
HII regions
HII regions are vast clouds of ionized hydrogen gas found in space, often glowing brightly as new stars form within them. When massive, hot stars are born, their intense radiation strips electrons from nearby hydrogen atoms, creating a plasma that emits visible light. These regions act as cosmic nurseries, where new stars evolve. They are important for understanding stellar formation and the lifecycle of matter in galaxies. HII regions are commonly observed as glowing nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, showcasing the dynamic interactions between stars and their birth environments.