What produces the intricate, textured, and non-uniform appearance often seen in emission nebulae?
Answer
Variations in gas density causing patchy absorption and emission of energy
The glow in an emission nebula is often patchy because the density of the gas varies, leading to regions that absorb more energy and others that emit more strongly, creating a textured structure.
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Nebulae: Crash Course Astronomy #36 - YouTube
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