D/H Ratio

The D/H ratio compares the amount of deuterium (D), a heavy form of hydrogen with one neutron, to normal hydrogen (H). This ratio offers insights into the origins and evolution of celestial objects like planets and stars. Since deuterium was primarily formed in the early universe during the Big Bang, measuring this ratio helps scientists understand how much material has been processed or altered over time. Variations in the D/H ratio across different places in space can reveal the history of water, planetary formation, and cosmic chemical changes.