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Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO
Published on: February 12, 2013
Chemistry between the stars
1Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA.
Abstract:
Life--as we know it--is a chemical process, based on water and carbon compounds. Complex organic molecules are made primarily from the biogenic elements--carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur--that formed deep within massive ancient stars. How did these elements travel from their stellar birthplaces across time and space to make up the life-form that is reading these words? In this article, we'll take a look at the chemical processes that set the stage for the origin of life.
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