The Merope Reflection Nebula . ... Credit Copyright: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (CFHT), Hawaiian Starlight , CFHT Explanation: Reflection nebulas reflect light from a nearby star. Many small carbon grains in the nebula reflect the light. The blue color typical of reflection nebula is caused by blue light being more efficiently scattered by the carbon dust than red light. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...