What specific phenomenon makes the Horsehead Nebula visible?

Answer

It is a dark cloud silhouetted against a brighter, glowing emission nebula behind it.

The Horsehead Nebula is a dark cloud of dust silhouetted against a brighter, glowing emission nebula, identified as IC 434, which lies behind it.

What specific phenomenon makes the Horsehead Nebula visible?

#Videos

Nebulae: Crash Course Astronomy #36 - YouTube

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