovery profound, We’ll shout it to the world, let the truth be found. We can refrain from deep interpretations for now, But publish we must, to the cosmos we bow. [MALE 2] You must realize the risks, American astronomy at play, Clashing with Einstein, can you throw it all away? The market’s volatile, funding’s at risk too, Your discovery, can it truly be true? [MALE 1] I resent your lack of support, we’ve been friends, Professional colleagues, is this where it ends? Do you want me to recant, to silence my voice, We all take risks, it’s the only choice. [MALE 2] Comparing yourself with Galileo, a risk too great, Another Galileo in two thousand years, don’t tempt fate. If you’re wrong, funding will dry, You’ll go down in flames, your career good-bye. [Chorus] Expanding universe, swiftly in all directions, Redefining existence, sparking new reflections. Cosmic mysteries and celestial clues, In this grand expanse, we search for truths.

[MALE 1] The farther a nebula is, the faster it flies away, Double the distance to a nebula and the speed doubles, clear as day. Triple the distance and the speed triples too, It’s all neatly proportional, the universe anew. [MALE 2] An expanding universe, an overpowering view, But what does it mean, the farthest nebula moves fastest too? What are the implications of this cosmic flight? A universe expanding, out of sight. [Chorus] Expanding universe, swiftly in all directions, Redefining existence, sparking new reflections. Cosmic mysteries and celestial clues, In this grand expanse, we search for truths. [MALE 1] It’s truly intriguing, though its meaning I can’t say, An expanding universe, redefining us in some way. I feel it in my bones, a fundamental shift, A cosmic revelation, a celestial gift. [MALE 2] You’ll have to do better, Hubble, to make this claim, Einstein says the universe is stable, forever the same. Einstein’s visiting next year, be wise, Don’t go head to head, think twice. [MALE 1] Why not challenge Einstein, is he not fallible like the rest? We’re confident and ready, we’ll put our theory to the test. Einstein can take it or leave it, our data will speak, Cosmic repercussions, our discovery unique. [MALE 2] A janitor and an upstart, against the icon of science, bold, Your timing is troublesome, wait until it’s sold. The reputation of Mt. Wilson is at stake, One wrong move, and it’s more than your career we break. [MALE 1] Why rest on laurels, our discovery profound, We’ll shout it to the world, let the truth be found. We can refrain from deep interpretations for now, But publish we must, to the cosmos we bow. [MALE 2] You must realize the risks, American astronomy at play, Clashing with Einstein, can you throw it all away? The market’s volatile, funding’s at risk too, Your discovery, can it truly be true? [MALE 1] I resent your lack of support, we’ve been friends, Professional colleagues, is this where it ends? Do you want me to recant, to silence my voice, We all take risks, it’s the only choice. [MALE 2] Comparing yourself with Galileo, a risk too great, Another Galileo in two thousand years, don’t tempt fate. If you’re wrong, funding will dry, You’ll go down in flames, your career goodbye. [Chorus] Expanding universe, swiftly in all directions, Redefining existence, sparking new reflections. Cosmic mysteries and celestial clues, In this grand expanse, we search for truths.

