Nebulae

Introduction

Nebulae are giants clouds in space. They mostly contain hydrogen and helium. The most known nebula is probably the "Orion nebula" in the constellation Orion, which is easily viewed from the northern hemisphere.

If a nebula is massive enough it may collapse. This collapse may create planets or even stars. All stars are formed in these nebulae.
In some cases when a nebula has given birth to new stars, the stars shine so intensly that the nebula around them heats up to more than 10 000 degrees Kelvin. The hydrogen in the cloud starts to shine brightly red. These kind of nebulae are called HII-regions.

Back to space art:
Space art introduction

Space Art gallery content

Emission nebulae *
HII regions *
Planetary nebulae *
Reflection nebulae *
Supernova remnants *

* Means empty. I'm working on completing this gallery as soon as possible.