astrochemistry
Cosmic molecular science
Astrochemistry is the study of chemical elements and compounds in space—their formation, interactions, and distribution in stars, planets, comets, and interstellar gas clouds.
The field bridges astronomy and chemistry, analyzing how molecules form in extreme conditions and what they reveal about cosmic evolution: Astrochemistry has identified complex organic molecules in distant nebulae.
Study of light-matter interaction
- waterClear essential liquid
- methanolToxic one-carbon alcohol
- formaldehydeColorless pungent preservative gas
- ammoniaAcrid nitrogen-hydrogen gas
hydrogen cyanide · carbon monoxide · carbon dioxide · ethanol · amino acids · isotopes · ions · radicals
Study of light-matter interaction
- infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- James WebbOrbital infrared observatory
- RosettaTrilingual Egyptian artifact
Simplest atomic element
- heliumLightest noble gas
- carbonSixth element, atomic symbol C
- nitrogenElement seven, colorless gas
- oxygenElement eight, colorless gas
iron · silicon · magnesium · sulfur · neon · argon · calcium · nickel
Interstellar gas clouds
- protoplanetary disksGas and dust orbiting newborn stars
- cometsIcy bodies orbiting stars
- asteroidsSmall solar orbiters
- meteoritesExtraterrestrial rocks on Earth
Titan · Europa · dark clouds
Organic compounds forming proteins
- origin of lifeHow living things began
- biosignaturesDetectable signs of life
- exoplanetsWorlds orbiting other stars
- habitabilitySuitability for dwelling
panspermia · extremophiles · chirality · SETI · organic molecules · water · phosphorus · extraterrestrial life
spectroscopy
Study of light-matter interaction
- waterClear essential liquid
- methanolToxic one-carbon alcohol
- formaldehydeColorless pungent preservative gas
ammonia · hydrogen cyanide · carbon monoxide · carbon dioxide · ethanol · amino acids · isotopes · ions · radicals · isomers
spectroscopy
Study of light-matter interaction
- infraredHeat-bearing electromagnetic waves
- mass spectrometryMeasures ionic weight ratios
- James WebbOrbital infrared observatory
Rosetta · databases · simulation · kinetics · thermodynamics
hydrogen
Simplest atomic element
oxygen · iron · silicon · magnesium · sulfur · neon · argon · calcium · nickel · phosphorus
nebulae
Interstellar gas clouds
- protoplanetary disksGas and dust orbiting newborn stars
- cometsIcy bodies orbiting stars
- asteroidsSmall solar orbiters
meteorites · Titan · Europa · dark clouds
amino acids
Organic compounds forming proteins
- origin of lifeHow living things began
- biosignaturesDetectable signs of life
- exoplanetsWorlds orbiting other stars
habitability · panspermia · extremophiles · chirality · SETI · organic molecules · water · phosphorus · extraterrestrial life
chemistry, chemist, astronaut, astronomy, alchemy, astronomical, astronomer, astrophysics, astro