[MALE 1] The farther a nebula is, the faster it flies away, Double the distance to a nebula and the speed doubles, clear as day. Triple the distance and the speed triples too, It’s all neatly proportional, the universe anew. [MALE 2] An expanding universe, an overpowering view, But what does it mean, the farthest nebula moves fastest too? What are the implications of this cosmic flight? A universe expanding, out of sight. [Chorus] Expanding universe, swiftly in all directions, Redefining existence, sparking new reflections. Cosmic mysteries and celestial clues, In this grand expanse, we search for truths. [MALE 1] It’s truly intriguing, though its meaning I can’t say, An expanding universe, redefining us in some way. I feel it in my bones, a fundamental shift, A cosmic revelation, a celestial gift. [MALE 2] You’ll have to do better, Hubble, to make this claim, Einstein says the universe is stable, forever the same. Einstein’s visiting next year, be wise, Don’t go head to head, think twice. [MALE 1] Why not challenge Einstein, is he not fallible like the rest? We’re confident and ready, we’ll put our theory to the test. Einstein can take it or leave it, our data will speak, Cosmic repercussions, our discovery unique. [MALE 2] A janitor and an upstart, against the icon of science, bold, Your timing is troublesome, wait until it’s sold. The reputation of Mt. Wilson is at stake, One wrong move, and it’s more than your career we break. [MALE 1] Why rest on laurels, our discovery profound, We’ll shout it to the world, let the truth be found. We can refrain from deep interpretations for now, But publish we must, to the cosmos we bow. [MALE 2] You must realize the risks, American astronomy at play, Clashing with Einstein, can you throw it all away? The market’s volatile, funding’s at risk too, Your discovery, can it truly be true? [MALE 1] I resent your lack of support, we’ve been friends, Professional colleagues, is this where it ends? Do you want me to recant, to silence my voice, We all take risks, it’s the only choice. [MALE 2] Comparing yourself with Galileo, a risk too great, Another Galileo in two thousand years, don’t tempt fate. If you’re wrong, funding will dry, You’ll go down in flames, your career goodbye. [Chorus] Expanding universe, swiftly in all directions, Redefining existence, sparking new reflections. Cosmic mysteries and celestial clues, In this grand expanse, we search for truths.

[Female Mezzo Soprano] Now, tell me, here in Galileo’s presence, How anxious are you for your stars’ luminescence? [Male Tenor] In the vast night sky, stars gleam so bright, But your eyes outshine the cosmic light. When I’m with you, the world feels right, Your love’s a beacon in the darkest night. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong. [Female Mezzo Soprano] I never thought I'd hear you say that, my love, I know you're drawn to the nebulae above. [MalevTenor] Under constellations, we both stand, Yet it’s your touch, that guides my hand. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong.. [Female Mezzo Soprano] Your stars brought me joy in a universe anew, Since that night, your words shone through. You spoke of souls lighting the Moon’s embrace, I thought of Juliet’s love, in the stars' gentle grace. "Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night, Give me my Romeo, in the stars' gentle light. Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he'll make the face of heaven so fine, its ours" [Male Tenor] Night after night at my telescope's sight, Silent and alone, contemplating the light. A religious experience, through the lens so grand, Until I fell in love, I could not understand. Now, with you by my side, the Creator's plan, In your love, I see the majesty of man. Stars and love, both shine so bright, In your embrace, I find my light.

[Female Mezzo Soprano] Now, tell me, here in Galileo’s presence, How anxious are you for your stars’ luminescence? [Male Tenor] In the vast night sky, stars gleam so bright, But your eyes outshine the cosmic light. When I’m with you, the world feels right, Your love’s a beacon in the darkest night. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong. [Female Mezzo Soprano] I never thought I'd hear you say that, my love, I know you're drawn to the nebulae above. [MalevTenor] Under constellations, we both stand, Yet it’s your touch, that guides my hand. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong.. [Female Mezzo Soprano] Your stars brought me joy in a universe anew, Since that night, your words shone through. You spoke of souls lighting the Moon’s embrace, I thought of Juliet’s love, in the stars' gentle grace. "Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night, Give me my Romeo, in the stars' gentle light. Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he'll make the face of heaven so fine, its ours" [Male Tenor] Night after night at my telescope's sight, Silent and alone, contemplating the light. A religious experience, through the lens so grand, Until I fell in love, I could not understand. Now, with you by my side, the Creator's plan, In your love, I see the majesty of man. Stars and love, both shine so bright, In your embrace, I find my light.

