Reflection Nebulae
A reflection nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space that reflects the light of nearby stars. These nebulae are often blue in color because they tend to reflect shorter blue wavelengths of light more efficiently than the longer red wavelengths.
Formation of Reflection Nebulae
Reflection nebulae are formed when the light from a nearby star is reflected off the dust particles in the nebula. The dust particles scatter the light, causing the nebula to become visible. These nebulae are often found in regions where new stars are forming, as the young, hot stars emit intense light that can illuminate the surrounding gas and dust clouds.
Characteristics of Reflection Nebulae
- Typically appear blue in color
- Often found in star-forming regions
- Composed of gas and dust
- Reflect light from nearby stars
Study Guide
Here are some key points to remember about reflection nebulae:
- What is a reflection nebula?
- How are reflection nebulae formed?
- What causes the blue color of reflection nebulae?
- Where are reflection nebulae often found?
- What are the main components of reflection nebulae?
[Reflection Nebulae] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Studying and exploring space
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Studying and exploring space 
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Studying and exploring space
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyVocabulary/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
Earth’s Place in the Universe
Create and manipulate models (e.g., physical, graphical, conceptual) to explain the occurrences of day/night cycles, length of year, seasons, tides, eclipses, and lunar phases based on patterns of the observed motions of celestial bodies.
Construct models and use simulations (e.g., diagrams of the relationship between Earth and man-made satellites, rocket launch, International Space Station, elliptical orbits, black holes, life cycles of stars, orbital periods of objects within the solar system, astronomical units and light years) to explain the role of gravity in affecting the motions of celestial bodies (e.g., planets, moons, comets, asteroids, meteors) within galaxies and the solar system.
Develop and use models to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system (e.g., scale model representing sizes and distances of the sun, Earth, moon system based on a one-meter diameter sun).