Astronomy Question: Differences Between Nebula and Death Star

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the differences between a nebula and a "death star," a fictional concept from popular culture. It includes definitions, characteristics, and comparisons of these two entities, touching on astronomical phenomena and their representations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe a nebula as a cloud of gas and dust, with examples including the Orion Nebula and the Crab Nebula, while noting that historically, the term referred to various fuzzy objects in the night sky.
  • One participant argues that there is no actual astronomical object known as a "death star," suggesting that a supernova is the closest real phenomenon, which results from the explosion of a massive white dwarf.
  • Another participant mentions that the shape of a nebula can indicate whether it is the remnant of a dead star or a cloud that has not yet collapsed into a star, citing the symmetrical nature of the Ring Nebula as an example.
  • Humorous remarks are made about the fictional nature of the "death star," with participants referencing quotes from the Star Wars franchise to illustrate the difference between a nebula and the fictional weapon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the concept of a "death star," with some acknowledging its fictional status while others engage in light-hearted banter. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the significance of the differences between the two concepts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a mix of scientific definitions and fictional references, which may lead to confusion regarding the comparison. The use of humor and quotes from popular culture adds a layer of complexity to the conversation.

ultranet
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I want to know what is different between nebula and a death star?
 
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Nebula is the latin word for cloud. It can refer either to star forming regions ( example: Orion nebula), or to the region surrounding a neutron star (Crab nebula), or the end stage of a star like our sun (Ring nebula). Historically, that word was used to denote anything that appeared "fuzzy" (like a cloud) in the night sky, including the objects that we call today as galaxies.

Technically, there is nothing known as a death star. The object that comes closest to such a description is probably a supernova, and it refers to "explosion" that occurs when a massive white dwarf (at least 1.5 times the mass of the sun) yields to its own gravity. In the end you're left with a neutron star (or pulsar) with material from the star pushed out to form a supernova remnant (again, the example is the crab nebula, aka M1).

Just google these terms; you're bound to get a lot of links to educational websites.

Here something to start with http://astro.nineplanets.org/twn/types.html
 
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You can usually tell by the shape if you're looking at the remnants of a dead star or a just a cloud that hasn't collapsed into one. Ie, the ring nebula is a pretty symmetrical ring, and it would be tough to get something like that from an amorphous cloud collapsing into a star.
 
russ_watters said:
You can usually tell by the shape if you're looking at the remnants of a dead star or a just a cloud that hasn't collapsed into one. Ie, the ring nebula is a pretty symmetrical ring, and it would be tough to get something like that from an amorphous cloud collapsing into a star.

Just adding to what russ said: You need to use a good (not necessarily big) telescope/binoc... (I think) I've seen the Andromeda galaxy and I have seen Omega Centauri, but I couldn't find any difference between the two! :smile:
 
ultranet said:
I want to know what is different between nebula and a death star?

When you approach a nebula, you say,

"That's no moon, it's a cloud of gas and dust."
 
SpaceTiger said:
When you approach a nebula, you say,

"That's no moon, it's a cloud of gas and dust."

"Naw, It's too small to be a cloud of gas and dust. Turn the ship around.":biggrin:
 
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The difference between a nebula and a death star is that Darth Vader never used a nebula as a weapon. :)
 

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