Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/19/2004

Question
Why can't we use normal light (observable light) to detect the birth of stars and protostars but instead we need to use infrared or microwave wavelength?

Answer
Dear Shawn:

This sounds suspiciously like a homework question....but let's start with what we know:

Stars are born our of clouds of interstellar matter, right?  That means they must be surrounded by dust...and visible light doesn't penetrate dust very well, does it?  

So.....

Paul Wagner