What temp is space
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Understanding the Temperature of Space
Space Temperature Overview
The temperature of space is a critical factor in understanding various physical phenomena both in space and on Earth. Space, often referred to as the "final frontier," presents unique thermal conditions that differ significantly from those on Earth.
Temperature in Outer Space
In the vast expanse of outer space, far from any stars or planets, the temperature is extremely low. This is because space is a near-perfect vacuum, with very few particles to transfer heat. The temperature in these regions can drop to about 2.7 Kelvin (-270.45°C or -454.81°F), which is just above absolute zero. This temperature is primarily due to the cosmic microwave background radiation, a remnant from the Big Bang3.
Influence of Stellar Radiation
The temperature of space is not uniform and can vary depending on proximity to stars and other celestial bodies. For instance, a thermometer placed at the outer limits of Earth's atmosphere, exposed only to stellar radiation, would indicate a temperature influenced by the radiation from stars. This stellar radiation contributes to the overall thermal environment of space, although its impact is relatively minor compared to the heat received from the sun3.
Terrestrial Implications
Understanding the temperature of space is essential for various terrestrial applications. For example, it helps in determining the heat balance of Earth's atmosphere and oceans. The Gulf Stream, which conveys a significant amount of heat into the North Atlantic, raises the temperature of the ocean. However, to accurately assess this increase, one must consider the temperature of space and the proportion of heat contributed by stellar radiation compared to solar radiation3.
Space Temperature in Tropical and Subtropical Regions
Interestingly, studies on space temperatures also extend to more localized environments, such as tropical and subtropical regions on Earth. In tropical buildings, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures often involves managing space temperatures around 23°C to 26°C with varying humidity levels. This is crucial for energy savings and thermal comfort1. Similarly, in humid-subtropical regions like Hong Kong, outdoor thermal comfort is influenced by space temperatures, with acceptable ranges for outdoor activities being identified to optimize energy use and comfort2.
Conclusion
The temperature of space, influenced by cosmic microwave background radiation and stellar radiation, is a fundamental aspect of both astrophysical studies and terrestrial applications. Understanding these temperatures helps in various scientific and practical fields, from assessing the heat balance of Earth's atmosphere to optimizing thermal comfort in different climatic regions.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Higher space temperatures and better thermal comfort — a tropical analysis
Higher space temperatures in tropical buildings can provide acceptable thermal comfort and energy savings, while overcoming psychrometric challenges and reducing cooling loads.
Highly CitedSubjective outdoor thermal comfort and urban green space usage in humid-subtropical Hong Kong
A new benchmark range for outdoor thermal comfort in Hong Kong is proposed, reducing acceptable temperature ranges to 21.3 to 27.3 °C and optimal wind speed to 2.7 m/s, enhancing outdoor space usage and energy savings.
Highly CitedEstimating country-specific space heating threshold temperatures from national gas and electricity consumption data
Country-specific space heating threshold temperatures are generally similar, with gas heating threshold temperatures around 15.0 1.7 °C and electricity heating threshold temperatures around 13.4 2.4 °C, with no evidence of space heating during June, July, and August.
How cold can you get in space? Quantum physics at cryogenic temperatures in space
Space can provide a cold environment for quantum physics experiments, but requires careful shielding from solar radiation and minimizing heat exchange with the platform.
Measurement of Temperature Distribution in Space Using Ultrasound Computerized Tomography
Ultrasound computerized tomography effectively measures temperature distribution in space, enabling the reconstruction of air temperature distribution using a time of flight profile.
Space charge behavior in low density polyethylene at low temperatures
Low density polyethylene films show homocharge accumulation near electrodes at low temperatures, with negative charges dominating the distribution as temperature increases.
Examination of space-based bulk atmospheric temperatures used in climate research
Satellite-based bulk tropospheric temperatures show a range of near-global (+0.07 to +0.13°C decade1) and tropical (+0.08 to +0.17°C decade1) trends from 1979 to 2016, with the actual tropical trend being over two times less than the IPCC climate model simulations.
Thermal comfort in outdoor urban spaces in Singapore
People in outdoor urban spaces in Singapore prefer a temperature of 26.5°C, with sun sensation/solar radiation being the most significant influence on thermal comfort, and may be more tolerant of heat stress than indoor conditions in tropical climates.
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