We are all made of dust. Dust particles can be found everywhere in space. Disks of dust and debris swirl around and condense to form stars, planets and smaller objects like comets, asteroids and dwarf planets. But what can dust tell us about life’s potential in the Universe?
Astrobiologists study dust particles in space for many reasons. The behavior of particles in planet-forming disks yields clues about how planets form and evolve. Studying the composition of dust can help us understand the conditions that lead to habitability on those planets.
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We are all made of dust. Dust particles can be found everywhere in space. Disks of dust and debris swirl around and condense to form stars, planets and smaller objects like comets, asteroids and dwarf planets. But what can dust tell us about life’s potential in the Universe?
Astrobiologists study dust particles in space for many reasons. The behavior of particles in planet-forming disks yields clues about how planets form and evolve. Studying the composition of dust can help us understand the conditions that lead to habitability on those planets.