Gases in Space.

[helix2]

Given that space is not exactly a vacuum, can anyone tell me more about the types of gases that exist in space, how they are distributed an most importantly there densisty. (I realise this will be an extremely low value). Could some one also suggest where I may be able to read more on such topics? Thanks.

 

[OleNewt]

The interstellar medium is for all practical (ie, technological) purposes devoid of "stuff". There's "stuff", but it's so thinly spread that you might be lucky to detect 5 molecules in a cubic meter.

If you went somewhere, like say the Crab Nebula, you'd be moving through "thick clouds" of whatever the "somewhere" was made of (if I'm recalling the correct nebula referenced in the Manswers episode about beer, Crab is essentially made of beercohol with all kinds of various poisons laced throughout). Just like here on Earth, though, "thick clouds" aren't very thick at all.

It's not until the substantial items like stars and planets that you find much of anything else.

 

[csmyth3025]

Given that space is not exactly a vacuum, can anyone tell me more about the types of gases that exist in space, how they are distributed an most importantly there densisty. (I realise this will be an extremely low value). Could some one also suggest where I may be able to read more on such topics? Thanks.

Wikipedia has a good article on the Interstellar Medium here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_medium

And a shorter article on the Intergalactic medium here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intergalac ... ergalactic

Chris