Laboratory Astrophysics Studies along the Cosmic Cycle of Gas

Tracing the evolution of baryonic matter from atoms in space to stars
such as our Sun hinges on an accurate understanding of the underlying
physics controlling the properties of the gas at every step along this
pathway. Here I will explain some of the key epochs in this cosmic cycle
of gas and highlight our laboratory studies into the underlying atomic,
molecular, plasma, and surface processes which control the observed
properties of the gas.