Reflection Nebula
A reflection nebula is a cloud of interstellar dust that becomes visible due to the light from nearby stars reflecting off its particles. Unlike emission nebulae, reflection nebulae do not emit their own light but shine by scattering the light of nearby stars.
Source: science.nasa.gov
APODs including "Reflection Nebula"
The Toby Jug Nebula
05/01/1996
Is the only thing unusual about this nebula its shape? Pictured above is the IC 2220 - the Toby Jug Nebula - a reflection nebula surrounding a normal red giant star. Reflection nebulae shine by light reflected from the central star(s). This nebula appears to have been created from the current phase of mass-loss from the central star. Normal gas and dust compose the nebula. The nebula's peculiar but photogenic "bi-polar, bi-conical" shape, however, continue to make it a popular object of study.