What common characteristic defines both M78 and IC 4592 in terms of light generation?
Answer
Both rely on illumination from nearby stars rather than generating their own visible light
Both M78 and IC 4592 share the classification of being reflection nebulae. This classification dictates their light source: they do not possess the internal energy mechanism, such as gas ionization driven by a central star's ultraviolet output, to produce their own visible light like emission nebulae do. Instead, their luminosity derives entirely from reflecting the visible light originating from adjacent, luminous stars. The observed blue color arises solely from the selective scattering of that external starlight by the intervening dust.
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