What gas is in space
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Gases in Space: Composition and Dynamics
Interstellar Medium Gases
Organic Molecules in Interstellar Clouds
The interstellar medium, the space between stars, is rich in gas-phase molecules, primarily organic in nature. These molecules, which can be quite complex, are found in interstellar clouds composed of both gas and dust particles. High-resolution spectroscopy has allowed scientists to characterize these gaseous molecules, which are synthesized from atomic material ejected by stars1 6.
Gas Ionization and Plasma Interactions
In space, gas ionization can occur due to interactions with high-speed plasma injections. Experiments have shown that when a dense plasma is injected, it can ionize the surrounding gas, a phenomenon explained by critical velocity ionization (CVI). This process is significant in understanding the behavior of gases in the presence of plasma in space environments7.
Galactic and Intergalactic Gas Dynamics
Infall of Intergalactic Gas
There is substantial evidence that gas from intergalactic space is continuously flowing into galaxies. This intergalactic gas contributes significantly to the mass of the universe and plays a crucial role in galactic evolution and dynamics2.
Loss of Atmospheric Gases from Planets
Observations from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft have provided insights into the loss of gases from planetary atmospheres. For instance, Mars is losing hydrogen and oxygen at rates that significantly impact its atmospheric composition over time. This loss has been a major factor in transforming Mars from a potentially habitable environment to its current cold and dry state8.
Gases in Human Space Missions
Methane Production and Utilization
Methane is a critical gas in human space missions, produced through processes like the Sabatier reaction, which recycles carbon dioxide. Methane can be used in fuel cells and as rocket fuel, making it a valuable resource for long-term space missions4.
Calibration Gases for Spacecraft
NASA requires precise gas mixtures for calibrating sensors on space vehicles. These mixtures typically include argon, helium, hydrogen, and oxygen, balanced with nitrogen. Accurate calibration ensures the safety and functionality of spacecraft systems5.
Conclusion
The gases in space, ranging from complex organic molecules in interstellar clouds to the essential gases used in human space missions, play diverse and critical roles. Understanding their composition, dynamics, and interactions is fundamental to both astrophysical research and the advancement of space exploration technologies.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Chemistry in the Interstellar Medium
Interstellar clouds contain organic molecules synthesized from precursor material, mainly from the mass loss of previous generations of stars.
Highly CitedGas Evaporation in Space
Silver vapor in low-gravity space can be confined with high pressure and temperature, creating a smoke ball around the source, unlike under Earth gravity conditions.
Gas standards development in support of NASA's sensor calibration program around the space shuttle.
NIST and AIRGAS developed accurate gas mixtures for NASA's mass spectrometer calibration program, ensuring the safety of space vehicles and the launch system.
The chemistry of interstellar space
Interstellar clouds contain organic molecules, which may eventually form stars and planets, due to rapid exothermic reactions in the gas and on the surfaces of tiny dust particles.
Highly CitedGas ionization induced by a high speed plasma injection in space
Fast plasma injection in space can cause long-duration gas ionization, with the effect being explained by the concept of critical velocity ionization (CVI).
Loss of the Martian atmosphere to space: Present-day loss rates determined from MAVEN observations and integrated loss through time
Loss of gas to space has been the dominant process responsible for changing Mars' climate from an early, warmer environment to the cold, dry one we see today.
Highly CitedNeutral hydrogen in interplanetary space
Neutral hydrogen in interplanetary space is a complex issue, with He being the primary source and the solar system passing through an interstellar cloud potentially affecting its behavior.
Highly CitedGas-liquid flow patterns at microgravity conditions
Microgravity flow patterns reveal bubble, slug, frothy slug-annular, and annular flow types, with gas-phase Weber number being an excellent criterion for transitions between these flow types.
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