kosmochemia
Kosmochemia, or cosmochemistry, is the scientific study of the chemical composition of matter in the universe and the processes that govern the distribution of elements and isotopes from the origin of the cosmos to the present. It integrates astronomy, geology, chemistry, and physics to understand how cosmic materials form and transform, from stellar nucleosynthesis to planetary differentiation.
The field examines a wide range of objects and materials, including stars, the interstellar medium, comets,
Core methods involve mass spectrometry to determine precise isotopic compositions, radiometric dating to establish ages, and
The field contributes to understanding nucleosynthesis in stars, the chemical evolution of the galaxy, and the
Challenges include interpreting mixed signatures, contamination, and the effects of parent-body processing. Ongoing space missions, improved