Tangled constructs of dust, gas, and light, nebulae are among the most beautiful and erratic of space phenomena. These glowing expanses of ionized gasses and dust can easily be one of the most enjoyable and free vessels for artistic expression. Beyond a reasonable adherence to physics (often better considered than ignored) nebulae are surprisingly open to interpretation. Since most people have only seen them through the lens of false-color photography, just about anything can be made believable—and thereby even more spectacular—with a decent level of detail and at least a nod towards their physical structure. Surprising to some, nebulae are more than just a splash of color in the night sky. Their very existence is due to intricate interactions between their component parts, a subtle dance of light and energy that results in several types of nebula. There are many ways to classify these luminous structures, most commonly based on their physical properties or manner of creation. When thinking about them in terms of art, however, a schema that broadly classifies them based on how they deal with light * seems more appropriate.
|
* It is important to note that when the term “light” is discussed here, it may transcend the visible spectrum. Since many of the images seen in popular media are false-color, x-ray, or even infrared spectrum imagery, the term “light” is stretched to cover any energy that can be construed as a lightening element when translated through artwork. |
Emission Nebulae are luminous entities composed of energized gasses. The highly charged state of the gases is dependant on their surroundings; either the stars near them are exciting the gas in some fashion, or the nebulae themselves are the result of an event of magnitude. Supernova Remnants, for example, are emission nebulae, and are usually some of the most exciting in terms of color and vivacity. When a dying star of sufficient mass collapses inwards in the final stages of its death throes, it sometimes erupts in an explosion known as a nova, or in the case of larger stars, supernova. Material is hurled forth in this process, spreading out in a wave of highly energized gas. The Helix Nebula is a good example of this (see below). The Rosette Nebula is also an emission nebula, but a supernova remmnant. It shines due to a collection of gas that exists in an excited state due to the stars nearby. |
 |
|
 |
Reflection Nebulae, as the name implies, are visible largely due to the reflection of light off their dusty composition. Often seen as ghostly apparitions in the sky, reflection nebulae are absolutely fantastic for alluding to depth and volume. Unlike the charged gasses in emission nebulae, reflection nebulae deal with their component light sources up front, constructing fantastic inner spaces that are lit or in shadow depending on the position of their light sources. These nebulae are the most dramatic and awe-inspiring of the three because, unlike emission or dark nebulae, they are literally edifices in space, spanning millions upon millions of miles. They are the cumulonimbus of nebulae. One such example, the Bug Nebula, is particularly dazzling. With its wildly energetic veils of light and rich golden hues, the Bug Nebula looks like it would almost be more at home in a renaissance painting rather than in space. On the other end of the spectrum, they can also be the cirrus clouds of nebulae, wispy and diaphanous, like the Reflection Nebula in Orion (left). This incredible range makes them immensely interesting and, in terms of composition, incredibly versatile subject matter. |
|
|
 |
|
3D Total
Homepage
|
