The human mind is naturally captivated by extremes that challenge our understanding of scale and possibility. When astronomers recently discovered what they’re calling the smallest functional galaxy ever observed, they described it using a psychological metaphor that instantly resonates: “It’s like having a perfectly functional human being that’s the size of a grain of rice.” This comparison not only makes the astronomical discovery more relatable but reveals fascinating insights about how our brains process and make meaning of the incomprehensibly vast or infinitesimally small.
The psychology of cosmic scale
Our brains evolved to navigate an environment of medium-sized objects—trees, predators, and landscapes—not quarks or quasars. When contemplating astronomical discoveries like ultra-faint dwarf galaxies, we experience what psychologists call cognitive stretching—the mental effort required to comprehend something outside our evolved perceptual range. “These are fully operational galaxies, yet they are about a millionth the size of the Milky Way,” explains astronomer Eric Bell, highlighting how this discovery pushes the boundaries of what we thought possible.
Why we use human metaphors for cosmic objects
The comparison to a “rice-sized human” illustrates our brain’s reliance on anthropomorphic reasoning—our tendency to understand unfamiliar concepts by relating them to human attributes or scales. This cognitive strategy helps bridge the gap between the incomprehensible and the familiar. As Bell notes, “It’s akin to having a fully functioning human being that measures the size of a grain of rice,” providing us a mental foothold on an otherwise slippery cosmic concept.
The comfort of comparative thinking
When facing information that challenges our understanding of reality, our brains often resort to analogical reasoning—using familiar concepts to understand unfamiliar ones. This psychological process explains why astronomers frequently use metaphors to describe celestial discoveries. Consider how it feels more manageable to think about a “miniature but complete human” than to conceptualize a galaxy containing billions of stars yet being unimaginably tiny by cosmic standards.
Building tolerance for uncertainty
Engaging with astronomical discoveries exercises our uncertainty tolerance—the psychological ability to remain calm and functional despite not fully understanding something. “We still have much to uncover before we can reverse engineer the universe’s history and grasp how we arrived at our current state,” notes researcher Arias, highlighting how these discoveries invite us to practice comfort with the unknown. This skill transfers to many aspects of daily life, from relationships to career changes.
Practical ways to expand your cosmic thinking
- Practice scale-shifting meditations: Spend five minutes daily imagining yourself at different scales, from quantum to cosmic
- Engage with challenging scientific concepts regularly to build mental flexibility
- Use metaphors consciously to bridge understanding gaps in your own learning
From cosmic wonder to personal growth
The psychological awe we experience when contemplating discoveries like minuscule galaxies can transform how we perceive ourselves and others. Research shows that experiences of wonder improve psychological well-being and increase prosocial behaviors. Perhaps the greatest gift of astronomical discoveries isn’t just knowledge about the universe, but the opportunity to develop greater cognitive flexibility and humility—qualities that enrich every aspect of our lives.
What cosmic concept has recently stretched your understanding, and how might you use that experience to approach personal challenges with fresh perspective?