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Question
Describe the nature of the material between the stars. How is it observed?
The material between the stars consists of a great variety of gases and small solids that astronomers call dust. A century ago astronomers could observed reflection from dust (called reflection nebulae) and emission of light from some gases by the process of florescence (emission nebulae). By the middle to of the 20th century, radio astronomers were able to detect the emission of hydrogen gas and (later) of many gas molecules. Today we can also study both interstellar gas and dust using the techniques of infrared astronomy. You should be able to find a good discussion of the "interstellar medium" in any introductory textbook on astronomy or any encyclopedia. Check on-line or ask your librarian for help.
David Morrison
NAI Senior Scientist
January 23, 2004
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