Emission Nebulae

An emission nebula is a cloud of gas and dust in space that emits its own light. These nebulae are often regions where new stars are forming. The gas in the nebula is ionized by the ultraviolet radiation from nearby hot stars, causing it to glow.

Formation of Emission Nebulae

Emission nebulae are formed from the gas and dust that make up the interstellar medium. The intense ultraviolet radiation from nearby hot stars ionizes the atoms in the nebula, causing them to emit light. This process is known as fluorescence.

Characteristics of Emission Nebulae

Color: Emission nebulae often appear red or pink due to the emission of light from hydrogen atoms, but they can also emit light in other colors depending on the composition of the gas and dust.
Size: Emission nebulae can range in size from a few light-years to hundreds of light-years across.
Composition: They are primarily composed of hydrogen gas, along with other elements such as helium, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Famous Emission Nebulae

Some well-known emission nebulae include the Orion Nebula, the Trifid Nebula, and the Lagoon Nebula. These nebulae are often visible in telescopes and are popular targets for amateur astronomers.

Study Guide

When studying emission nebulae, it is important to understand the process of ionization and how it leads to the emission of light. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the different types of emission nebulae and their characteristics. Be able to recognize some famous examples of emission nebulae and understand their significance in the study of star formation.

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Construct an explanation from evidence for the processes that generate the transformation of rocks in Earth’s crust, including chemical composition of minerals and characteristics of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Earth and Human Activity

Engage in argument from evidence to defend how coastal, marine, and freshwater sources (e.g., estuaries, marshes, tidal pools, wetlands, beaches, inlets, rivers, lakes, oceans, coral reefs) support biodiversity, economic stability, and human recreation.