28 gorgeous nebula photos that capture the beauty of the universe

Nebulas, which are both hubs of star birth and products of stars' demise, explode and transform with light and color as the stellar life cycle unfolds within them. These giant clouds of dust and gas fill the space between stars and long captivated skywatchers with their ethereal beauty, making their way into astronomical records from more than 1,000 years ago.

Here's a look at 28 of the most breathtaking nebulas in the universe, and what makes them special.