Void of matter, extremally low pressure and perfect vacuum. Yes, we are talking about outer space. A region beyond earth’s atmosphere. Earth’s boundary, where outer space begins, is roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) above the sea level. In this blog we will cover two regions of space, Interstellar and Intergalactic. Both are incredibly vast and mostly empty regions of space.
Interstellar Space
The space between stars is interstellar space. Interstellar space is the vast region of space that exists between stars within a single galaxy. To better understand it in the context of milky way galaxy, lets imagine the space between sun and the other stars. Yes, all that space is interstellar space.
What does Interstellar Space Contain?
It holds extensive amounts of neutrinos, charged particles, atoms, molecules, dark matter, and photons, spanning from high-energy radiation to the faint glow of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), although these components are distributed quite thinly.
The composition of interstellar space can vary, but it often consists of the following elements and components. Please note that these values can change depending on the specific location within a galaxy and the presence of various celestial objects:
| Component | Description |
| Hydrogen Gas | Predominantly molecular and atomic hydrogen gas |
| Helium Gas | Present in smaller quantities than hydrogen |
| Dust and Particles | Tiny solid particles and interstellar dust |
| Cosmic Rays | High-energy particles from space and stars |
| Plasma | Charged particles including ions and electrons |
| Molecules | Complex molecules, including organic compounds |
| Magnetic Fields | Magnetic fields permeate interstellar space |
This table provides an overview of the common components found in interstellar space within galaxies. However, the exact composition can vary depending on the location within a galaxy and the presence of stars, nebulae, and other celestial objects.
Intergalactic Space
Intergalactic space, in contrast, refers to the vast regions of space that exist between galaxies. The Andromeda galaxy is the closest neighbor to our Milky Way. The vast expanse of free space between these two galaxies is also considered intergalactic space, although intergalactic space generally describes the gaps between all galaxies. If your destination is the Andromeda galaxy from the Milky Way, you’d have to travel f 2.5 million light-years through intergalactic space.
What does Intergalactic Space Contain?
It contains very sparse and extremely tenuous matter, with the most common element being hydrogen gas. It may also contain trace amounts of other elements, dark matter, and various forms of radiation, such as cosmic background radiation. However, it is predominantly characterized by its low-density, near-vacuum state.
Please note that intergalactic space is known for its extremely low matter density, making it closer to a near-vacuum environment. The exact composition can vary slightly based on location and region within the universe.
| Component | Composition in Intergalactic Space |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen Gas | Predominantly hot and tenuous hydrogen gas |
| Helium Gas | Traces of helium gas |
| Dark Matter | Expected presence but not directly observed |
| Trace Elements | Minimal amounts of other elements |
| Radiation | Cosmic microwave background radiation |
| Cosmic Rays | Sparse cosmic ray particles |
| Dust | Minimal dust particles |
Please note that intergalactic space is known for its extremely low matter density, making it closer to a near-vacuum environment. The exact composition can vary slightly based on location and region within the universe.
Interstellar Space Compared to Intergalactic Space
| Aspect | Interstellar Space | Intergalactic Space |
| Location | Within a single galaxy (e.g., Milky Way) | Between galaxies (e.g., Milky Way and Andromeda) |
| Composition | Mostly gas, dust, and occasional star systems | Primarily hot, tenuous hydrogen gas |
| Density | Relatively higher density due to stars and dust | Extremely low density, near-vacuum environment |
| Distance Scale | Measured in light-years within a galaxy | Measured in millions of light-years between |
| Notable Features | Stellar systems, gas clouds, planetary systems | Vast regions of very sparse matter |
| Cosmic Background | Stellar light and cosmic rays | Cosmic microwave background radiation |
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