What two elements overwhelmingly compose the gas within the nebulae that form stars?
Answer
Hydrogen and helium
The interstellar medium (ISM) contains gas and dust, but when focusing specifically on the composition of the dense clouds, known as nebulae, where stars ignite, the overwhelming majority of the mass comes from the primordial elements. These Giant Molecular Clouds (GMCs) are primarily composed of gas, overwhelmingly hydrogen, which serves as the primary fuel source for stellar fusion later on, mixed with helium, the second lightest element. While cosmic dust containing elements like carbon and silicon is present, hydrogen and helium constitute the dominant gaseous components.
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