We now come to Space Chemistry by L. Nikolaev. The book covers aspects of astrophysics and astronomy with stars, planets, comets and meteorites and other celestial bodies from a perspective of chemistry and hence that of spectroscopy. The last chapter is on ways of formation of organic molecules in space.
In this small book an attempt has been made to set forth the distinguishing features of the chemical phenomena characteristic of outer space. We have allotted special attention to the theoretical and experimental methods of investigation of space, avoiding however, repetition of the material contained in school courses of physics and chemistry. At the same time, striving to make the book as popular as possible, we confined ourselves only to the most essential information concerning the nature of the atomic nucleus, the laws of nuclear energetics, the origin of various kinds of spectra, etc. The scope of the knowledge of physics, chemistry and mathematics given at our secondary schools is quite sufficient for understanding this book.
The textbook is designed for upper grade students of secondary schools. It contains information about the chemical composition of the planets of solar system, meteorites, the Sun, about synthesis of elements on the stars, the methods of studying space chemistry, as well as catalytic nature of nuclear processes.
The author describes the behaviour of substances at very high and very low temperatures and pressures, considers the possibility of the formation of organic compounds in outer space and in pre-biological period on Earth.
This book was translated from the Russian by Y. Nadler and was first published by Mir in 1976.
You can get the book here. and here
Update: Added Internet Archive link. 03 December 2015
Mir Books 