Difference between revisions of "Outer space"
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| − | '''Outer space''' is the physical realm beyond the [[Earth]]'s atmosphere. | + | '''Outer space''' is the physical realm beyond the [[Earth]]'s atmosphere. It encompasses all observed and measured [[celestial bodies]] and the vacuum between them, and is apparently boundless ([[infinite]] breadth). |
| − | It encompasses all observed and measured celestial bodies and the vacuum between them, and is apparently boundless. | ||
| − | In space, sound cannot travel because there is not enough air. Space is a nearly perfect [[vacuum]]. The few stray [[molecule]]s floating about in space are much too far apart to | + | In space, sound cannot travel because there is not enough air. Space is a nearly perfect [[vacuum]]. The few stray [[molecule]]s floating about in space are much too far apart to propogate [[sound wave]]s. |
| − | The ancient | + | ==Greek philosophy== |
| + | |||
| + | The [[Ancient Greece|ancient Greek]]s debated whether space was finite or infinite. The ancient Greeks recognized that it was difficult to imagine what an infinite universe might look like. But they also wondered that if the universe were finite, and you stuck out your hand at the edge, where would your hand go? The Greeks' two problems with the universe represented a [[paradox]] - the universe had to be either finite or infinite, and both alternatives presented problems. <ref>[http://skyserver.sdss.org/dr1/en/astro/universe/universe.asp The Expanding Universe], Sloan Sky Survey </ref> | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
Revision as of 20:56, July 1, 2008
Outer space is the physical realm beyond the Earth's atmosphere. It encompasses all observed and measured celestial bodies and the vacuum between them, and is apparently boundless (infinite breadth).
In space, sound cannot travel because there is not enough air. Space is a nearly perfect vacuum. The few stray molecules floating about in space are much too far apart to propogate sound waves.
Greek philosophy
The ancient Greeks debated whether space was finite or infinite. The ancient Greeks recognized that it was difficult to imagine what an infinite universe might look like. But they also wondered that if the universe were finite, and you stuck out your hand at the edge, where would your hand go? The Greeks' two problems with the universe represented a paradox - the universe had to be either finite or infinite, and both alternatives presented problems. [1]
Notes
- ↑ The Expanding Universe, Sloan Sky Survey