IT IS NUMBER 1! (Named for all Spongebob fans)

Recognized as the first and lightest element on the periodic table, scientists are now hypothesizing hydrogen may be the basis of our universe! Scientists currently believe most matter could have began as hydrogen gas which reacted in the Big Bang Theory. These substances would then lead to the formation of different of galaxies and ultimately all forms of life. Today, scientists are searching for large compilations of hydrogen gas in the universe in order to find new galaxies instead of relying on just sight. Scientists hope to learn more about hydrogen and the formation of the universe so they can better understand how the universe works. Professor Jessica Rosenberg is currently conducting two surveys to identify more galaxies using both a radio and optical telescope. While a radio telescope detects concentrations of hydrogen, optical telescopes search for accumulations of stars. When combined, both of these sets of data has led to the discovery of thousands of galaxies. Scientists are also studying how these concentrations of gases are interacting in the universe. For example, some hypotheses say galaxies with larger amounts of hydrogen will produce more stars when they collide. Another theory says some galaxies may be lacking hydrogen gas as a result of black  holes. Either way, it is clear hydrogen has had a history as long and as important as the universe's. Read more in the article: http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2012/09/28/hydrogen-gas-in-the-universe

      Upon reading this article, I was amazed at how the simplest element, hydrogen, could lead to a formation of an extremely complex universe. This is the beauty of chemistry. You may begin with simple substances or masses (hydrogen in this case) which can react by joining or separating to create something very complicated. In essence, chemistry is the study of matter and how it reacts with other matter. Therefore it's incredible to consider the thought the simplest element with only a single electron began this sequence of chemical reactions which created the universe we live in today. Considering the explosion of the Hindenburg blimp filled with hydrogen, one can only imagine how epic the Big Bang was. Now, I'm only left wondering where could this hydrogen have come from?