The landscape could be the backdrop of a postapocalyptic film. It’s an environment of extremes, blasted by intense radiation, fierce winds and shock waves from violent explosions. Yet within this desolation, species persist. Not only are there ordinary, familiar faces, there is also, evidence suggests, a motley crew: galactic gangs that would make Mad Max cringe. Some are decked out in metal; others are radicals itching to react, amped up with positive and, new research shows, even negative charge.
These species are the molecules of space, the cosmic chemicals that dwell in the vacuous netherworld between stars. After decades of cataloging these chemical specimens, scientists are now bracing for a torrent of data that may lead to a better understanding of the reactions that create and destroy cosmic compounds.
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