What element constitutes the vast majority of gas in cosmic clouds?
Answer
Hydrogen
Elemental hydrogen makes up the overwhelming majority of the gaseous component within these celestial formations, often exceeding 90% of the total gas content. Following hydrogen, helium accounts for most of the remainder. Trace amounts of heavier elements, which astronomers term 'metals,' are also present, having originated from previous generations of stars that lived and died before these clouds formed their current stellar populations.
#Videos
Nebulae: Crash Course Astronomy #36 - YouTube
Types of Nebulae - Clouds of Gas and Dust - YouTube
Related Questions
What is the most recognized term for a general cosmic gas cloud?What element constitutes the vast majority of gas in cosmic clouds?Why do Reflection Nebulae often appear blue when illuminated?What process creates a Planetary Nebula?What is the defining visual characteristic of a Dark Nebula?How does a nebula specifically relate to a general interstellar cloud?How are very cold, non-luminous molecular clouds primarily observed?What materials primarily compose the solid dust grains in nebulae?What causes the distinctive red glow often seen in Emission Nebulae?What event results in the formation of a Supernova Remnant?