ScienceJuly 4, 2026
nebula
/ˈnɛbjʊlə/
Definition
A historical term formerly used by astronomers to describe any fuzzy, cloud-like object in the night sky, which in this specific context refers to what was later identified as a distant galaxy.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin word 'nebula', meaning 'mist,' 'fog,' or 'cloud.' It entered English to describe hazy celestial objects before modern telescopes allowed for more precise identification.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how Edwin Hubble identified the Andromeda nebula, later realizing it was actually a separate galaxy, which fundamentally shifted our understanding of the scale of the universe.
Space science has come a long way since July 4, 1776. Here's a look back at the saga
Read the full article ↗Space