How does a nebula typically appear when viewed by the naked eye or through basic binoculars?

Answer

As faint, ghostly smudges of greyish-white

Due to the very diffuse nature of nebulae, the human eye, which requires a certain light intensity to perceive color, usually sees them only as faint, colorless smudges.

How does a nebula typically appear when viewed by the naked eye or through basic binoculars?
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