Sky science
Reflection Nebula
Direct answer
Reflection Nebula: A Reflection Nebula is interstellar dust made visible by scattering light from nearby stars.
It shines by reflected starlight rather than ionized-gas emission.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related
- Planetary Nebula, Emission Nebula, Dark Nebula, Open Star Cluster
It shines by reflected starlight rather than ionized-gas emission.
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The story behind Reflection Nebula
Photographic astronomy distinguished blue reflection clouds from line-emitting nebulae.
A one-minute story
The Wandering Stars
How the moving planets were watched, named and found, and what a transit is.
Why Reflection Nebula matters
Reflection Nebula reveals dust distribution and the wavelength dependence of scattering.
How to read Reflection Nebula
Compare illuminating-star spectra with nebular color and polarization.
Reflection Nebula in practice: an example
Fine dust around hot stars often scatters blue light efficiently.
Where readings of Reflection Nebula go wrong
The dust is not necessarily blue, and processed images can alter perceived color.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NASA Science: Stars - NASA overview of stellar birth, main-sequence evolution, giant phases, remnants, and supernovae.
- NASA Science: Universe Glossary - NASA definitions for common stellar, galactic, orbital, and high-energy astronomy terms.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
See starlight reflected by dust
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Common questions
What is a Reflection Nebula?
A Reflection Nebula is interstellar dust made visible by scattering light from nearby stars.
What do people get wrong about a Reflection Nebula?
The dust is not necessarily blue, and processed images can alter perceived color.
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