Amazing Nebulae

I think nebulae are some of the most interesting things in the universe. A nebula is defined as "an interstellar cloud made of dust, hydrogen gas, helium gas, and other ionized gases." The reason nebulae are so cool is because they are star nurseries! Yep, stars form in nebulae, because a nebula is made of the same stuff stars are made of. When stars are formed, the remaining material is formed into planets, moons, and other planetary system objects. Most nebulae usually stay the same shape over time. The only reason I can think of for nebulae to 'disappear' suddenly is if a supernova occured within, say, 2 million miles of the nebula. All the energy radiation of this massive explosion would blow away all the gas and dust of these nebulae, leaving us only with memories and pictures.

Here are some pictures of the most common (and beautiful!) nebulae.

Cat's Eye Nebula (this is a Planetary nebula)

Eagle Nebula. (this specific shot is of the 'Pillars of Creation'. This is a diffuse emission nebula, or 'H II region'.)

Horsehead Nebula (this is a Dark Nebula)

Ant Nebula (this is a bipolar planetary nebula)