It is well known that sound cannot travel in space, and this is because sound cannot vibrate air molecules as it does on Earth. Sound travels as a wave, as does heat and light, but heat and light do not need to vibrate the air molecules in order to move. The vacuum of space has massive expanses where there are no molecules for noise to travel through, and subsequently, the sound gets ‘swallowed’ by outer space.
The Hidden Sounds of Space
Just because sound cannot travel in space does not mean that there is no sound out there at all. As the Universe revolves, some of the planets emit radio waves or electromagnetic waves, and these can be picked up via an antenna in much the same way that the everyday radio is used. Some space-faring crafts and powerful telescopes have equipment called spectrographs that are capable of picking up radio emissions and converting them into sound waves.
The Cosmic Symphony
The frequencies of sounds picked up in space are far too low to be picked up by the human ear, so they have to be reduced by a massive amount in order to be heard. The lowest note in the Universe is said to be 57 octaves below a middle C and is omitted by a black hole found in the Perseus Galaxy. This is a single note that becomes part of the ongoing symphony of sound that is actually out there.
The Sun’s Silent Harmony
The Sun cannot be heard from Earth, yet the plasma surrounding the Sun gives sound a place to vibrate and travel, and it is said that the sound of the Sun is like that of a mixture of notes coming from behind the closed doors of a concert hall. The Earth’s electromagnetic field is said to vibrate at 16 octaves below the middle C we know.
Planetary Vibrations
Planets within our solar system that are surrounded by gases give sound something to vibrate in, and therefore, planets such as Jupiter are omitting radio waves that can be translated into sound. There has in the past been much debate about sound in space, and it is true that although space is a vacuum, it is not a perfect vacuum and the endless clouds of particles and gas provide a ‘canvas’ for sound to occupy.
The Universe’s Eternal Melody
The evidence suggests that although there is no sound in space, there are noises made by various things that can be read as electromagnetic waves. These noises are constant, and it is entirely possible that if space did accommodate sound, we would have all gone mad as our brains try to figure out how to process these unheard notes. In effect, it would appear that the Universe is always singing, yet to the humble human being, it has lost its voice, which is probably for the best.
Disclosure: The information provided is for educational purposes only, based on personal experience, and should not be considered expert advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals regarding these topics.