Chapter 1: The Basis of Celestial Composition

Recently, I received an intriguing inquiry on my Ukrainian channel:

"Hello! What factors influence the chemical makeup of a cosmic body? What principles governed the distribution of substances during the universe's infancy?"

The chemical makeup of a celestial body varies depending on the specific type of body in question. For instance, when discussing stars, their chemical composition is largely influenced by the elemental makeup of the universe at the time of their formation and the number of previous stars that existed in that region.

The early universe, just after the Big Bang, was primarily composed of about 75% hydrogen and 25% helium. Heavier elements—such as lithium, beryllium, carbon, and oxygen—were present in minuscule quantities, accounting for less than one-thousandth of a percent. Notably, the formation of heavier elements became increasingly rare during the universe's early moments, shaped by nuclear reactions that occurred within the first 100 seconds of its existence. After this period, the synthesis of heavier elements paused until the emergence of the first stars.

As a result, the initial stars were predominantly made up of hydrogen and helium, with only trace amounts of heavier elements. The nuclear reactions within these stars continued to facilitate the synthesis of heavier elements. Thus, with each subsequent generation of stars, the abundance of heavier elements in stars and planets increased. Nevertheless, even after at least three cycles of star formation, hydrogen and helium still comprise the vast majority of the universe's mass, with all other elements making up roughly 2% of the total atomic content.

When considering planets, asteroids, and comets, their chemical compositions are influenced by the stellar bodies that expelled the material from which they were formed.

If you find these topics captivating and wish to see more articles related to space, please give us a clap! Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and submit your questions for future discussions.

Chapter 2: The Evolution of Astrophysical Knowledge

To delve deeper into the concepts of astrophysics, consider watching the following video:

This video titled "What Is Astrophysics Explained" offers a comprehensive overview of the subject, exploring the fundamental principles that govern celestial phenomena.

Next, we further explore the mechanics of our galaxy's movement with the video below:

The video "How Earth REALLY Moves Through the Galaxy" provides insight into the dynamics of our planet's journey through space, enhancing our understanding of celestial mechanics.