Cosmic dust plays a pivotal role in the universe, being integral to the formation of stars and planets. When a giant cloud of gas collapses under its own gravity, it heats up, creating high pressure that can stall the collapse. Dust helps cool the cloud by efficiently radiating energy as infrared light, allowing gravity to win the battle against thermal pressure. Moreover, dust shields the cloud from ultraviolet radiation, which could otherwise disrupt the formation of molecular bonds necessary for star creation. Without dust, the cosmos would lack the vibrant structures we see today, including galaxies and planets. Dust is also the foundation of planet formation, as grains accumulate and collide, eventually forming larger bodies. Additionally, Earth receives about 40,000 tons of extraterrestrial dust annually, with some grains being over 7 billion years old, linking us to ancient stellar events. This connection emphasizes that we owe our existence to cosmic dust, making it a fundamental component of life in the universe.