Outer space
Outer Space
Outer space (/'aʊtər speɪs/), also known as space, refers to the vast expanse that exists beyond the Earth and between celestial bodies.
Etymology
The term "outer space" originates from the English language. "Outer" is derived from the Old English "ūttera", which means "that is outside, external, exterior". "Space" comes from the Old French "espace", which means "a space, distance, interval".
Definition
Outer space is the void that exists between celestial bodies, including the Earth. It is not completely empty but consists of a hard vacuum containing a low density of particles, predominantly a plasma of hydrogen and helium, as well as electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields, neutrinos, dust, and cosmic rays.
Characteristics
Outer space is characterized by the absence of air and atmosphere, weather, oceans, and breathable air. The conditions in outer space are harsh and inhospitable to humans and most forms of life. However, several life forms, such as tardigrades, can survive in outer space.
Exploration
The exploration of outer space is conducted by astronomers with telescopes, and the field of Astronautics has developed to include manned and unmanned space explorations. The Apollo Program was the first to successfully land humans on the Moon, and numerous unmanned probes have been sent to other planets in our Solar System.
Related Terms
- Astronomy: The scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe.
- Astrophysics: The branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects.
- Cosmology: The science of the origin and development of the universe.
- Galaxy: A system of millions or billions of stars, together with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction.
- Universe: All existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Outer space
- Wikipedia's article - Outer space
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski