What term do astronomers use for the obscuring effect of dust toward the Galactic Center?
Answer
Extinction
The phenomenon where vast clouds of interstellar dust and gas within the galactic disk block the visible light emanating from stars located further inward, particularly those near or within the Galactic Center, is known scientifically as extinction. This effect severely hampers direct observation using visible light telescopes because the opaque curtains of matter intercept the photons before they reach our instruments. Overcoming this limitation requires employing observational methods that utilize wavelengths capable of penetrating these dusty regions.
Related Questions
Why can't we take a single photograph of the Milky Way's entire structure?What is the estimated span across the Milky Way galaxy?How far is the Solar System located from the Milky Way's central bulge?What term do astronomers use for the obscuring effect of dust toward the Galactic Center?Which wavelengths effectively pierce the obscuring interstellar dust clouds?What specific signal do radio telescopes detect to map the Milky Way's structure?What classification is given to the Milky Way galaxy's structure?Why does the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) appear as a complete spiral shape in images?What characterizes an Artist's Conception image of the Milky Way?Which arms are included in the consensus of the Milky Way's four major arms?