Understanding What a Nebula Is
A nebula is a massive cloud of gas and dust in space. Some nebulae form new stars, while others are made from the remains of stars that have already died.
How Nebulae Form
Nebulae can be created when a star explodes, releasing material into space, or when gravity pulls gas and dust together into large cosmic clouds.
Types of Nebulae
There are several kinds: emission nebulae that glow brightly, reflection nebulae that shine by reflecting starlight, and dark nebulae that block light entirely.
Nebulae as Star Factories
Many nebulae act as nurseries where new stars are born. Gravity compresses the gas until nuclear fusion begins, creating fresh stars and planetary systems.
Why Nebulae Are So Colorful
The colors come from the gases inside them. Hydrogen glows red, oxygen can shine green or blue, and dust scatters starlight to create stunning shapes.
The Simple Takeaway
A nebula is a huge cosmic cloud that forms or recycles stars. These structures shape galaxies and create some of the universe’s most beautiful views.