What is the Difference Between Nebula and Galaxy?

The main difference between a nebula and a galaxy lies in their size, structure, and composition. Here are the key differences:

• Size: Nebulae are clouds of dust and gas, usually tens to hundreds of light years across, while galaxies are much larger, typically ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of light years across.
• Structure: Nebulae are one of the many components that make up galaxies, along with stars, black holes, cosmic dust, and dark matter. Galaxies have a central core around which all matter contained within their boundaries rotates.
• Composition: Nebulae are composed of interstellar dust, ionized gases, and basic elements like hydrogen and helium. Galaxies, on the other hand, are huge collections of stars held together by gravitational forces and contain star systems, star clusters, and interstellar dust.
• Location: Nebulae are present inside galaxies, while galaxies cannot be contained within a nebula.
• Lifespan: Galaxies have a longer lifespan than nebulae, as their life is connected to the life of several stars, whereas the life of a nebula is associated with the life of only one star.

In summary, nebulae are clouds of dust and gas, while galaxies are large collections of stars and other celestial objects. Nebulae are components of galaxies, and they are much smaller in size compared to galaxies.

Comparative Table: Nebula vs Galaxy

Here is a table highlighting the differences between a nebula and a galaxy:

In summary, nebulae are relatively small clouds of gas and dust, often formed by a star's death, while galaxies are massive collections of stars, planets, gas, and dust held together by gravitational forces. Nebulae typically have a shorter lifespan compared to galaxies, which can exist for billions of years.