Myth vs Reality: Empty Space
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This short video addresses the misconception that nothing exists between planets, stars, and galaxies.
Star and Planet Formation
Produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute’s Office of Public Outreach.
All images, illustrations, and videos courtesy of NASA, ESA, and STScI except:
· Taurus constellation drawing from Firmamentum Sobiescianum sive Uranographia by Johannes Hevelius, courtesy of the United States Naval Observatory
· Andromeda Galaxy visible-light image courtesy of NOAO/AURA/NSF
· Rocket launch image ©2008 ESA-CNES-Arianespace/Photo by Optique Video CSG
· Sunrise image copyright Jamie Lee – Fotolia.com
· Barnard 68 images courtesy of ESO
Written by Tracy Vogel
Designed by Marc Lussier
Music courtesy of Associated Production Music
(SPEECH)
[ELECTRONIC MUSIC]
(DESCRIPTION)
A black and white picture of a minotaur in the top left. A color picture of a nebula in the top right.
Text, MYTH versus REALITY.
The myth side is highlighted.
Text, The space between planets, stars, and galaxies is empty.
The reality side is highlighted.
Text, Space is very low density compared to Earth's atmosphere, but it is not empty. Gas, dust, and dark matter fill the space between planets, stars, and galaxies.
[ELECTRONIC MUSIC]
(DESCRIPTION)
A black and white picture of a minotaur in the top left. A color picture of a nebula in the top right.
Text, MYTH versus REALITY.
The myth side is highlighted.
Text, The space between planets, stars, and galaxies is empty.
The reality side is highlighted.
Text, Space is very low density compared to Earth's atmosphere, but it is not empty. Gas, dust, and dark matter fill the space between planets, stars, and galaxies.