Since 2021, aggregated from related topics
Interstellar molecules are molecules that exist in the interstellar medium, the vast space between stars in galaxies. These molecules were first discovered in the 1930s and have since been studied extensively by astronomers and astrochemists. Interstellar molecules play a crucial role in understanding the chemical composition and physical conditions of the interstellar medium, as well as the formation and evolution of stars and planetary systems. Some common interstellar molecules include hydrogen, carbon monoxide, water, and ammonia. This research area combines techniques from astronomy, chemistry, and physics to study the complex chemistry of the interstellar medium.