Concept explainers
The proofs that is visible to human eyes which gives evidence that interstellar space is not exactly vaccum.
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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Chapter 10 Solutions
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
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