astrophysical dust

Astrophysical dust consists of tiny solid particles in space, often smaller than a grain of sand. These particles are made of elements like carbon, silicon, oxygen, and metals, forming minerals, ices, and organic compounds. They originate from processes such as star explosions, stellar winds, and the growth of particles in interstellar clouds. Dust plays a crucial role in space by absorbing and scattering starlight, helping gases cool to form new stars, and acting as the building blocks for planets. Though individually minuscule, collectively, dust influences many astrophysical phenomena across the universe.