[Mezzo Soprano] Now, tell me, here in Galileo’s presence, How anxious are you for your stars’ luminescence? [Tenor] In the vast night sky, stars gleam so bright, But your eyes outshine the cosmic light. When I’m with you, the world feels right, Your love’s a beacon in the darkest night. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong. [Mezzo Soprano] I never thought I'd hear you say that, my love, I know you're drawn to the nebulae above. [Tenor] Under constellations, we both stand, Yet it’s your touch, that guides my hand. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong.. [Mezzo Soprano] Your stars brought me joy in a universe anew, Since that night, your words shone through. You spoke of souls lighting the Moon’s embrace, I thought of Juliet’s love, in the stars' gentle grace. "Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night, Give me my Romeo, in the stars' gentle light. Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he'll make the face of heaven so fine, its ours" [Tenor] Night after night at my telescope's sight, Silent and alone, contemplating the light. A religious experience, through the lens so grand, Until I fell in love, I could not understand. Now, with you by my side, the Creator's plan, In your love, I see the majesty of man. Stars and love, both shine so bright, In your embrace, I find my light.

[Female Singer] Now, tell me, here in Galileo’s presence, How anxious are you for your stars’ luminescence? [Male Singer] In the vast night sky, stars gleam so bright, But your eyes outshine the cosmic light. When I’m with you, the world feels right, Your love’s a beacon in the darkest night. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong. [Female] I never thought I'd hear you say that, my love, I know you're drawn to the nebulae above. [Male Singer] Under constellations, we both stand, Yet it’s your touch, that guides my hand. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong.. [Female Singer] Your stars brought me joy in a universe anew, Since that night, your words shone through. You spoke of souls lighting the Moon’s embrace, I thought of Juliet’s love, in the stars' gentle grace. "Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night, Give me my Romeo, in the stars' gentle light. Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he'll make the face of heaven so fine, its ours" [Male Singer] Night after night at my telescope's sight, Silent and alone, contemplating the light. A religious experience, through the lens so grand, Until I fell in love, I could not understand. Now, with you by my side, the Creator's plan, In your love, I see the majesty of man. Stars and love, both shine so bright, In your embrace, I find my light.

[Female] Now, tell me, here in Galileo’s presence, How anxious are you for your stars’ luminescence? [Male] In the vast night sky, stars gleam so bright, But your eyes outshine the cosmic light. When I’m with you, the world feels right, Your love’s a beacon in the darkest night. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong. [Female] I never thought I'd hear you say that, my love, I know you're drawn to the nebulae above. [Male] Under constellations, we both stand, Yet it’s your touch, that guides my hand. [Chorus] Stars may dazzle, but they can’t compare, To the warmth and joy that we both share. With you, my heart finds its true song, In our embrace is where we belong.. [Female] Your stars brought me joy in a universe anew, Since that night, your words shone through. You spoke of souls lighting the Moon’s embrace, I thought of Juliet’s love, in the stars' gentle grace. "Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night, Give me my Romeo, in the stars' gentle light. Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he'll make the face of heaven so fine, its ours" [Male] Night after night at my telescope's sight, Silent and alone, contemplating the light. A religious experience, through the lens so grand, Until I fell in love, I could not understand. Now, with you by my side, the Creator's plan, In your love, I see the majesty of man. Stars and love, both shine so bright, In your embrace, I find my light.

[Female] The Los Angeles Examiner now calls you the new Columbus! Columbus discovered half a known world, Now Hubble has discovered a whole new Universe, That's a knockout! A story yet unfurled. But they should compare you to Galileo For unveiling truths we hardly know. [Male] Ah yes, Galileo made his mark in Florence grand, But it's hard for the world to accept new visions, understand. In this sad place, modern science faced its plight, The Inquisition's unjust trial, house arrest day and night. [Chorus] Triumphs and trials, history repeats, Bold discoveries, with challenges meet. Galileo and Hubble, names intertwined, New visions emerge, through the sands of time. [Female] I say, thank God the world has changed, indeed, No one will fault you for a new universe decreed. Galaxies untold, a thousand million suns, Each new discovery, a new dawn begun. [Male] Has the world really changed? I question this, The Vatican still holds on to its past abyss. Three hundred years, yet no apology made, Our stormy reception may also cascade. [Chorus] Triumphs and trials, history repeats, Bold discoveries, with challenges meet. Galileo and Hubble, names intertwined, New visions emerge, through the sands of time. [Female] So that is bold! But boldness holds the key, Genius, power, and magic, set us free. Though we've made man seem small in this grand expanse, We have acquired a unique ability to advance. [Male] But once again we question our place with God, In this unfathomable universe, we’re just a nod. Yet with comprehension, our spirits ignite, In the vast cosmos, we find our light. [Chorus] Triumphs and trials, history repeats, Bold discoveries, with challenges meet. Galileo and Hubble, names intertwined, New visions emerge, through the sands of time. [Male & Female] For now, we comprehend the vast, the grand, Our special place, in this universe so planned. With boldness, we venture, hearts aligned, In the cosmos' embrace, our destinies bind.

