SAEDNEWS: Neil deGrasse Tyson uses a globe model to illustrate the true and astonishing scale of space. He shows how “space” is surprisingly close to Earth’s orbit (just 6.9 cm on the model) while the actual distances to the Moon, Mars, and the nearest star are vastly greater. This video will transform your perspective on the scale of the cosmos.
According to SaedNews Science Service, in this captivating video, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson uses a model of the Earth to show viewers the often-misunderstood scales of space.
Space Close to Earth’s Orbit:
Tyson begins by pointing out the distance at which the International Space Station (ISS) orbits Earth. Emphasizing that NASA calls a launch into orbit "going to space," he demonstrates that, at the scale of this model, the distance is only 6.9 centimeters from the model’s surface. Humorously, he refers to this low orbit as “driving around the neighborhood,” underscoring that it is still extremely close to Earth.
The True Size of the Solar System:
He then compares the distances of other celestial objects using the same scale:
The Moon: At this scale, the Moon is 9 meters away—well beyond the room, roughly three rooms over.
Mars: Mars stretches to 1.6 kilometers in this model.
The Nearest Star (Proxima Centauri): Finally, he points to the nearest star, noting that its distance is so vast on this scale that it’s almost impractical to even discuss.
This video effectively challenges the common misconception that orbiting Earth means venturing into "deep space," while presenting the true astronomical scales and astonishing distances of celestial bodies in a comprehensible way.
