Simulating the chemistry of space
Astrochemistry research
We are all made of stardust - the elements thrown out by exploding stars at the end of their lives. Scientists are trying to unravel the chemistry of space so that they can understand how atoms from stars ended up as the complex molecules of life.
New telescopes now allow chemists and physicists to study chemical changes that happen in the space between stars.
Now they are trying to simulate the reaction conditions in laboratories. The scientists are using laboratory experiments and computer simulations in their work.
This is a team effort which includes scientists at University College London and The Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Submitted by: Images from NASA, 31 July 2004
