What is a Nebula?
Nebulae are gigantic clouds of dust and gas in space. A nebula serves as a nursery for new stars. As gas and dust within these clouds clump together, they form new celestial bodies.
Famous Nebulae
- Orion Nebula - one of the most famous nebulae visible to the naked eye.
- Horsehead Nebula - recognized for its resemblance to a horse's head.
- Crab Nebula - the remnant of a supernova explosion observed on Earth in 1054 AD.
Why are Nebulae Important?
Nebulae are significant for the study of the cosmos because they are crucial for the formation of stars and planets. Observing nebulae helps us understand the life cycle of stars and the materials that compose galaxies like our Milky Way.