How do scientists know what colors to use when enhancing space images? Or do they take educated guesses?

1 Answer
Jan 11, 2016

By the wavelength of the captured light.

Explanation:

enter image source here

The above picture is the entire light spectrum. Astronomers have very sensitive instruments which are capable of measuring the exact wave length of the light they are receiving. This is critical in determining the elements which are emitting the light we are seeing. All elements emit a particular wave length of light which are translated to the respective color.