Cosmic Perspectives from Amid the Stars:
Astronomy Blog

Nebulae are among the most visually stunning sights in our universe. A nebula is simply a cloud of gas and dust found in outer space, and their varied shapes and colors make them spectacular phenomena for night sky viewing. They also play important roles in the life cycle of stars, as both a place of birth and a place of death.

Have you ever wondered where to point your telescope? If you’ve ever looked into a listing of astronomical objects, you’ve likely noticed that many of the galaxies, nebulae, and more are labeled with an M followed by a number. That means the object in question is part of the Messier Catalog, a listing of 110 astronomical objects used worldwide that features some of the best targets for any telescope.