Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781337399920
Author: Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher: Cengage Learning
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Chapter 10, Problem 1RQ
To determine

The proofs that is visible to human eyes which gives evidence that interstellar space is not exactly vaccum.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1RQ

Nebulas that can be seen with the help of telescopes is a visible evidence which shows that interstellar space is not empty.

Explanation of Solution

Interstellar space is usually invisible to human eyes or visible wavelengths. That’s why people call it as “vacuum space”. But it is a misconception. Interstellar space is completely visible in the infrared wavelength. But there exists some proofs in visible wavelength which shows that interstellar space is not empty.

One such case is that in a clear cold winter night, on using a telescope, it is possible to observe some gas and dust clouds in interstellar medium. It is called the Nebulae. Some of they can be viewed even without the help of a telescope. Orion Nebulae is an example. It can be observed with even naked eyes.

Therefore, the Nebulas that can be seen with the help of telescopes is a visible evidence which shows that interstellar space is not empty.

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