chemical evolution

Chemical evolution refers to the gradual process through which simpler chemical elements and compounds in space, like hydrogen and helium, combine and transform over billions of years to form more complex molecules. This progression occurs in environments such as interstellar clouds, star-forming regions, and supernova remnants. Over time, these complex molecules contribute to the formation of stars, planets, and possibly the building blocks of life. Essentially, chemical evolution describes how the universe’s basic ingredients organize and assemble into increasingly sophisticated structures, laying the foundation for the diversity of matter observed in the cosmos today.