Interstellar Medium
Interstellar medium (ISM) is the matter and radiation that exists in the space between the star systems in a galaxy. It is composed of gas (atomic, molecular, and ionized), dust, and cosmic rays. The ISM plays a crucial role in the evolution of galaxies and the formation of stars. It is the raw material from which stars are born and the medium in which they evolve. The ISM is also the site of complex chemical reactions that lead to the formation of molecules, including organic molecules that are the building blocks of life. The study of the ISM is an important area of research in astronomy and astrophysics, as it provides insights into the physical and chemical processes that shape the universe.
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