Nebulae
There are several types of objects that come under the heading nebulae. Planetary Nebulae were so called because they resembled planets in early telescopes. They have nothing to do with planets, but rather are the death stage of stars similar to our Sun. Supernovae are also represent the death of stars, but much more massive ones. Emission Nebulae normally represent the birth place of stars and glow red due to the action of the heat of these very hot stars on the surrounding dust and gas. Reflection Nebulae reflect the light of not so hot nearby stars and are blue in colour. Dark Nebulae are not illuminated by embedded or nearby stars, but obscure starlight and so they look black.
Planetary Nebulae & Supernovae
![]() M1/Crab |
![]() M1/Crab |
![]() M1/Crab |
![]() M27/Dumbbell 12" |
![]() M27/Dumbbell 8" |
![]() M57/Ring 10" |
![]() M57/Ring 12" |
![]() M57/Ring 8" |
![]() M76/L. Dumb. |
![]() M97/Owl |
![]() M97/Owl |
![]() NGC6781 |
![]() NGC688/Crescent |
![]() NGC6888/Cresc. |
![]() NGC6992 |
![]() NGC7293/Helix |
![]() NGC7662 |
![]() IC443 |
Emission Nebulae
Reflection Nebulae
![]() M78 |
![]() NGC1977/R.Man |
Dark Nebulae
![]() B33/VMC260 |
![]() B33/Horsehead |
![]() B33/Horsehead |