Friday, February 24, 2012

APOD 3.5

This is a picture of the Merope's reflection nebula. Reflection nebulae reflect light from nearby stars by utilizing carbon. The carbon atoms reflect the light away from the nebulae most often in a blue shade. This blue shade is caused by the bluish light being reflected more efficiently. The luminosity of the nebula is actually caused by the composition of the nebula. The size and density of the carbon grains is primarily responsible. This nebula is reflecting the light from the Pleiades.

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