Nebulae

Tarantula nebula

A massive star cluster illuminates its parent cloud
NGC 2070 is the massive star cluster seen here illuminating its parent cloud, part of the Tarantula nebula in a companion galaxy to the Milky Way. (michael allen)

Dumbbell nebula

The Dumbbell, or Messier 27, is a planetary nebula
The Dumbbell, or Messier 27, is a planetary nebula. A planetary nebula is ejected atmosphere of a low mass star at the end of its fusion stage. (michael allen)

Tarantula nebula

Gaseous filaments at the heart of the Tarantula nebula (katherine upton)
Gaseous filaments at the heart of the Tarantula nebula. (katherine upton)

Crab nebula

The Crab nebula, or Messier 1, is a supernova remnant in the constellation of Taurus.
The Crab nebula, or Messier 1, is a supernova remnant in the constellation of Taurus.
(michael allen)

Orion nebula

The Orion str forming region.
The great nebula in Orion is the nearest region to our Sun where high mass stars are forming. The inner face of the gas cloud is illuminated by foreground stars.
(sarah nehring)

Swan nebula

The Swan nebula
The brightest portion of the Swan nebula, or Messier 17, glows with gas lit by new stars and bordered by dark dust clouds.
(michael allen)