Gas clouds are large collections of gas and dust found in space. They are primarily made up of hydrogen and helium, along with other elements and compounds. These clouds can vary in size and density, and they often serve as the birthplace of new stars and planets. When regions within a gas cloud become dense enough, they can collapse under their own gravity, leading to the formation of celestial bodies. Some well-known examples of gas clouds include the Orion Nebula and the Carina Nebula. These regions are often observed by astronomers using telescopes, as they can emit light in various wavelengths. Gas clouds play a crucial role in the life cycle of galaxies, contributing to the ongoing process of star formation and the evolution of the universe.