Molecular orbitals are regions in a molecule where electrons are likely to be found. They form when atomic orbitals from different atoms combine during the bonding process. This combination can create bonding orbitals, which help hold the atoms together, and antibonding orbitals, which can weaken the bond if occupied by electrons. These orbitals can be visualized as shapes that represent the probability of finding an electron in a certain area. Understanding molecular orbitals is crucial in fields like chemistry and materials science, as they help explain the properties and behaviors of different molecules.