[Female] The Los Angeles Examiner now calls you the new Columbus! Columbus discovered half a known world, Now Hubble has discovered a whole new Universe, That's a knockout! A story yet unfurled. But they should compare you to Galileo For unveiling truths we hardly know. [Male] Ah yes, Galileo made his mark in Florence grand, But it's hard for the world to accept new visions, understand. In this sad place, modern science faced its plight, The Inquisition's unjust trial, house arrest day and night. [Chorus] Triumphs and trials, history repeats, Bold discoveries, with challenges meet. Galileo and Hubble, names intertwined, New visions emerge, through the sands of time. [Female] I say, thank God the world has changed, indeed, No one will fault you for a new universe decreed. Galaxies untold, a thousand million suns, Each new discovery, a new dawn begun. [Male] Has the world really changed? I question this, The Vatican still holds on to its past abyss. Three hundred years, yet no apology made, Our stormy reception may also cascade. [Chorus] Triumphs and trials, history repeats, Bold discoveries, with challenges meet. Galileo and Hubble, names intertwined, New visions emerge, through the sands of time. [Female] So that is bold! But boldness holds the key, Genius, power, and magic, set us free. Though we've made man seem small in this grand expanse, We have acquired a unique ability to advance. [Male] But once again we question our place with God, In this unfathomable universe, we’re just a nod. Yet with comprehension, our spirits ignite, In the vast cosmos, we find our light. [Chorus] Triumphs and trials, history repeats, Bold discoveries, with challenges meet. Galileo and Hubble, names intertwined, New visions emerge, through the sands of time. [Male & Female] For now, we comprehend the vast, the grand, Our special place, in this universe so planned. With boldness, we venture, hearts aligned, In the cosmos' embrace, our destinies bind.

[Male 1] I have an even bigger surprise, oh, can you see? I've dethroned our sun from the center of our galaxy. Our sun, our Earth, we humans, so small, At the outer fringe, we're not central at all. [Male 2] Shocking, indeed! That God would place us here, Anywhere else but the center, it seems unclear. Why would He put us in this peripheral place, When we are His creations, a special race? [Chorus] From the Stone Age man to modern thought, "We are the center," that's what we've been taught. Tradition misleads, but science reveals, The universe's truth, the milky spiral seals. [Male 1] The first man saw his reflection and then, Conceited he thought, "I'm the center again." For thousands of years, this heritage grew, But scientifically, it's just not true. [Male 2] We are His creations, of this I'm sure, Though science may place us on the outer shore. Misled by tradition, we've been so long, But faith and science, together they're strong. [Chorus] From the Stone Age man to modern thought, "We are the center," that's what we've been taught. Tradition misleads, but science reveals, The universe's truth, the milky spiral seals. [Male 1] Yes, we’ve been misled, victimized by lore, Thinking we're anointed, right at the core. But it's time to wake up, see the real truth, The universe is vast, and it’s telling proof. [Male 2] Real truth, you say, how presumptuous indeed, The Bible claims no center, yet still we believe. Your discoveries grand, I do trust them well, But God's at my center, where my heart dwells. [Chorus] From the Stone Age man to modern thought, "We are the center," that's what we've been taught. Tradition misleads, but science reveals, The universe's truth, the milky spiral seals. [Male 2] So while we explore our galaxies deep, We find our place, far humble to keep. Science and faith, in harmony they move, In the center of our hearts, God's love proves.