Emission and reflection nebulae differ primarily in their interactions with light.
1. Emission Nebulae: These nebulae are primarily composed of ionized gas, primarily hydrogen. They emit light of various wavelengths due to the excitation of gas atoms caused by energetic radiation from nearby hot stars. Emission nebulae are often associated with the presence of young and massive stars. Their distinct red, pink, or orange colors are a result of hydrogen alpha emission. These nebulae have soft edges and appear as glowing clouds of gas.
2. Reflection Nebulae: Unlike emission nebulae, reflection nebulae do not emit their own light. Instead, they reflect the light from nearby stars, giving them a bluish color. These nebulae are composed of dust particles that scatter and reflect the starlight. Reflection nebulae can have sharper and more defined edges compared to emission nebulae.
So, the main difference is that emission nebulae emit their own light due to the excitation of gas atoms, while reflection nebulae simply reflect the light from nearby stars. Both types of nebulae can coexist in the same region and are often found in star-forming regions of galaxies.
how do emission and reflection nebulae differ?
the presence of young stars
hard line edges
interactions with light
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