What classification is used for the Carina Nebula due to its gas being predominantly ionized hydrogen?
Answer
H II region
The Carina Nebula is classified as an H II region. This classification is directly tied to its primary composition: the gas within the nebula is mostly ionized hydrogen. The ionization process occurs when intense ultraviolet radiation emitted by the hot, young stars forming within the nebula strip electrons from the hydrogen atoms, causing the gas to glow brightly. This characteristic glow is the defining feature of H II regions, which are dynamic stellar nurseries actively undergoing intense star formation driven by the energy of newly formed massive stars.
Related Questions
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