The important role of hydrogen in the formation of silicon carbide in evolved stars
José Ángel Martín-Gago
Nature Astronomy, Published online: 04 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41550-026-02854-1 Laboratory astrochemistry demonstrates that SiC2 is the key molecular precursor in the formation of silicon carbide grains in evolved stars and that hydrogen is an essential ingredient in the process.