How do we learn the chemical composition of the interstellar medium?
A)We make an educated guess based on the Sun's composition.
B)By studying spectra of interstellar gas clouds.
C)We collect samples of gas and dust from interstellar space.
D)We use computer simulations of the interstellar medium.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By studying the spectra of interstellar gas clouds, we can analyze the absorption and emission lines to determine the chemical composition of the gas. This technique, known as spectroscopy, allows us to identify the elements present in the interstellar medium.

How Do We Learn the Chemical Composition of the Interstellar