Actually, the nebulae tend to look the things they are named after. Constellations, less so. The big and little dipper, and the southern cross are notable exceptions to that.
The names of nebulae were mostly given either before photography (and the eye does not see colors so well at low light levels) or when photos were black and white. With color photography, things can look quite different. Often more spectacular, but not always as implied by the name. The ring nebula is still a ring in color and even more beautiful to behold.
face.less_b 5 months ago
Release the nebulous Kraken!
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member 5 months ago
The Spleen Nebula.
Its just me 5 months ago
The only one that looks like it’s name is the southern cross.
Baslim the Beggar Premium Member 5 months ago
Actually, the nebulae tend to look the things they are named after. Constellations, less so. The big and little dipper, and the southern cross are notable exceptions to that.
The names of nebulae were mostly given either before photography (and the eye does not see colors so well at low light levels) or when photos were black and white. With color photography, things can look quite different. Often more spectacular, but not always as implied by the name. The ring nebula is still a ring in color and even more beautiful to behold.Ellis97 5 months ago
I think they named it that because of the constellations.
tcumming 5 months ago
I heard that it was named after a mother-in-law
CaveCat87 5 months ago
Don’t forget the Horsehead Nebula, it actually does look like a horse’s head.
alanoodle 5 months ago
Squid nebula is already a thing and it really does look like a squid.
Buckaroobanzai 5 months ago
the buckaroo banzai nebula ! no matter where you go, there it is !