Carbon - Carbon in the Universe

Carbon is a major player In the evolutionary scheme of the universe because of its abundance and its ability to form complex species. It is also a key element in the evolution of prebiotic molecules. The different forms of co smic carbon are reviewed ranging from carbon atoms and carbon-bearing molec ules to complex, solid-state, carbonaceous structures. The current state of knowledge is assessed an the observational and laboratory fronts. Fundamen tal astrophysical implications are examined as well as the impact of these studies on the hitherto poorly understood physical and chemical properties of carbon materials in space.