How does the interstellar medium affect our view of most of the galaxy?
A)It absorbs all wavelengths of light.
B)It prevents us from seeing most of the galactic disk with visible and ultraviolet light.
C)It produces so much visible light that it blocks our view of anything beyond it.
D)It has no effect on visible- light observations, but prevents us from studying the galactic center with radio waves or X- rays.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The interstellar medium is composed of gas and dust which absorbs and scatters visible and ultraviolet light, making it difficult for us to see through it and study most of the galactic disk. However, other wavelengths of light such as radio waves and X-rays can penetrate the interstellar medium allowing us to study the galactic center.

How Does the Interstellar Medium Affect Our View of Most