outer space
Noun: The vast, seemingly infinite expanse that exists beyond the Earth's atmosphere and between celestial bodies. It is a near-perfect vacuum containing very low densities of particles, along with fields of radiation and electromagnetic energy.
"Outer space" is used to refer to the physical realm beyond our planet. It is a non-count noun and is typically used without an article ("in outer space") or with the definite article when specifying a particular concept ("the mysteries of outer space").
- Noun:
- Satellites orbit the Earth in outer space.
- The telescope allows us to see deep into outer space.
- Travel to outer space requires advanced technology.
"in outer space": The standard prepositional phrase used to indicate location or action occurring there.
- Humans have lived and worked in outer space aboard the International Space Station.
"the void of outer space": Emphasizes the emptiness and vacuum-like quality.
- The spacecraft drifted into the cold void of outer space.
Conceptual use: Refers to the domain of space exploration and astronomy.
- The treaty governs the peaceful use of outer space.
- Space (n): A common synonym, though it can be more general. "Outer space" is often used for clarity or emphasis.
- Interplanetary space (n): The region of space within a star system, between planets.
- Interstellar space (n): The region of space between star systems within a galaxy.
- Cosmos (n): The universe seen as a well-ordered whole, often with a philosophical connotation.
- The cosmos
- The universe (in a general sense)
- The heavens (archaic or poetic)
Outer space treaty: The common name for the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space.
- The Outer Space Treaty forms the basis of international space law.
Outer space exploration: The investigation of physical conditions in space and on stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.
- Robotic probes are vital tools for outer space exploration.
- any location outside the Earth's atmosphere
- the astronauts walked in outer space without a tether
- the first major milestone in space exploration was in 1957, when the USSR's Sputnik 1 orbited the Earth