Space is a word that creates images of large, empty, dark and scary areas somewhere in the sky. However, that vague definition is not entirely correct. So, where does space really begin? The answer is not simple and a NASA scientist, Doug Rowland, has come forward to explain.
What does NASA say?
As NASA explains, “For spaceflight purposes, some would say the Karman line, currently defined as an altitude of 100 kilometers (60 miles). Others might put a line 80 kilometers (50 miles) above Earth’s mean sea level. But there is no sharp physical boundary that marks the end of the atmosphere and the beginning of space.”
Rowland takes the argument much further, or even higher. He speak, “The concept of where space begins depends on one’s point of view, and it can also relate to the question of where the Earth’s atmosphere ends.”
So, where is that? He explains, “When we think about Earth’s atmosphere, it goes beyond Mount Everest and the altitude at which planes fly.”
He added, “The atmosphere continues to rise, gradually becoming less dense as we get higher. Even at a very high altitude, there is still some air, as observed around the area where International Space Station trajectory.”
So again, where does space begin? The answer, he said, becomes a matter of opinion, adding, “If we ask about where the Earth’s atmosphere ends, it’s about 400 miles above us.”
He concluded by saying, “However, it is important to remember that the space above that boundary is not empty; it is filled with various gravitational elements and phenomena, but NASA actively explore and research.”
The space just outside of our familiar Earth’s atmosphere, while unfit for humans, is not completely empty. It contains various elements, such as ionizing gases and radiation, which make it a dynamic and fascinating medium. NASA studies this region and calls it “space weather,” because of its unique and complex phenomena.
Rowland concluded by saying: “We can, in a sense, consider ourselves to be in the Sun’s atmosphere. There is a transition from the Earth’s atmosphere to the Sun’s atmosphere when we move further away from our planet. At some point, we hit the Sun’s atmosphere.” heliosphere and heliosphere boundary, beyond which we can actually say that we are beyond the influence of the Sun.”
