In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where the enormity of the universe is both awe-inspiring and terrifying, it’s no wonder that a simple fact can send people spiraling into an existential crisis. Recently, a video shared by space communications expert Alexandra Doten on TikTok, under the username astro_alexandra, has done just that.
The Unfathomable Size of the Universe
To say the universe is massive is an understatement of astronomical proportions. Astrophysicists estimate that the observable universe spans 93 billion light-years in diameter. That means it’s about 46.5 billion light-years from Earth to the edge of the observable universe in any direction. To put this in perspective, traveling at the speed of light—an unfathomably fast 186,282 miles per second—would still take a mind-boggling 25,000 years to reach that edge.
If you’re thinking of a more leisurely pace, say 65 mph, you might want to reconsider. At that speed, it would take approximately 480,000,000,000,000,000 years to traverse the observable universe. The universe, in short, is unimaginably vast.
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The Chilling Reality of Space
Doten’s video taps into this cosmic enormity with a simple, yet startling, observation. She explains that when we gaze at the night sky, we see countless stars, but we don’t see their planets. “Every star we’ve ever discovered has a planet,” Doten states, adding that the average estimate is about “one to two planets per star.”
This Revelation Only Deepens The Sense of The Universe’s Vastness
Within 50 light-years of Earth alone, there are an estimated 1,500 planets. Some stars could even have up to 10 planets orbiting them, which means the number of planets out there could be even higher. However, not all of these planets are terrestrial like Earth. Many are gas giants, similar to Jupiter, that would be impossible to walk on. Yet, even with this limitation, NASA estimates there are more than 10 billion terrestrial planets within our galaxy—the Milky Way—alone.
A Universe Full of Possibilities—and Existential Dread
As Doten eloquently puts it, “When you’re looking up at the night sky, you’re not just seeing stars; you’re also seeing the billions of planets that might orbit them and could potentially have life.” This statement has left many grappling with their place in the universe.
The sheer scale of what lies beyond our planet is enough to induce an existential crisis in even the most grounded individuals. One commenter quipped, “Yet I’m here… paying taxes,” highlighting the disorienting contrast between our everyday concerns and the incomprehensible vastness of space. Another noted the irony of “ending up on the one [planet] with a 40-hour work week.”
Finding Comfort in the Cosmic
While the universe’s immensity can be unsettling, it also offers a unique perspective. According to experts, including those from Scientific American, understanding our small place in the cosmos can be a humbling experience. One that encourages us to find meaning in the present moment.
Additionally, some find comfort in the idea that the universe, despite its terrifying scale, is also a place of endless possibilities. As Astronomy.com notes, while the universe is unimaginably enormous, it’s also a reminder of the infinite potential for discovery and understanding that lies beyond our current knowledge. For those feeling overwhelmed by the vastness of space, Amu Edge suggests finding solace in the fact that our very existence is part of this grand cosmic tapestry. Each star, each planet, and each galaxy is a reminder that we are all part of something much larger than ourselves.
Conclusion: Embracing the Unknown
As we continue to explore the universe and uncover more of its mysteries, it’s natural to feel a mix of awe and anxiety. The next time you find yourself staring up at the night sky, remember that those tiny points of light represent not just stars, but entire systems of planets. Each with its potential for life and discovery. And while that thought might send some into an existential tailspin, it’s also a powerful reminder of the endless wonder that the universe holds.
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