nebula

A nebula is a cloud-like object in space made up of gas and dust.

We often hear about nebulas when we talk about stars and galaxies. When astronomers want to describe the birthplace of new stars, they use the word "nebula". They usually refer to specific types like supernova remnants or dark nebulae that can block our view of distant stars. Sometimes, the term "nebula" is also used in science fiction stories and movies when describing spaceships or alien worlds surrounded by a misty atmosphere, but this use is less common than the scientific one.