What Is a Nebula?

Nebulae are far away from Earth. We know what they look like because scientists use powerful telescopes to capture images of them. A nebula can take many different forms and shapes, but where did these stunning dust clouds come from?
Comprehension Questions:
1. What is a nebula made of?
2. How do scientists capture images of nebulae?
3. True or False: Nebulae can take many different forms and shapes.
4. Name one way a nebula can form.
5. Learning more about nebulae can help us better understand the lifecycle of stars, including our _______ - the most important star to our life here on Earth.
Answer Key:
1. Dust and gas or hydrogen and helium
2. [Powerful] telescopes
3. True
4. From the gas and dust of an exploded star or regions where new stars are beginning to form (supernova)
5. Sun
Learn more at
spaceplace.nasa.gov/nebula/en/
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