What Is A Nebula?Nebula or 'cloud' in Latin, is an Interstellar cloud in outer space that is made up of dust, Hydrogen and helium gas and Plasma. Nebulae can form in 2 different ways. When a Giant Star or White Dwarf explodes in a Supernova, material from the explosion can gather together forming a Nebula. Nebulae can also form from interstellar medium. this is the matter that exists in between galaxies. They are usually spread out over large distances but they can collapse together due to gravitational forces. When enough Interstellar medium collapses, a nebula will form. If there is a massive enough Nebula, its own gravity causes it to start to collapse and fold in on itself. Towards the center of the Nebula it becomes very dense and hot. After a while the particles are brought so close together they start to stick and fuse together. When the Hydrogen fuses together it creates helium. The fusion taking place creates the energy needed to power a star. This is the first part of a star's life cycle.
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Different Types of Nebulae
Fast Facts
Astronomers name the Nebulae after shapes they resemble..
Nebulae that exist outside of the Milky Way are known as extra-galactic nebulae.
Up until the 1920s, distant galaxies were knows as Nebulae.
Some Nebulae can be seen with the naked eye.
Nebulae that exist outside of the Milky Way are known as extra-galactic nebulae.
Up until the 1920s, distant galaxies were knows as Nebulae.
Some Nebulae can be seen with the naked eye.