Interstellar environment
The Diffuse Interstellar Medium
The thin, warm, mostly atomic gas that fills the space between the stars, laced with dust that reddens the light passing through it. Even here, exposed to starlight, the first simple molecules form — the beginning of cosmic chemistry.
Environments, telescopes & molecules
Across astrochemistry
Knowledge connections
- Associated withRadio
- Associated withInterstellar Dust
- Associated withGas-Phase Chemistry
- Associated withThe Spiral Arms
- Associated withThe Galactic Magnetic Field
- Associated withThe Galactic Fountain
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.