Space appears dark to us because there's no air in space.
Why Does Space Look Black?
Here's why space looks black, explained simply for kids:
- No Air to Scatter Light: Unlike here on Earth, space is mostly empty, which means there's no air in space – it is a vacuum. This is what scientists call a vacuum.
- Sunlight and Air: When sunlight shines on Earth, it hits the air all around us. The air then scatters that light everywhere, making our sky look bright and blue.
- Space Has No Air: Space has no air to scatter sunlight. With nothing to scatter sunlight, we can't see that bright light.
- The Result: So, instead of looking bright, space appears dark, like a black blanket, with stars shining brightly through it.
When Does 'Outer Space' Begin?
According to the reference, 'outer space' starts approximately 100 km above the Earth, which is where the air around our planet becomes so thin that it almost disappears. This means there is no air left to scatter sunlight anymore.
Analogy for Understanding
Think about a flashlight in a dark room. If you shine the light straight, you only see what it directly hits. But, if there's some dust or smoke in the air, the light will scatter, and you'll see the beam of light through the air. Since space doesn't have any "dust" or air, light doesn't scatter, so it appears dark.
