Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Outer Space"

To sign 'outer space', begin with your dominant hand raised near the opposite side of your head. Your palm should face downward with your fingers loose and slightly curved. Next, sweep your hand in a large, wide upward arc across the top of your head toward your dominant side, as if tracing the dome of the sky. As your hand reaches the end of this high arc, bring your fingers and thumb together to close the hand into a flattened 'O' shape.

Examples Using "Outer Space" in a Sentence

1

I love learning about outer space.

To express this sentence in ASL, you would first sign 'I', followed by 'LOVE', and then 'LEARN'. Finish the sentence by performing the sweeping arc motion for 'OUTER SPACE'. Keep your movements smooth to show your ongoing fascination with the cosmos.

2

Astronauts travel to outer space.

Begin by signing 'ASTRONAUT' and 'TRAVEL'. When you sign 'OUTER SPACE', you can make the upward arc slightly larger or more deliberate to emphasize the incredible distance and journey involved in leaving the Earth's atmosphere.

3

Look at the stars in outer space!

Start by pointing upward or signing 'LOOK', then sign 'STAR'. Finally, sign 'OUTER SPACE' while tilting your head back slightly and looking upward. Using your gaze helps establish the visual environment of looking up at the night sky.

How to Sign "Outer Space"
To sign 'outer space', begin with your dominant hand raised near the opposite side of your head. Your palm should face downward with your fingers loose and slightly curved. Next, sweep your hand in a large, wide upward arc across the top of your head toward your dominant side, as if tracing the dome of the sky. As your hand reaches the end of this high arc, bring your fingers and thumb together to close the hand into a flattened 'O' shape.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for outer space is a wonderful example of how ASL uses space and movement to create a visual representation of a concept. The hand acts as a classifier, physically tracing the curved dome of the sky that stretches over the Earth. The sweeping motion from one side to the other illustrates the vast, overarching expanse of the heavens above us. Closing the hand at the end of the arc helps finalize the concept, capturing the idea of the specific celestial realm.
Signing Tips
To make this sign look natural, ensure that the arc you trace is large and positioned clearly above your head, rather than directly in front of your face. This height is crucial for conveying the vastness of the sky and the cosmos. Additionally, let your eyes briefly follow the movement of your hand as it sweeps across. Incorporating this subtle eye gaze adds a layer of expression that helps your conversation partner visualize the concept of looking up into the stars.
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake beginners make is keeping the sweeping motion too small or performing it too low, such as right in front of the chest or face. Because this sign visually represents the dome of the sky, it must be signed high above the head. Another frequent error is forgetting to close the hand at the end of the movement. Make sure your fingers and thumb come together into that flattened 'O' shape to properly complete the sign.
Regional Variations
While the sweeping dome motion is widely understood, some signers prefer to simply fingerspell S-P-A-C-E. Another variation involves using both hands, moving them upward and outward in a spreading motion to represent the expanding universe.
Examples Using "Outer Space" in a Sentence
1

I love learning about outer space.

To express this sentence in ASL, you would first sign 'I', followed by 'LOVE', and then 'LEARN'. Finish the sentence by performing the sweeping arc motion for 'OUTER SPACE'. Keep your movements smooth to show your ongoing fascination with the cosmos.

2

Astronauts travel to outer space.

Begin by signing 'ASTRONAUT' and 'TRAVEL'. When you sign 'OUTER SPACE', you can make the upward arc slightly larger or more deliberate to emphasize the incredible distance and journey involved in leaving the Earth's atmosphere.

3

Look at the stars in outer space!

Start by pointing upward or signing 'LOOK', then sign 'STAR'. Finally, sign 'OUTER SPACE' while tilting your head back slightly and looking upward. Using your gaze helps establish the visual environment of looking up at the night sky.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same sign used for an empty space or a room?

No, they are completely different! The sign for an empty physical space, like a gap or a room, uses your hands to outline the dimensions of a box or area. The sweeping sign shown here is exclusively reserved for the sky, the heavens, or the cosmos.

Do I have to look up when I sign 'outer space'?

While it is not strictly required to look up, doing so makes your signing much more natural and expressive. Letting your eyes follow your hand or tilting your head slightly upward visually connects your body language to the concept of the sky above.

Which hand should I use to make the sweeping motion?

You should always use your dominant hand for this movement. If you are right-handed, start on the left side of your head and sweep right. If you are left-handed, start on the right side and sweep the arc over to your left.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!