Nebulae and Other Star Birthplaces

This page focuses on the captivating nebulae and other cosmic structures that form stars, many of which have interesting nicknames! Each listing lists the constellation that the star-forming region is in, and some listings might have a link to an image from Hubblesite.org, NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day, or another website. A feature that is listed as "a group of stars" is also known as an asterism. [No asterisms are currently featured on this page features a comprehensive listing in numeric order; coming soon!]
— Updated January 2019 (Calabash, Eagle, and Pacman nebulae)

Know of a fascinating nebula or star-forming region that I have not mentioned yet? Please feel free to leave a comment with your suggestion!

Diffuse, Emission, & Reflection Nebulae
Bubble Nebula - NGC 7635
This bubble-like emission nebula is found in Cassiopeia and located not too far west of Cepheus.
Click the image to view it larger.
Image source: Hubblesite.org; Other credits: Hubble Heritage Team (↗), AURA (↗), STScI (↗), and NASA (↗)
Larger image resolutions from Hubblesite (↗)

Cocoon Nebula - IC 5146 and Caldwell 19
     Constellation: Cygnus | NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day (↗)

Cone Nebula - part of NGC 2264
     Constellation: Monoceros | NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day (↗)

Crab Nebula - M1 and NGC 1952
     Constellation: Taurus

Eagle Nebula - M16 and NGC 6611
     Constellation: Serpens

Heart Nebula - IC 1805; brightest section known as NGC 896
     Constellation: Cassiopeia

Lagoon Nebula - M8 and NGC 6523
     Constellation: Sagittarius | Hubblesite (↗)

Orion Nebula - M42 and NGC 1976
     Constellation: Orion

Pacman Nebula - IC 11 and NGC 281
     Constellation: Cassiopeia

Statue of Liberty Nebula - NGC 3576
     Constellation: Carina | NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day (↗)
          Amazing Astronomy blog post (↗)

Swan (Omega) Nebula - M17 and NGC 6618
     Constellation: Sagittarius

Trifid Nebula - M20 and NGC 6514
     Constellation: Sagittarius

Witch Head Nebula - IC 2118 - near Rigel, the 0.18-magnitude star
     Constellation: Orion
          Amazing Astronomy blog post (↗)

M43 - NGC 1982
     Constellation: Orion


Protoplanetary (Preplanetary) Nebulae
Calabash Nebula - Rotten Egg Nebula
     Constellation: Puppis | ESA/Hubble (↗)

Egg Nebula - CRL 2688 and RAFGL 2688
     Constellation: Cygnus | Hubblesite (↗)


Planetary Nebulae
Ant Nebula - Mz (Menzel) 3
     Constellation: Norma | Hubblesite (↗)

Cat's Eye Nebula - NGC 6543
     Constellation: Draco

Dumbbell Nebula - M27 and NGC 6853
     Constellation: Vulpecula | Hubblesite (↗)

Helix Nebula - NGC 7293
     Constellation: Aquarius

Owl Nebula - M97 and NGC 3587
     Constellation: Ursa Major | NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day (↗)

Ring Nebula - M57 and NGC 6720
     Constellation: Lyra | Hubblesite (↗)
     Amazing Astronomy blog post (↗)


Star-Forming Regions that are not nebulae
LH 95 - stellar nursery
This highly-productive wonder is a star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It is located in the constellation Dorado (the Swordfish).
Click the image to view it larger.
Image source: Hubblesite.org; Other credits: Hubble Heritage Team (↗), AURA (↗), ESA (↗), STScI (↗), and NASA (↗) | Larger image sizes from Hubblesite (↗)