Emission Nebulae

Emission nebulae are luminous clouds of ionized gas in space, primarily hydrogen. They glow brightly because nearby hot stars emit energetic ultraviolet light that strips electrons from the gas atoms. When these electrons recombine with the atoms, they release energy as visible light, creating the nebula's characteristic glow. These nebulae are often regions of star formation, where new stars are born from collapsing gas clouds. Their vivid colors and intricate shapes make them striking features in the cosmos, serving as both stellar nurseries and beautiful astronomical phenomena.