Astronomers using the small optical telescopes available in the 1700’s thought such nebulae were planets like Jupiter, Saturn and the recently-discovered Uranus. The fact that they did not show the same motion as planets caused come confusion. Later, as the ability to observe and measure improved, astronomers were able to ascertain that these phenomena were in fact very large and very far away, not planets at all. However, the name “planetary nebula” stuck, transferring the confusion from science into language.
As your own abilities to observe and measure improve, as you are able to discern more sharply what was before only a fuzzy image, it may be found helpful to bring your language up to a more specific and accurate form of expression.
Astronomers using the small optical telescopes available in the 1700’s thought such nebulae were planets like Jupiter, Saturn and the recently-discovered Uranus. The fact that they did not show the same motion as planets caused come confusion. Later, as the ability to observe and measure improved, astronomers were able to ascertain that these phenomena were in fact very large and very far away, not planets at all. However, the name “planetary nebula” stuck, transferring the confusion from science into language.
As your own abilities to observe and measure improve, as you are able to discern more sharply what was before only a fuzzy image, it may be found helpful to bring your language up to a more specific and accurate form of expression.