webteam@eso.org. (n.d.). ESO - The Planet, the Galaxy and the Laser. 1999- 2008 ESO. https://web.archive.org/web/20081121184421/http://www.eso.org/gallery/v/ES OPIA/Paranal/phot-33a-07.tif.html
Short Definition:
The interstellar medium (ISM) is a composition of radiation and matter which
occurs between star systems, which are compositions of stars orbiting each
other. The medium is usually created from various gasses, mostly hydrogen and
helium. This matter is a filler between the stars.
Detailed Definition:
The interstellar medium (ISM) is a region filled with gas and dust in between
stars. The medium is created when a star dies. As the star collapses into itself, it
releases huge amounts of energy and matter at high velocity and high
temperature. When this mix encounters patches of interstellar gas, the visible
nebulas of interstellar medium are created. The gas is ionized, and space dust
blocks certain light waves which. Contrary to common belief, space is not
completely empty and is not a full vacuum but is filled with matter such as gas
and space dust. The interstellar medium is impactful in formations it is in. Stars
which are positioned in the denser areas of ISM supply it with matter and energy through stellar winds or supernovae (the explosion of a star). The
inter-influence of stars and ISM formations helps scientists determine the
lifespan of given star formations.
Etymology:
This phrase is a conjunction between the words 'interstellar' and 'medium'. The
word 'interstellar' comes from combining the prefix 'inter' from Latin for
"between" and the word 'stellar' from Latin 'stellaris' meaning "pertaining to a
star". The word 'medium' from Latin medium "the middle, midst, center;
interval"
Sample Sentence(s):
1. The interstellar medium can be visible with long exposure astrological
photography.
2. The Pillars of Creation are a beautiful example of the interstellar medium.
