Why are there many strange molecules and radicals in interstellar clouds?
The “strange” molecules, radicals, and even organic compounds present in interstellar clouds are a result of these clouds’ dynamic nature. Interstellar clouds are not static entities. Rather, they collide, coalesce, and grow. Some of these clouds are the birthplaces of stars, while others are the remnants of star deaths—super novae. The highly energetic processes within these clouds cause smaller molecules of gas to collide and sometimes combine to form new substances. As you may know, organic molecules have been detected in several of these clouds in our galaxy. In particular, these PAH’s (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) may help us understand the origin of organic chemistry and eventual life in the universe.
