When we look towards the sky, it seems that it extends till infinity. But have you ever wondered where the sky ends and where the space begins? As simple as this question seems, its answer is equally scientific and interesting. Actually, there is no visible solid boundary of space, but scientists have set a standard line for it which is called Kármán line.

What is considered the beginning of space?

This Kármán line is considered the official beginning of space. It is located at an altitude of about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the earth’s surface. Above this point the air becomes so thin that planes cannot fly with the help of their wings. That is, above here the influence of the atmosphere almost ends and the real space is considered to be the beginning.

After whom is the space line named (Karman Line)

It is named after the famous Hungarian engineer and scientist Theodore von Kármán. He had calculated in the 1950s that at an altitude of about 100 kilometers, aerodynamic flight is not possible, because the air there is very light. Since then, this line was accepted by the scientific community around the world as the beginning of space.

Who does America consider an astronaut?

However, not every group considers it the same. According to the US Air Force, a person who reaches an altitude of 80 kilometers (50 miles) above the earth can be considered an astronaut. Whereas NASA and other international agencies consider the Kármán line of 100 kilometers as the real border. An interesting thing here is that reaching space does not just mean height. After reaching there, the effect of gravity becomes very less, there is no wind, and the temperature can suddenly increase or decrease drastically.

zero gravity

After this height, objects start floating in an environment of microgravity, which we generally call zero gravity. Rockets and satellites going above this line follow completely different rules. Satellites orbiting the Earth start from this height and travel thousands of kilometers away. This area is considered very important for science, weather forecasting, navigation and space research.

Also read: How much turmoil is going on in life, you will know just by looking at your nose.