While Earth is very large and only 42% of it has been discovered, the universe and outer space is more fascinating and easier to explore. 

On Earth, we, as humans, tend to focus so much on the small things like what our outfits look like or a chipped nail. Although, when you look at the universe, we are one person on one continent, on one planet, which is inside one galaxy of, possibly, one universe. I say possibly because there is a small possibility of a multiverse. Not exactly like the one in the Marvel or DC superhero movies, however, some scientists have been researching it. However, even if there is just one universe, there are about 2 trillion galaxies spread across 94 billion light years in the universe. To put that in perspective, we can only see about 47 billion light-years away. 

With light years being the distance light travels to Earth in one year when you look up at the night sky, you’re essentially looking back in time. You can’t see the dinosaurs, but you can see the stars, planets, and other objects in space that are just as cool. Looking up at space, the planets that are light years away could be replicas of Earth in different galaxies or planets that are lifeless because nothing can survive on it. However, when I read Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (for an English class), he talked about how if there is another planet with extraterrestrial life, they would be way more advanced than us since they would be in a different galaxy and era. One of my favorite parts about the possibility of extraterrestrial life is that it’s not guaranteed it will be human-like creatures or aliens from the movies. It could be just simple plant creatures or creatures that look like the character, Plankton, from SpongeBob. 

It is also insane to think that only we know so much but also so little of the universe and it is still more than our knowledge of the ocean. The universe is 94 billion light years across and still expanding. And yet, we still know more than what’s right under us on Earth, partly because it’s easier and safer to explore space than the ocean. Going up in space, whether it’s to the International Space Station or, eventually, Mars. There will be less pressure than if you go down to the Titanic shipwreck 12,500 feet in the ocean in a submarine built out of recycled Boeing airplane parts. The multiple atmospheres of pressure, along with temperatures, pose far more challenges than exploring space. 

Overall, exploring the universe finds many ways to humble and fascinate everyone who desires to learn more. As time goes on, we’ll discover more and create and prove more theories.