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The interstellar medium is all the matter that exists between the stars in a galaxy. It mainly consists of gas (99%), with about 75% of this gas being in the form of molecular or atomic hydrogen, and about 25% in the form of helium. The other 1% is in the form of dust. The density of the interstellar medium is also very small: about 1 atom per cubic centimetre.

There are two main types of interstellar mediums:

  1. Cold clouds of neutral atomic or molecular hydrogen, which are the raw materials wherein stars can be formed if it becomes gravitationally unstable and collapses.
  2. Hot ionized hydrogen near hot young stars.
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What is the most abundant element in the interstellar medium?

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the interstellar medium, making up about 90% of its mass. Helium is the second most abundant element in the interstellar medium, with trace amounts of heavier elements such as carbon, oxygen, and others.


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The interstellar medium is enriched with heavy elements by the remnants of supernova explosions. Supernovae are massive stellar explosions that release heavy elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron into space, enriching the surrounding interstellar medium with these elements.


Which of these is not a consequence of dust in the interstellar medium?

One consequence of dust in the interstellar medium is causing reddening of starlight due to scattering and absorption.


The dimming of starlight as it passes through the interstellar medium is called?

interstellar extinction. This phenomenon occurs due to the absorption and scattering of light by dust and gas particles present in the interstellar medium, leading to a decrease in the observed brightness of the starlight.


What has the author Brian M Cancellieri written?

Brian M. Cancellieri has written: 'Interstellar medium' -- subject(s): Interstellar matter


The dust particles have exactly the same chemical composition as the gases of the interstellar medium?

Dust particles in the interstellar medium are made up of a variety of elements such as carbon, oxygen, silicon, and iron, similar to the composition of the gas. However, the dust particles can also contain complex molecules and compounds that are not present in the gas phase. Additionally, the physical and chemical properties of the dust particles can vary depending on their size, shape, and location within the interstellar medium.


What makes an interstellar cloud collapse?

Gravity.


Which part of the interstellar matter produces reddening?

Visible light against electrons combined with ionized hydrogen create the "reddening" effect in the Interstellar Medium.


What has the author Ginevra Trinchieri written?

Ginevra Trinchieri has written: 'The environmental impact of intra-cluster medium on the interstellar medium in early type galaxies' -- subject(s): X ray astronomy, Galaxies, Interstellar matter


What has the author W B Burton written?

W. B. Burton has written: 'The galactic interstellar medium' -- subject(s): Astrophysics, Interstellar matter, Molecular clouds


Radio waves of 21cm wavelength originate from which component of the interstellar medium?

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By using various wavelengths of light, such as infrared or radio waves, we can see through the interstellar medium. Different wavelengths can penetrate the dust and gas in space, allowing us to observe objects that may be hidden in visible light. Telescopes and instruments that are sensitive to these wavelengths help in studying the interstellar medium.