Nebulas are mostly gaseous regions of space where star formation is happening. They can also be the remnants of a supernova or dying star. A more ominous type is called a "dark" nebula - a region of gas and dust that blocks starlight. Here are some brief facts about these nebulas:
The Eagle Nebula is a star forming gas and dust region in the constellation Serpens, famous for having the "Pillars of Creation".
The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus. It corresponds to a bright supernova explosion in 1054 AD that was seen worldwide.
Helix is a relatively close planetary nebula in the constellation Aquarius. It is sometimes referred to as the "Eye of Sauron".
Trifid has three types of nebulae in one. It is located in Sagittarius and is home of the "unicorn".
Horsehead is a dark nebula resembling a horse's head outlined by a pink background. This one is located in Orion.
Cat's Eye is a planetary nebula in the constellation Draco. It was the first to be observed with a spectroscope. It has concentric rings that look like an eye.
California is a massive emission nebula in Perseus. Long exposure photos of the nebula make it look like the state of California. It also transits in the zenith above California.
Lagoon is a large emission nebula in Sagittarius. One of only two visible to the naked eye, it is home to multiple Bok globules and a centrally-located "Hourglass" nebula.
The Ant Nebula is young planetary nebula in the constellation Norma, resembling the head and thorax of an ant. It holds a white dwarf with a binary companion.
Eskimo is a bipolar double-shell planetary nebula in constellation Gemini, resembling a person's head surrounded by a parka.
Tulip is an emission nebula near microquasar Cygnus X-1. It resembles a reddish tulip when imaged photographically.
The Jellyfish Nebula is a supernova remnant in Gemini. It has both a neutron star and a star forming region, with the core arcing ridge attached by "tentacles" of dust.
Pacman is a faint glowing emission nebula in Cassiopeia. The dark dust in the foreground is Pacman's mouth.
Thor's Helmet is a bubble-shaped emission nebula in Canis Major. It has complex filamentary structures, with interstellar material blown by winds from a central star.
Spirograph is a bright planetary nebula in the constellation Lepus. Its glow is caused by the star's UV radiation interacting with gas.
Butterfly is a planetary nebula in Scorpius with a pair of lobes resembling butterfly wings. Its central white dwarf star is one of the hottest known.
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor rossian before going online.
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