A reflection nebula is a type of interstellar cloud that does not emit its own light but instead reflects the light from nearby stars. These nebulae are composed of dust particles that scatter the light, often from a hot, young star or group of stars. The light reflected by the dust gives the nebula its characteristic color, typically blue, because shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) are scattered more efficiently than longer wavelengths (red). Reflection nebulae are commonly found in star-forming regions, where the presence of dust and young stars creates the conditions for light reflection.
- Reflect the light of nearby stars rather than emitting their own light.
- Often appear blue because blue light is scattered more efficiently by the dust particles.
- Pleiades Nebula: Surrounding the Pleiades star cluster, it reflects the light of these young stars.
- NGC 2023: A reflection nebula in the Orion constellation.
