Interstellar oxygen
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Interstellar oxygen refers to the presence of the element oxygen (atomic or molecular) found in interstellar space. Oxygen is common, being the third most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen and helium.[1] It is often found as neutral or ionized atomic gas and as a constituent of molecular gas, volatile ices, and minerals in dust. Interstellar oxygen in dust is primarily found in the form of silicates. These molecules are created inside evolved stars which then eject it into space when they start to shed their outer layers. They are then incorporated into large molecular clouds that collapse to form star systems like the Solar System.[2]