Nebula Facts for Kids

17 Nebula Facts For Kids

1. A nebula is an enormous cloud found in interstellar space made up of cosmic dust and gases, like hydrogen and helium.
2. A nebula looks like a big cloud in interstellar space, and some have brilliant colors and have recognizable shapes.
3. Nebulae play an important role in the evolution of the Universe by creating planets and stars.
4. A nebula can give birth to new stars or planets or be the remains of the colossal death of a massive star.
5. The first nebula to be discovered was the Dumbbell Nebula (NGC 6853) by French astronomer Charles Messier in 1764.
6. There are four different types of nebulae, dark nebulae, H II region nebulae, planetary nebulae, and supernova remnant nebulae.
7. A dark nebula is created by a high concentration of interstellar dust that blocks all light and objects behind it.
8. An example of a dark nebula is the Dark Horse Nebula.
9. A H II region nebula is created by giant molecular clouds (GMC) and contain ionized interstellar atomic hydrogen.
10. An example of a H II region nebula is the Orion Nebula (NGC 1976)
11. A planetary nebula is created by ionized gas being ejected for old red giant stars.
12. An example of a planetary nebula is the Cat’s Eye Nebula (NGC 6543).
13. A supernova remnant nebula is created by a supernova explosion caused by the death of a massive star.
14. An example of a supernova remnant nebula is the Crab Nebula (NGC 1952).
15. The largest known nebula is the Tarantula Nebula (30 Doradus) with a diameter of 550 light-years.
16. The smallest known nebula is the Jewel Bug Nebula (NGC 7027) with a diameter between 0.1 and 0.2 light-years.
17. The nearest known nebula to Earth is the Helix Nebula (NGC 7293) at around 655 light-years away.

Nebula Pictures

Pictures are one of the best ways for people to learning about something. That is why we are providing you with the below images to help you with your research on nebulae. Below you will find three pictures that represent nebulae. These pictures should help you better understand nebulae and what they look like.

A picture of the Crab Nebula NGC 1952.

A picture of the Soul Nebula Sh2 199, IC 1848.

A picture of the wizard Nebula NGC 7380.