Interstellar dust is a collection of tiny particles found between the stars in a galaxy. These particles, often made up of carbon, silicates, and ice, form what we call the interstellar medium. While these particles might be small — usually less than a micron in diameter — they have a huge impact on the light traveling through space.
- Interstellar dust can absorb and scatter the light coming from stars and other astronomical bodies.
- This dust can influence the color, temperature, and brightness of the light that reaches us on Earth.
By understanding the properties of these particles, scientists can gain insights into the structure and composition of our galaxy and beyond. Interstellar dust plays a critical role in many astronomical phenomena, including the creation of reflection nebulae.