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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 Magnificent Horsehead Nebula

25/12/2016

The Magnificent Horsehead Nebula
Image Credit: Marco Burali, Tiziano Capecchi, Marco Mancini (Osservatorio MTM) / NASA APOD

Sculpted by stellar winds and radiation, a magnificent interstellar dust cloud by chance has assumed this recognizable shape. Fittingly named the Horsehead Nebula, it is some 1,500 light-years distant, embedded in the vast Orion cloud complex. About five light-years "tall", the dark cloud is cataloged as Barnard 33 and is visible only because its obscuring dust is silhouetted against the glowing red emission nebula IC 434. Stars are forming within the dark cloud. Contrasting blue reflection nebula NGC 2023, surrounding a hot, young star, is at the lower left. The gorgeous color image combines both narrowband and broadband images recorded using three different telescopes. Free Present: APOD 2017 Calendar: NASA Images