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Outer space, or simply 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, and neutrinos. Observations and theory suggest that it also contains dark matter and dark energy. The baseline temperature, as set by the background radiation left over from the Big Bang, is only 3 Kelvin ; in contrast, temperatures in the coronae of stars can reach over a million Kelvin. Plasma with an extremely low density (less than one hydrogen atom per cubic meter) and high temperature (millions of Kelvin) in the space between galaxies accounts for most of the baryonic (ordinary) matter in outer space; local concentrations have condensed into stars and galaxies. Intergalactic space takes up most of the volume of the Universe, but even galaxies and star systems consist almost entirely of empty space.

There is no firm boundary where space begins. However the Krmn line, at an altitude of 100 km (62 mi) above sea level, is conventionally used as the start of outer space for the purpose of space treaties and aerospace records keeping. The framework for international space law was established by the Outer Space Treaty, which was passed by the United Nations in 1967. This treaty precludes any claims of national sovereignty and permits all states to explore outer space freely. In 1979, the Moon Treaty made the surfaces of objects such as planets, as well as the orbital space around these bodies, the jurisdiction of the international community. Additional resolutions regarding the peaceful uses of outer space have been drafted by the United Nations, but these have not precluded the deployment of weapons into outer space, including the live testing of anti-satellite weapons.

Humans began the physical exploration of space during the twentieth century with the advent of high-altitude balloon flights, followed by the development of single and multi-stage rocket launchers. Earth orbit was achieved by Yuri Gagarin in 1961 and unmanned spacecraft have since reached all of the planets in the Solar System. Achieving orbit requires a minimum velocity of 28,400 km/h (17,600 mph); much faster than any conventional aircraft. Outer space represents a challenging environment for human exploration because of the dual hazards of vacuum and radiation. Microgravity has a deleterious effect on human physiology, resulting in muscle atrophy and bone loss. As of yet, space travel has been limited to the vicinity of the Solar System; the remainder of outer

space remains inaccessible to humans other than by passive observation with telescopes.

The universe is constantly being createdand destroyed. Discover how these processes work, and how they may hold clues to how the universe began. As most people likely know, our solar system contains several different planets. ts not every day that scientists find evidence that a massive black hole is eating a galaxy. Its even cooler when the galaxy happens to be only 10 million light-years away from Earth! Outer Space is full of potentially dangerous objects objects such as asteroids, comets, meteoroids, and even man-made satellites that pose a risk to our

planet. While the vast majority of such objects are not on a path to collide with our own planet, some occasionally are. Without the protection offered by our atmosphere, meteors, comets, and other such space debris would crash into the Earths surface, potentially causing significant damage.