Emission nebulae are interstellar clouds of gas and dust that emit light in various wavelengths due to the excitation of their atoms by high-energy radiation, such as ultraviolet light from nearby hot stars. When an atom in the nebula is excited by this energy, it absorbs the energy and then releases it in the form of light of a specific wavelength, creating a bright emission line in the nebula's spectrum. The most common type of emission nebulae are H II regions, which are clouds of ionized hydrogen gas. H II regions are typically found in the vicinity of hot, young stars that emit intense ultraviolet radiation. The radiation ionizes the gas atoms in the nebula, stripping them of their electrons and causing them to emit light in various colors, such as red, blue, and green. Emission nebulae can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, from small knots of gas and dust to large, diffuse clouds that span hundreds of light-years. They often have intricate structures, with filaments and loops of gas and dust that are sculpted by the strong radiation and magnetic fields within the nebula.
Caldwell 49 – Rosette Nebula
The Rosette Nebula, situated in the constellation Monoceros, is a vast region of glowing hydrogen gas and dust illuminated by the open star cluster NGC 2244, creating its distinctive rosette-shaped appearance ...
IC 1396A – Elephant’s Trunk Nebula
IC 1396A, also known as the Elephant's Trunk Nebula, is a dark globule and star-forming region located in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 2,400 light-years away from Earth, reaching its annual culmination at astronomical midnight mid August. More likely Around August 14th ...
IC 5070 – Pelican Nebula
The Pelican Nebula, located in the constellation Cygnus, is approximately 1,800 light-years away from Earth and reaches its annual culmination at astronomical midnight early August. Specifically around August 4th ...
Messier 16 – Eagle Nebula
The Eagle Nebula, also known as Messier 16, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Serpens, renowned for its striking "Pillars of Creation," vast columns of interstellar gas and dust where new stars are forming ...
Messier 42 – Orion Nebula
The Orion Nebula is a diffuse nebula in the Orion constellation and a well-known region of star formation, where an active region of interstellar matter can be found that is illuminated by young, hot stars ...
Messier 43 – De Marian’s Nebula
Messier 43, De Mairan's Nebula, is an emission nebula situated within the prominent Orion constellation ...
Sharpless 086
Sharpless 86 is a bright emission nebula in the constellation Cepheus, located approximately 2,100 light-years away from Earth ...
Sharpless 142 – Wizard Nebula
The Wizard Nebula (NGC 7380) is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 5545 light-years from Earth. It reaches its annual culmination at astronomical midnight in early September. September the 2nd to be more concrete ...
Sharpless 236 – Tadpole Nebula
Sharpless 236, also known as IC 410 or the Tadpole Nebula, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Auriga, approximately 2185 light-years away from Earth, reaching its annual culmination at astronomical midnight mid. December ...
Sharpless 252 – Monkey Head Nebula
NGC 2174, known as the Monkey Head Nebula, is a visually captivating emission nebula located in the constellation Orion, characterized by its intricate structures of ionized hydrogen gas illuminated by nearby young stars ...
Sharpless 277 – Flame Nebula
The Flame Nebula (SH2-277) is an illuminated emission nebula located in the constellation Orion, characterized by its striking reddish hues and intricate, flame-like structures ...
