spiral nebula

noun

, Astronomy.

1. (formerly) a spiral galaxy.

Example Sentences

Hubble also used Leavitt’s Cepheid variable technique to measure cosmic distances, this time by finding the variable stars in the spiral nebulae themselves.

From Science News

Curtis was an older, well-respected authority on spiral nebulae, as well as a gifted speaker.

From Science News

The most interesting specimen of a spiral nebula is situated in Canes Venatici.

From Project Gutenberg

Around and around they would whirl in a spiral nebula, till one got a head start on a race for home and mother.

From Project Gutenberg

The hypothesis, therefore, that our universe is a spiral nebula has much to be said for it.

From Project Gutenberg

It is even suggested that the spiral nebula 162 originated by disruption of one star by a swift-moving passing star.

From Project Gutenberg

The spiral nebula is evidently the standard type, and the condensing nebula must conform to it.

From Project Gutenberg