interstitary

Interstitary is a term that describes the condition of being between or among stars. It refers to the vast empty spaces within galaxies and the universe that are not occupied by celestial bodies like stars, planets, or nebulae. This space is not entirely devoid of matter; it contains a tenuous mix of interstellar gas, dust, and cosmic rays. The density of matter in the interstitary is extremely low, far lower than the best vacuum achievable in terrestrial laboratories. Despite its sparseness, the interstitary is a crucial environment for the evolution of stars and galaxies. Interstellar gas clouds within the interstitary can collapse under gravity to form new stars, and the dust present can influence the light from distant objects, a phenomenon known as interstellar extinction. The composition of the interstitary varies, but it is primarily hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements. Understanding the interstitary is essential for comprehending the processes that occur throughout the cosmos.