What are the primary constituents aggregated by interstellar dust particles, which were synthesized in previous stellar generations?
Answer
Carbon, silicon, iron, and oxygen
Interstellar dust is composed of tiny solid particles that serve as repositories for heavier elements. These particles aggregate materials that were forged inside earlier stars, specifically concentrating elements such as carbon, silicon, iron, and oxygen. While dust also accumulates volatile materials like water as icy mantles in cold regions, these heavier synthesized elements form the core composition of the dust grains themselves, distinguishing them from the overwhelmingly light gaseous components.
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