spiral nebula
The term "spiral nebula" was historically used to describe what we now know as spiral galaxies, a discovery clarified in the 20th century.
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Definition
C2Astronomy
(historical, obsolete)An early term for a galaxy with a spiral structure, used before it was understood that these objects are galaxies outside the Milky Way.
Example
- Before Edwin Hubble's discoveries, astronomers referred to the Andromeda Galaxy as a spiral nebula.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "spiral nebula":