The terms "space" and "outer space" are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference. "Space" refers to the three dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist. Think of it as the empty area around you. "Outer space", on the other hand, specifically refers to the region beyond Earth's atmosphere, where celestial bodies like planets, stars, and galaxies reside.
In essence, "outer space" is a specific kind of "space" – it's the vast expanse of the universe outside of our planet's immediate environment. The distinction arose due to the need to differentiate between the space we inhabit on Earth and the space beyond.
For instance, we might talk about the "space" in a room or the "space" between two objects. However, when discussing the exploration of the cosmos or the location of planets and stars, we use the term "outer space" to clearly signify the region beyond Earth's atmosphere.
