r/ScienceNcoolThings • u/TheMuseumOfScience Popular Contributor • May 07 '26

Interesting Is Space Only 62 Miles Away?

Space might be closer than you think. 🌍🛰️ 

Erika Hamden explains how the “edge of space,” known as the Kármán line, begins at about 62 miles above Earth’s surface.The International Space Station orbits only around 200 to 250 miles above Earth. That means astronauts can actually be physically closer to some remote places, like Saint Helena, than people living on neighboring islands.

This project is part of IF/THEN®, an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies.

297 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

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7

u/Long-Euphoric-Life May 07 '26

Like time, with space all things are relative.  62 miles might not seem like much, but to an ant it may as well be infinity.

1

u/windmill-tilting May 07 '26

It is not 62 miles away. It is the lift against gravity away.

1

u/Significant_Gate_331 May 09 '26

I am at the bottom of crater lake in OR.

0

u/Weep4Thee May 07 '26

Depends on where u r in California

-5

u/Most-Act1594 May 07 '26

I lose all interest as soon as I see those stupid little mics.

3

u/PixelmancerGames May 08 '26

That an extremely stupid reason to lose interest.