A New Science of Heaven

Part I: The Crisis in Cosmology

Robert Temple begins by critiquing the current state of mainstream cosmology, arguing that the standard Big Bang model is in crisis. He highlights the reliance on unproven concepts like dark matter and dark energy, which he describes as 'fudge factors' introduced to make observations fit the theory. Temple asserts that the prevailing gravity-centric view of the universe is incomplete and fundamentally flawed, failing to adequately explain phenomena ranging from galactic structures to stellar behavior. He sets the stage for a radical paradigm shift, proposing that electromagnetic forces, rather than solely gravity, are the primary drivers of cosmic evolution and interaction, laying the groundwork for the Electric Universe model.

Part II: The Electric Universe Paradigm

This section introduces the core tenets of the Electric Universe (EU) theory. Temple explains that plasma, the fourth state of matter, constitutes over 99% of the visible universe and is highly responsive to electromagnetic forces. He details the work of pioneers like Kristian Birkeland, who demonstrated the existence of electrical currents in space (Birkeland currents), and Hannes Alfvén, a Nobel laureate in plasma physics. Temple contrasts the EU's emphasis on observable electrical phenomena and laboratory experiments with the theoretical, often unverified, assumptions of gravitational cosmology, arguing for a universe powered by vast electrical circuits.

Part III: Velikovsky Reconsidered

Temple revisits the controversial work of Immanuel Velikovsky, particularly his book Worlds in Collision, which proposed catastrophic planetary encounters in historical times. While Velikovsky's mechanisms were initially dismissed by mainstream science, Temple argues that his core thesis gains significant plausibility when viewed through the lens of plasma physics. He suggests that the close approaches of planets, as described by Velikovsky, would indeed result in immense electrical discharges, plasma interactions, and gravitational perturbations, providing a physical basis for the ancient myths and historical accounts Velikovsky analyzed.

Part IV: The Saturnian Golden Age

This part delves into the 'Saturn Myth,' a central theme in Electric Universe cosmology. Temple presents the hypothesis that Saturn was once a much closer, larger, and brighter object in Earth's sky, appearing as a proto-sun or 'polar configuration' during a primordial 'Golden Age.' He interprets ancient myths from various cultures – describing a stable, paradisiacal era under a primordial sun or 'first king' – as collective memories of this earlier Saturnian system. This configuration, he argues, was eventually disrupted by catastrophic events, leading to Saturn's current distant position and appearance.

Part V: The Catastrophic Birth of Venus

Temple discusses the Electric Universe perspective on Venus, proposing it was a relatively recent addition to the inner solar system, possibly ejected from Jupiter and initially appearing as a comet-like object. He interprets myths of a 'comet-goddess' Venus, its destructive appearances, and its association with warrior deities (like Athena or Inanna) as records of its close encounters with Earth and Mars. These encounters, he argues, involved immense electrical discharges between the planets, causing global geological upheavals, atmospheric changes, and cultural trauma, as documented in ancient texts and traditions.

Part VI: Mars: The Warrior Planet

This section focuses on Mars, interpreting its mythological association with war, destruction, and fiery events as reflections of its close, electrically charged interactions with Earth and Venus. Temple discusses evidence for massive electrical scarring on its surface, such as Valles Marineris and numerous craters, which he attributes to interplanetary plasma discharges. He reinterprets ancient descriptions of 'thunderbolts,' 'spears,' and 'fiery battles' in the heavens as literal observations of these plasma phenomena during periods when Mars was much closer to Earth, causing significant geological and atmospheric disturbances.

Part VII: Jupiter and the Outer Planets

Temple extends the Electric Universe perspective to Jupiter and the outer solar system. He discusses Jupiter's prominent role in ancient mythology, often associated with thunderbolts, supreme deities, and cosmic order. He explores the electrical nature of gas giants and their moons, suggesting that their interactions and electrical discharges could have played a significant role in shaping the early solar system. This section reinforces the idea that electromagnetic forces are crucial for understanding the dynamics and evolution of all celestial bodies, not just the inner planets.

Part VIII: The Electric Sun and Stars

This part challenges the conventional thermonuclear model of the Sun. Temple presents the Electric Universe view that the Sun is not a self-sustaining thermonuclear furnace but is powered externally by galactic Birkeland currents, acting as an anode in a galactic electrical circuit. He discusses solar phenomena like sunspots, flares, and the corona in terms of electrical discharges and plasma instabilities. This model is then extended to other stars, suggesting that stellar classification and evolution are primarily governed by their electrical environment and the currents flowing through them, rather than solely by their internal gravitational collapse and fusion processes.

Part IX: Ancient Evidence: Myths, Art, and Texts

Temple provides extensive analysis of ancient myths, religious texts, petroglyphs, and archaeological findings from diverse cultures (e.g., Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Norse, Mesoamerican). He argues that these sources consistently describe celestial phenomena, planetary configurations, and catastrophic events that align with the Electric Universe and Velikovskian models. He interprets symbols like the 'winged disc,' the 'eye of Ra,' and various 'cosmic trees' or 'pillars' as depictions of plasma configurations and planetary alignments, rather than mere allegories or primitive superstitions, suggesting a shared human experience of a dramatically different ancient sky.

Part X: Geological and Astronomical Evidence

This section brings together a wide array of geological features on Earth and astronomical observations that Temple argues are better explained by electrical forces and catastrophic events than by gradualist or gravity-only models. He discusses evidence for rapid strata formation, mass extinctions, continental drift, and the formation of features like canyons and mountain ranges as potential results of interplanetary electrical discharges. He also critiques the interpretation of data from space probes and telescopes by mainstream science, suggesting that many 'anomalies' (e.g., cometary behavior, galactic filaments, planetary surface features) are readily explained by the Electric Universe model.

Part XI: Implications for Science and Humanity

Temple concludes by discussing the profound implications of accepting the Electric Universe paradigm. He suggests it would necessitate a fundamental re-evaluation of not only cosmology but also geology, archaeology, and our understanding of human history, consciousness, and even religion. He calls for a more open-minded scientific approach, free from dogmatism and institutional inertia, to embrace these new ideas. Temple emphasizes that recognizing the electrical nature of the cosmos opens up vast new avenues for scientific inquiry and offers a more coherent and verifiable explanation for many long-standing mysteries of the universe and Earth's past.

"A New Science of Heaven" by Robert Temple explores the intersection of science and spirituality, challenging conventional views on the universe.

Temple presents groundbreaking ideas about the nature of reality, proposing that consciousness plays a crucial role in the cosmos. He examines phenomena like dark matter and energy, suggesting they are linked to metaphysical concepts. The book delves into ancient wisdom, aligning it with modern scientific discoveries, and argues for a holistic understanding of existence, blending science with mysticism.

Key concepts include the interconnectedness of all beings and the universe's vibrational essence. Temple discusses historical figures who hinted at these ideas, weaving a narrative that transcends traditional scientific boundaries. His thought-provoking insights provoke readers to reconsider their perceptions of reality and existence.

Overall, Temple’s work invites a paradigm shift, urging us to embrace a unified view of science and spi...