Which light wavelengths are interstellar dust grains in reflection nebulae most efficient at scattering toward an observer?
Answer
Shorter, bluer wavelengths
Interstellar dust grains within reflection nebulae exhibit a pronounced dependency on wavelength when scattering light from illuminating stars. They possess a cross-section for scattering that favors shorter wavelengths significantly more than longer ones. Consequently, the blue portion of the starlight spectrum is redirected towards the observer much more frequently than the red portion. This preferential scattering is the direct cause of the characteristic ethereal blue glow observed in objects like IC 4592 and M78, contrasting sharply with the glow produced when gas itself emits light.
#Videos
How to find the Blue Snowball Nebula (also known as NGC 7662 ...
Related Questions
What physical mechanism causes reflection nebulae to appear blue when illuminated by nearby stars?Which light wavelengths are interstellar dust grains in reflection nebulae most efficient at scattering toward an observer?What is the nickname associated with the reflection nebula IC 4592 located in Scorpius?What appearance results if the dust cloud in a nebula is too thick relative to the illuminating star?To which specific nebula classification does the celestial object M78 belong?In the planetary nebula NGC 7293 (Helix Nebula), what specific atomic emission is often responsible for observed blue-green tones?What difference often exists between the appearance of M78 through an amateur eyepiece versus a long-exposure astrophotograph?What is the essential role of narrowband filters in imaging nebulae that appear blue in processed photographs?In reflection nebulae, what crucial factor, besides the presence of a bright star, determines the visibility of the blue scattered light?What common characteristic defines both M78 and IC 4592 in terms of light generation?What is the official designation for the planetary nebula often referred to as the Eight-Burst Nebula or Southern Ring Nebula?