What process makes Emission Nebulae luminous?
Answer
Ionization of gas by intense ultraviolet radiation, followed by recombination
Emission nebulae glow because hot, massive stars emit intense ultraviolet radiation that strips electrons from surrounding hydrogen gas (ionization). When the electrons recombine with the nuclei, they emit photons at specific wavelengths.
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Nebulae: Crash Course Astronomy #36 - YouTube
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