An introduction to chemical processes under unearthly and hence usually extreme conditions and their impact on the early development of our solar system, as well as a deeper understanding of processes in earthly regions where conditions approach those of extraterrestrial areas. A unique and extraordinary perspective written with chemists in mind. A unique and extraordinary introduction to chemical processes under extreme conditions and their impact on the early development of our solar system, as well as a deeper understanding of processes on Earth where conditions approach those of extraterrestrial areas. Preface INTRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL NOTES ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNIVERSE The Big Bang Cosmic Evolution: Dark Matter; The First Stars Cosmo Chronometry STARS Formation, Classification and Evolution of Stars Chemistry in AGB Stars Galaxies and Clusters THE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM General Chemistry in Interstellar Clouds THE SOLAR SYSTEM Overview Earth?s Moon and the Terrestrial Planets: Mercury, Venus and Mars Ceres, Asteroids, Meteorites, and Interplanetary Dust Comets Kuiper Belt Objects The Giant Planets and Their Moons EXOPLANETS THE ORIGIN OF LIFE What is Life? Putative Non Carbon and Non Aqueous Life Forms; The Biological Role of Silicate, Phosphate and Water Life at Extreme Conditions Scenarios for the Primordial Supply of Basic Life Molecules Extraterrestrial Life?