Glossary term: 分子
Description: 分子是由两个或两个以上的原子通过化学键结合在一起的原子团，其净电荷为零。在化学中，分子仅限于通过共价键结合在一起的原子，但在天文学中，离子化合物有时也被称为“分子”。
分子存在于各种环境中，从太阳型或较冷恒星以及褐矮星的大气层，到行星和卫星的大气层、海洋和冰区，再到彗星和小行星上的冰物质，还有星际介质的较冷组分。新恒星的形成需要星际分子云，其主要成分是氢分子（H2）。在自身引力的作用下，分子云的一部分会收缩，从而形成新恒星。
太空中的分子可以被探测到，因为在适当的情况下，当它们旋转或振动时，它们会在狭窄的波长区域内吸收和发射电磁辐射，通常是射电或红外线。这些“分子线”形成的模式可以用来识别分子。
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Term and definition status: The original definition of this term in English have been approved by a research astronomer and a teacher The translation of this term and its definition is still awaiting approval
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