Cosmic Dust

• Cosmic dust (also known as star dust or stellar dust) refers to microscopic, solid particles that exist throughout the universe.

• Cosmic dust primarily originates from dying and exploding stars. It is also produced by comets and asteroid collisions.

• Although not considered as distinct bodies, these tiny grains are the building blocks from which new stars, planets and other astronomical bodies can form.

• The composition of cosmic dust varies and includes silicate, metallic, carbonaceous and icy materials.

• Cosmic dust can be classified based on where it occurs.

• For example:

• Circumplanetary dust orbits planets in planetary rings or disks.

• Interplanetary dust occurs between planets.

• Interstellar dust occurs between stars.

• Intergalactic dust occurs between galaxies.

Cosmic dust originates from old stars and other astronomical bodies, and forms the building blocks of new stars and other astronomical bodies.

(Images: NASA; Amara, Wikimedia Commons)

Nebulae

• A nebula is a giant cloud of interstellar gas and dust, consisting mostly of hydrogen and helium.

• Nebulae are the remnants of dying or exploding stars.

• They are often sites where new stars form, known as ‘stellar nurseries‘.

Nebulae are giant clouds of interstellar gas and dust.

(Image: NASA)