Why is blue light preferentially scattered in reflection nebulae?

Answer

Shorter wavelengths of light are scattered much more efficiently than longer wavelengths

The efficiency of scattering is wavelength-dependent; shorter wavelengths, like violet and blue, are scattered much more effectively by the fine interstellar dust grains than longer, redder wavelengths.

Why is blue light preferentially scattered in reflection nebulae?

#Videos

What Makes Reflection Nebulae Appear Blue? - Physics Frontier

Why Are Reflection Nebulae Blue? - Physics Frontier - YouTube

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