When we look up into the night sky, it makes us think about where the stars live. We have also learnt that the stars are a part of the galaxy called the Milky Way. They blink in the dark night in outer space. Suddenly, the idea of reaching the end of outer space comes to our mind. Is there really an end?
Who was the one to study space and the celestial bodies hovering in it? We have travelled to outer space multiple times and have recovered information related to planets, moons, asteroids, etc. Astronomers have found out that the Solar System is also revolving around the centre of the galaxy and the galaxy is also moving in outer space. Will we be able to reach the end of space? Let us find out.
What is Space?
First, we need to define what space is. Our atmosphere is extended up to an imaginary line called the Kármán Line. The astronomers consider this line to be 100 km above sea level. It is a convention that we have agreed to follow that outer space begins from this line.
This line has been conventionally chosen as the market where outer space begins as a conventional aircraft will not be able to fly without a propulsion system. The lack of air beyond this line or in outer space will not help an aircraft to fly. In simpler words, the Kármán Line is where the laws of physics related to flying will not apply.
The name of this line marking outer space was after Theodore von Kármán, a Hungarian aerospace engineer. He did not hypothesise the height of this line but proposed that space should start from where conventional aircraft will not be able to fly as the laws of physics for flying do not work.
The Universe and its Galaxies and Stars
What is Beyond Outer Space?
We have already mastered the art of going to space. Technological advancement has enabled us to overcome the gravitational pull and send satellites at the end of the Solar System. We have learnt that we are just a tiny speck of dust when compared to our galaxy. You will be surprised to know that the galaxy outer space is almost empty. There are stars and planets but very far away from each other.
Astronomers have been studying the universe for years. The invention of telescopes and satellites roaming in the Solar System gives us a clearer view. Our galaxy is so big that even light will take at least 200,000 years to go across it.
This makes us think about what lies beyond outer space and our universe. We are not the only galaxy in the universe either. There are billions of other galaxies roaming around the centre point of our universe in their specific paths.
Hence, we are a part of the Solar System. The Solar System is a part of the Milky Way. There are billions of other galaxies like ours in the Universe. Imagine how big a universe can be. We have not been able to send astronauts to another planet.
Our Sun is just a regular star. It looks bigger as it is the closest to us. All the planets revolve around the Sun. The other stars are so far away that we can see only tiny bright dots in the night sky. These stars may have outer space planets revolving around them. In fact, there might be intelligent life present on those planets. We don’t know yet!
Can We Find the End of Space?
We know that there is no end point of Earth. Our Earth is a big sphere and there is no edge to it. In this aspect, we do not know the shape of space. Actually, there is no space or maybe there is something beyond our comprehension.
The question of what is beyond the universe cannot be explained as we do not have the proper information. We all know that the universe is expanding at a humongous rate. It happened due to the Big Bang that constructed the galaxies and stars from space dust. With our technology, we are unable to reach the end of our universe as it is expanding faster than the speed of light.
In other explanations of hypotheses, there are other universes existent outside our universe at celestial distances. As mentioned earlier, our universe is made of billions of galaxies. Similarly, outer space might be made of multiple universes.
Practically, we cannot even imagine thinking of the end of space. It is a void where the multiverses lie. Our universe alone is expanding in every direction and covering billions of kilometres within seconds. There is infinite space where such universes roam and there is actually no end.
Conclusion
Some theories suggest that our universe can be an unending loop. It means we will pass through galaxies and will eventually end up where we started. For this, we will have to attend speed greater than light which is currently incomprehensible with our technology.
The space from earth we witness is just the images of the distant stars and galaxies. In fact, the images are billions of years old as light takes a huge time to travel to our planet. There is an unending space but we cannot see it now as it is possible that light has not even reached us yet from those locations.
This question of finding the end of space is unanswerable with our limited knowledge. We have not even explored other planets. Hypothetically, we will evolve someday to scout our universe but reaching the end is not possible. Who knows whether we are living in space between spaces or not? The concept of multiple dimensions makes this idea even more complicated.
As an avid space enthusiast with a deep understanding of astronomy and space exploration, I have extensively delved into the mysteries of the cosmos. My passion for the subject is rooted in a robust foundation of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, making me well-equipped to discuss the concepts presented in the provided article.
The exploration of outer space, celestial bodies, and the vastness of the universe has been a focal point of human curiosity and scientific inquiry. The article touches upon several key concepts, and I'll provide insights into each of them.
Kármán Line and Definition of Space
The Kármán Line, set at 100 km above sea level, is crucial in defining the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space. As an aerospace engineer, Theodore von Kármán contributed significantly to the concept that space begins where conventional aircraft can no longer fly due to the lack of air. This demarcation is essential for understanding the transition from Earth's atmosphere to the vastness of space.
The Universe, Galaxies, and Stars
The article aptly highlights that we are part of the Solar System, which, in turn, is part of the Milky Way galaxy. Astronomers, armed with telescopes and space probes, have provided us with a deeper understanding of the cosmos. The vastness of our galaxy, with billions of stars and planets, is emphasized. The mention of the enormous distances between celestial bodies and the time it takes for light to traverse our galaxy adds a sense of scale to our cosmic neighborhood.
Beyond Outer Space
The question of what lies beyond outer space is a profound one. The article posits that our universe is just one among billions, each with its own galaxies and celestial paths. The expansion of the universe, initiated by the Big Bang, is a key aspect. The notion of multiple universes existing in celestial distances beyond our comprehension adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the cosmos.
Can We Find the End of Space?
The impossibility of finding the end of space is discussed, emphasizing the expansion rate of the universe surpassing the speed of light. The concept of multiple universes coexisting in outer space, coupled with the idea that our universe might be an unending loop, challenges our conventional understanding of space and time. The limitation imposed by our current technological capabilities in exploring these vast cosmic distances is acknowledged.
Conclusion
The article concludes by acknowledging the unanswerable nature of the question regarding the end of space. The possibility of an unending loop in our universe is proposed, requiring speeds greater than light for exploration—a feat currently beyond our technological reach. The impact of the age of light from distant stars on our perception of the universe is considered, adding a temporal dimension to our understanding.
In summary, the concepts discussed in the article showcase the enigma and vastness of the cosmos, leaving us with questions that push the boundaries of our current knowledge and technological capabilities. The exploration of space continues to be a fascinating journey, with each discovery unveiling new layers of the mysteries that lie beyond.
