Nebulae
Orion Nebula
A cosmic cloud of gas and dust
About Orion Nebula
A nebula (Latin for cloud) is an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium, and other ionized gases. Nebulae are often star-forming regions.
Scientific Facts
Nebulae can be hundreds of light-years across. The Orion Nebula is 1,344 light-years away. Emission nebulae glow from ionized gas, while reflection nebulae reflect starlight.
Interesting Facts
The Crab Nebula formed from a supernova observed in 1054 AD. The Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula span 5 light-years.
Fun Facts
Planetary nebulae have nothing to do with planets – they were named for their planet-like appearance through early telescopes. The Helix Nebula is called the "Eye of God."
Discovery
First described by Ptolemy around 150 AD. Orion Nebula discovered in 1610.