Diffuse interstellar bands
![Relative strengths of observed diffuse interstellar bands](/Images/godic/202501/09/Diffuse_Interstellar_Bands5624.png")
Diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are absorption features seen in the spectra of astronomical objects in the Milky Way and other galaxies. They are caused by the absorption of light by the interstellar medium. Circa 500 bands have now been seen, in ultraviolet, visible and infrared wavelengths.