Nebulas
Nebulas are vast clouds of gas and dust in space where stars are born, evolve, and sometimes die. These colorful cosmic structures reveal the dynamic processes shaping our universe.
Star-forming nebulae, also known as emission nebulae, are regions where new stars are created. Gravity pulls together gas and dust, forming dense cores that eventually ignite nuclear fusion, giving birth to brilliant new stars.
Planetary nebulae form when medium-sized stars exhaust their fuel and shed their outer layers. The exposed hot core illuminates the surrounding gas, creating intricate glowing shells and bubble-like cosmic structures.
When massive stars explode as supernovae, they scatter heavy elements into space. The expanding shockwaves create stunning nebula remnants, enriching the cosmos with the building blocks of planets and life.