spacesplains

Spacesplains are a hypothetical type of celestial body that combines characteristics of both planets and nebulae. The concept suggests a vast, relatively flat expanse of gas and dust, possibly containing proto-planetary material, that exists within the vacuum of space. Unlike a planet, which is a solid or gas-dominated sphere, a spacesplain would be diffuse and irregularly shaped. Its composition would likely be similar to that of a nebula, rich in hydrogen, helium, and heavier elements.

The term "spacesplain" is not a formally recognized astronomical classification. It is more of a speculative idea, often appearing in science fiction or theoretical discussions about the early universe or exotic cosmic phenomena. The existence of such formations would require specific conditions that are not currently understood to be common. They might arise from the incomplete gravitational collapse of interstellar clouds or from the unusual distribution of matter in certain cosmic environments.

If spacesplains were to exist, they could potentially serve as nurseries for star and planet formation, similar to nebulae. However, their proposed "plain-like" structure distinguishes them from the more commonly observed spherical or filamentary nebulae. The precise physical processes that would lead to the formation and stability of a spacesplain remain subjects of theoretical inquiry, as no observational evidence currently supports their existence. Their diffuse nature would make them difficult to detect using conventional astronomical methods.