Description
The Butterfly Nebula, known as NGC 6302, is a vibrant interstellar gas cloud situated approximately 3,500 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. This stunning nebula was created by the explosive death of a star at its centre, scattering surrounding gas and dust into a vast, intricate network of cosmic clouds.
The nebula’s distinctive shape and structure feature a pair of lobes resembling butterfly wings, separated by a narrow waist. The central star, a Wolf-Rayet star, is a massive, hot celestial body that has exhausted its fuel sources and is nearing the end of its life cycle.
As a prime example of a planetary nebula, the Butterfly Nebula forms when a star sheds its outer layers into space, creating a vast, glowing cloud of gas and dust. This process is a natural part of a star’s life cycle, marking the transition from a main-sequence star to a white dwarf remnant.
The Butterfly Nebula is a sought-after target for astronomers and astrophotographers due to its striking appearance and complex structure, offering insights into the processes that shape the universe.
The artist found inspiration in the Butterfly Nebula’s transformational beauty, cosmic dance, and celestial evolution. The nebula’s unique shape, vibrant colours, and complex structure evoke a sense of wonder and awe, making it a captivating subject for artistic interpretation and expression.
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