Make Waves with the 2026 DIVE Earth Science Exam 1 Practice – Dive In and Discover!

When observing a nebula through a telescope, the most prominent feature you would encounter is the presence of interstellar gas and dust formations. Nebulae are vast clouds of gas and dust located in space, and they often serve as the regions where new stars are born or remnants of dead stars. The gases in these nebulae can be composed primarily of hydrogen, along with helium and other trace elements, and they can exhibit a variety of colors based on their composition and the light emitted from young, hot stars that are often found embedded in or near them.

In contrast, fast-moving planets or satellites are usually too small and relatively close to view in detail when focused on celestial phenomena like nebulae. While distant stars might be visible, they would not be the main attraction when viewing a nebula because the nebula's distinct structures and materials would be more prominent. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the unique features of nebulae that set them apart from other celestial objects.