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Ok_Construction5119 t1_iwrf69o wrote

Reply to comment by Chemomechanics in What happens to air when it escapes into outer space? by CentralOregonKush

The 100km we chose as the boundary for outer space is the arbitrary thing.

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Chemomechanics t1_iwrhmbc wrote

The purported threshold I'm questioning is the one where molecules are suddenly "gravitationally bound to the earth," as in the parent comment. I'm skeptical about that and would like to read a more complete description.

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ScootysDad t1_iws7hyk wrote

This 100km is an arbitraty value for geopolitical purposes with minimal scientific data.

This was declared space for the purpose of transiting over national territories. Very similar to the 2 mile limit for territorial water and 200 miles national economic water.

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