Dust Extinction

Dust extinction refers to the way tiny particles of dust in space absorb and scatter light from stars and other celestial objects. This process makes objects appear dimmer and sometimes redder than they actually are because shorter (bluer) wavelengths are scattered more than longer (redder) wavelengths. Dust extinction affects astronomical observations and measurements, requiring scientists to account for it to accurately determine an object’s true brightness, distance, and properties. Essentially, it’s like viewing a distant lighthouse through a foggy window; the dust in space hampers and alters the light reaching us.