A nebula is a cloud of dust and gases. The basic gases are primarily hydrogen and helium. This cloud of dust and gas in space are regions where stars are being formed. Eventually, gravity pulls the clumps of dust and gas together. In time, these clumps grow and become a massive star.
Nebula can be created in several ways. There are three common types. These are nebulae created from gravitational pull, a supernova, or red giant stars.
Types of Nebulae
Gravitational Pull Nebula
Over time, the gases in space begin to attract one another through gravity. In this manner, clumps of gas and dust are created. Stars begin to form in these clumps. The radiation from these stars then energizes the surrounding gases to make the gases visible. These are gravitational pull nebulae.
Supernova Remnant
Some nebulae are created by a supernova. A supernova is a star that explodes at the end of its life cycle. The gases created from the explosion may become energized which makes it visible in the night sky. This type of nebula is known as a supernova remnant.
Planetary Nebula (Red Giant)
When a star becomes a red giant, it may lose its surface layers into space. The released gases may become energized. Planetary nebulae is created in this fashion.
Reflections
Vocabulary
- gravity
- nebula
- supernova
Notes
- Nebulae are clouds of dust and gases in space.
- Major gases are hydrogen and helium.
- Nebulae are formed in three ways: by gravity, a supernova or red giant stars.
