astrochemist
Cosmic molecule researcher
An astrochemist is a scientist who studies the chemical composition and reactions occurring in space—in stars, planets, nebulae, and interstellar gas clouds.
The field combines astronomy with chemistry to understand how molecules form and behave in cosmic environments: Astrochemists discovered complex organic molecules in a distant galaxy.
Between celestial bodies
- nebulaeInterstellar gas clouds
- supernovaExploding massive star
- galaxiesGravitationally bound stellar assemblies
- universeComplete system or domain
cosmic dust · star formation · protostar · circumstellar · planetary nebula · comet · meteorite · exoplanet
Study of light-matter interaction
- organic moleculesCarbon-containing chemical structures
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- water iceFrozen flavored dessert
- methaneSimplest alkane fuel
ammonia · formaldehyde · ethanol · carbon monoxide · carbon dioxide · hydroxyl · cyanide · acetylene
Simplest atomic element
- heliumLightest noble gas
- carbonSixth element, atomic symbol C
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
iron · sulfur · phosphorus · silicon · magnesium · isotopes · deuterium · lithium
Facility for scientific investigation
- experimentationSystematic testing of ideas
- peer reviewExpert evaluation before publication
- publicationIssued written material
- interdisciplinaryCombining distinct fields
planetary science · astrobiology · panspermia · biosignatures · habitability · academic · collaboration · NASA
Study of light-matter interaction
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
- observatoryFacility for celestial study
interstellar
Between celestial bodies
- nebulaeInterstellar gas clouds
- supernovaExploding massive star
- galaxiesGravitationally bound stellar assemblies
universe · cosmic dust · star formation · protostar · circumstellar · planetary nebula · comet · meteorite · exoplanet · solar system
spectroscopy
Study of light-matter interaction
- organic moleculesCarbon-containing chemical structures
- amino acidsOrganic compounds forming proteins
- water iceFrozen flavored dessert
methane · ammonia · formaldehyde · ethanol · carbon monoxide · carbon dioxide · hydroxyl · cyanide · acetylene · glycine
hydrogen
Simplest atomic element
oxygen · iron · sulfur · phosphorus · silicon · magnesium · isotopes · deuterium · lithium · neon
laboratory
Facility for scientific investigation
- experimentationSystematic testing of ideas
- peer reviewExpert evaluation before publication
- publicationIssued written material
interdisciplinary · planetary science · astrobiology · panspermia · biosignatures · habitability · academic · collaboration · NASA · ESA
spectroscopy
Study of light-matter interaction
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
observatory · data analysis · sample analysis · remote sensing