Why do reflection nebulae primarily appear blue when scattering light from nearby stars?
Answer
The scattering process favors shorter wavelengths
Reflection nebulae are characterized by the fact that they do not emit their own light but instead scatter the light originating from nearby stars. This scattering phenomenon, primarily involving the dust component composed of heavier elements, exhibits wavelength dependence. The process favors the scattering of shorter wavelengths of visible light, which corresponds to the blue end of the spectrum, similar to the physical reason why Earth's atmosphere appears blue.
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