How does heat energy primarily move through space?

Heat energy primarily moves through space by radiation, which involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic waves. Unlike conduction and convection, which require a medium (solid or fluid) for heat transfer, radiation can occur in a vacuum. This is how energy from the sun reaches the Earth; it travels through the vastness of space without the need for matter.

Radiation allows heat to be transmitted across empty space, making it a unique and essential form of heat transfer, especially in understanding how planetary systems and other celestial phenomena operate. The concept relies on the emission of infrared radiation from warmer bodies, which can then be absorbed by cooler bodies, effectively allowing thermal energy to be transferred over distances where no matter exists.