diffuse nebula An irregularly shaped cloud of interstellar gas or dust whose spectrum may contain emission lines (see emission nebula) or absorption lines characteristic of the spectrum of nearby illuminating stars (see reflection nebula). Well known diffuse nebulae include the Orion Nebula, Lagoon Nebula, the Trifid Nebula, and the Omega Nebula. Related category • NEBULAE AND STAR CLUSTERS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |