reflection nebula
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M78 in Orion
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An interstellar cloud of gas and dust that
shines because light from nearby bright stars is reflected or scattered
toward the observer by cosmic dust particles
contained in the cloud. The nebula's spectrum contains absorption
lines characteristic of the spectrum of nearby illuminating stars. The
emission component of its spectrum is due to gas; the reflection component,
to dust. Reflection nebulae often appear bluish because blue light is more
efficiently reflected by dust particles than red light. A familiar example
is the nebulosity seen around some of the stars in the Pleiades,
for example the Merope Nebula.
Related category
• NEBULAE
AND STAR CLUSTERS
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