Interstellar Gas and Dust Archives — Page 2 of 2

Interstellar Gas and Dust

The gas between stars is mostly hydrogen and helium scattered at varying densities between the stars in our galaxy and other galaxies. The proportions of the gases are similar to those in the Sun. Interstellar gas supplies the raw material for star formation. Carbon monoxide and hydroxyl molecules (CO and OH) have also been detected within interstellar gas, along with highly ionized oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and silicon, which are likely remnants of past supernovae. The dust is made up of tiny grains of carbon, iron, and iron-magnesium silicates scattered at varying densities between the stars in our galaxy and other galaxies.

Properties of Dust

Students carry out a scientific investigation of dust in their classroom, then extend their experience to properties of dust in space.

Properties of Dust Read More »

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Interstellar Gas and Dust

Properties of Dust

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