What is the Latin origin and meaning of the term 'nebula'?
Answer
Mist or cloud
The term nebula originates from Latin and translates directly to 'mist' or 'cloud.' This etymology accurately reflects the visual appearance of these objects as ethereal, hazy structures spread across space when observed through telescopes. Fundamentally, a nebula is defined as a giant cloud composed of interstellar gas and dust spread out across the void between stars.
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