In Space, Neighbors is a relative term
The phrase "in space, 'neighbors' is a relative term" refers to the unique scale and dimensions of space, where the concept of distance is different from that on Earth.
On Earth, we consider those living next door or perhaps a few houses down as our 'neighbors'. However, in the vastness of space, 'neighbors' could be hundreds, thousands, or even millions of miles away. A nearby star, for instance, could be several light-years away, a distance beyond human comprehension, yet in astronomical terms, it would still be considered a 'neighbor'.
The phrase is thus emphasizing how much larger and more open space is compared to our everyday experiences on Earth. The rules and scales we apply in our regular lives do not apply to the cosmos, and thus, the idea of 'neighboring' entities takes on a whole new meaning when applied to space.
On Earth, we consider those living next door or perhaps a few houses down as our 'neighbors'. However, in the vastness of space, 'neighbors' could be hundreds, thousands, or even millions of miles away. A nearby star, for instance, could be several light-years away, a distance beyond human comprehension, yet in astronomical terms, it would still be considered a 'neighbor'.
The phrase is thus emphasizing how much larger and more open space is compared to our everyday experiences on Earth. The rules and scales we apply in our regular lives do not apply to the cosmos, and thus, the idea of 'neighboring' entities takes on a whole new meaning when applied to space.
