Concept in Definition ABC

The word we analyze can be understood in two ways: in the context of the astronomy and in its figurative sense.

In astronomy

When a cloud of dust and some type of gas forms in space, a nebula is produced. Nebulae float in space and stars can be born from them due to the effect of gravity. Most of them are hundreds of light years across. diameter.

These structures are spectacular, but they are very sparse and with different characteristics. In this way it is possible to distinguish:

1) those of emission, which are those that emit light by themselves because they are composed of ionized gas (the Orion nebula or M42 are examples of this modality).

2) Those of reflection They are the ones that do not produce light by themselves, but they are visible because they reflect the light of other nearby stars (the Witch's Head nebula is one of the best known among astronomers).

3) The dark ones do not produce light and neither reflect it, so they are very difficult to observe (one of them is the Nebula Head of horse or the so-called Sack of coal).

4) There are also planetary nebulae and, contrary to what is believed, they do not give rise to solar systems Rather, they show the end of life for some stars (the Eye of God and the Ring Nebula are examples of they).

5) The so-called Supernova remnants are a type of nebula and are the remains of a large explosion related to the end of life of some stars (the Crab Nebula is a clear example of this phenomenon).

On synthesis, nebulae in space can be the beginning or end of a stellar cycle.

The constellation Orion is one of the few nebulae that can be seen with the naked eye

It is considered as the constellation more easily recognizable in the night sky. It is in the area of ​​our galaxy that is most active in terms of training of stars. It is estimated to be 15 light years wide and forms a huge cloud made up mostly of hydrogen.

In a figurative sense

The phenomena of nature make it possible to create similarities with moods or ideas. Thus, we say that someone is tormented when he suffers intensely or that he shines like the Sun when he lives a very positive stage in his life. Something similar happens with the word nebula. If someone is very confused and cannot clarify his ideas, it can be said that he is immersed in a nebula.

In the language current is used the phrase leave in nebula, which is equivalent to not clarifying a situation or leaving an issue unresolved.

Photo: Fotolia - nasa

Themes in Nebula