It is thought that the cloud of 'interstellar dust' drifting in outer space plays an important role in the formation of organic matter, the origin of life. The study of the birth and evolution of interstellar dust is an important theme in astronomy. The astronomical satellite AKARI’s observation of the supernova 2006jc provided us with new information on interstellar dust. An article by Itsuki SAKON at the website of Japan's Institute of Space and Astronautical Science.
