How does a reflection nebula become visible to observers?
Answer
The dust within the cloud scatters the light from nearby stars
Unlike an emission nebula, a reflection nebula does not generate its own light internally through ionization or fusion. Instead, its visibility is entirely dependent on neighboring stars. The process relies on the dust component within the cloud scattering the light originating from these adjacent stars. This mechanism is analogous to how Earth's atmosphere preferentially scatters shorter wavelengths of sunlight, resulting in the familiar blue color of our sky; similarly, the dust scatters starlight towards us.
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