What mechanism causes an emission nebula to glow, often resulting in a reddish-pink color?
Answer
Gas atoms being energized, ionizing, and then releasing photons upon recapturing electrons
Emission nebulae are composed of gas energized by hot stars; this energy causes the gas to ionize, and as electrons recombine with atoms, they release photons, frequently resulting in the characteristic hydrogen emission glow.
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Nebulae: Crash Course Astronomy #36 - YouTube
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