Astrochemistry is the study of the chemicals found in outer space, usually in molecular gas clouds, and their formation, interaction and destruction. As such, it represents an overlap of the disciplines of astronomy and chemistry. The most common molecule H₂, does not have a dipole moment, so it is not easily detectable. Much easier to detect is the CO molecule. Hundreds of types of molecules have been observed so far, even complex ones as amino acids. There is active ongoing research on the way this molecules form and interact. This can have an impact even in our undestanding of the origin of life on earth.

See also

• Interstellar cloud
• Interstellar medium
• List of molecules in interstellar space
• Nebula