Ashes to ashes, dust to dust

Abstract

Dust has long been recognized in astronomy; it is only in recent years, however, that it has been seen as both important and active. Infrared, millimetre and submillimetre wave astronomy are now unravelling the chemistry and composition of interstellar dust, showing that it includes silicate and carbon grains, hydrocarbon molecules, and ices. Far from just obscuring the view, dust is providing new ways to understand the workings of the universe.