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, located in the constellation Monoceros, is a vast region of glowing hydrogen gas and dust. This stellar ...
IC 5070 – Pelican Nebula
The name "Pelican Nebula" refers to the distinctive shape of the nebula that resembles a pelican. However, the nebula is ...
Messier 16 – Eagle Nebula
The Eagle Nebula, or Messier 16, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Serpens. One of its most iconic ...
Messier 42 – Orion Nebula
Messier 42, also known as the Orion Nebula, is a beautiful and awe-inspiring object in the night sky. It is ...
Messier 43 – De Marian’s Nebula
Messier 43, commonly known as De Mairan's Nebula, is an emission nebula located within the Orion constellation. It is a ...
Sharpless 086
Sh2-86 is an emission nebula in the Milky Way and has several designations: Sharpless 86 (shortened to Sh2-86) - This ...
Sharpless 131 – Elephant’s Trunk Nebula
The Elephant Trunk Nebula is a beautiful cosmic object due to its unique and fascinating shape, as well as the ...
Sharpless 142 – Wizard Nebula
The Wizard Nebula, or NGC 7380, is a fascinating emission nebula situated in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 7,000 light-years away ...
Sharpless 252 – Monkey Head Nebula
NGC 2174, also known as the Monkey Head Nebula, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Orion. It is ...
