For life to exist, the first requirement is a universe with suitable molecular building blocks. Except for hydrogen, the elements that make up organic molecules are all produced in the cores of stars. The material of planets and other small bodies is also dependent on stellar nuclear reactions. As Carl Sagan famously said, “we are made of star stuff.”
Our scientists investigate the mechanisms that lead to star and planet formation, and how these affect the extent of habitable real estate in our galaxy.