The Butterfly Nebula from Hubble
Explanation:
Stars can make beautiful patterns as they age -- sometimes similar to flowers or
insects.
NGC 6302, the
Butterfly Nebula, is a notable
example.
Though its gaseous wingspan covers over 3
light-years
and its estimated surface temperature exceeds 200,000 degrees
C,
the aging central star of NGC 6302, the featured
planetary nebula,
has become exceptionally hot, shining brightly in
visible and
ultraviolet
light but
hidden from direct view by a dense torus of dust.
This sharp close-up was recorded by the
Hubble
Space Telescope and is processed here to show off remarkable
details of the complex
planetary nebula, highlighting
in particular light emitted by
oxygen (shown as blue),
hydrogen (green), and
nitrogen
(red).
NGC 6302
lies about 3,500 light-years away in the
arachnologically
correct constellation of the Scorpion
(
Scorpius).
Planetary nebulas
evolve from outer atmospheres of stars like our
Sun,
but usually fade in about 20,000 years.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
