interstellar medium
1
the matter and radiation that exists in the space between stars within a galaxy
- The interstellar medium is made up of gas, dust, and cosmic rays.
- Cosmic rays interact with the interstellar medium, producing radiation.
- Space probes collect data on the composition of the interstellar medium.
- The interstellar medium absorbs and scatters starlight.
- Astronomers study the interstellar medium to understand cosmic evolution.