What causes the sculpted, complex shapes like pillars seen in emission nebulae?

Answer

Density variations, magnetic fields, or the presence of obscuring dust clouds

Although the ionization field is generally spherical, variations in the density of the gas, magnetic fields, or embedded dark dust clouds sculpt the glowing material into complex forms.

What causes the sculpted, complex shapes like pillars seen in emission nebulae?

#Videos

What Makes Emission Nebulae Glow In Distinct Colors? - YouTube

What Makes Emission Nebulae Glow So Brightly? - Physics Frontier

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