New Study Reveals Surprising Truth About Space Dust: “Not Miniature Rocks”
LONDON: A groundbreaking new study has revealed that space dust — the building blocks of stars and planets — is far more spongy and porous than scientists once believed.
For decades, astronomers assumed these tiny particles were similar to miniature rocks. However, new research published in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Review suggests that cosmic dust grains are soft, fluffy, and full of tiny holes — more like microscopic sponges than solid stones.
The discovery came after an international team of astronomers and astrochemists analyzed years of data to answer one key question: Is space dust porous?
These minute dust grains play a crucial role in the formation of stars, planets, and even entire galaxies, especially in well-known star-forming regions like the Pillars of Creation.
Professor Martin McCoustra from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, one of the study’s contributors, explained:
“These dust grains aren’t miniature rocks at all. In fact, they’re more like fluffy little sponges, riddled with tiny voids.”
The findings could reshape how scientists understand the chemistry of the universe, including how planets form and how light travels through space.
Experts believe this new understanding of cosmic dust could also influence future space exploration missions and the study of interstellar materials that reach Earth.
This breakthrough shows that even the smallest particles in the universe can hold massive secrets, changing our perspective on how everything — from stars to life itself — began.
