Interstellar dust

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006621",
  "term": "Interstellar dust",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "Microscopic solid particles found in the space between stars, composed primarily of silicates, carbonaceous materials, and ice mantles. These particles absorb and scatter starlight, leading to reddening and extinction of light from distant objects. In atmospheric science, understanding the properties of interstellar dust can inform studies of extraterrestrial material entering Earth's atmosphere.",
  "synonyms": [
    "cosmic dust"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "interplanetary dust"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/interstellar-dust/"
}