What process involving hydrogen results in the characteristic ruddy glow of emission nebulae?
Answer
Recombination of ionized hydrogen releasing H-alpha emission
In emission nebulae, the hydrogen gas is energized, or ionized, by nearby hot, young stars. When the electrons in these hydrogen atoms subsequently recombine with the protons, energy is released. This release primarily occurs in the red part of the light spectrum, a specific signature known as H-alpha emission. This H-alpha emission is what is responsible for giving many nebulae their distinct, characteristic ruddy or reddish glow.
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