Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
nebula
noun
/ˈnɛb.jə.lə/
Definition
A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often serving as a nursery for new stars.
Examples
- The Orion Nebula is one of the most studied nebulae and is visible to the naked eye.
- Some nebulae form when stars explode, scattering their materials across space.
- A planetary nebula represents the final stage of a sun-like star’s life cycle.
Meaning
Nebulae are significant astronomical phenomena that can illuminate our understanding of the universe. They are often categorized based on their appearance and the processes occurring within them.
Synonyms
- cloud
- gas cloud
- interstellar cloud
- star-forming region