Telescope in Chile captures stunning new picture of a cosmic butterfly

A telescope in Chile has captured a breathtaking new image of a planetary nebula that resembles a graceful cosmic butterfly. The stunning picture, released by the National Science Foundation’s NOIRLab on Wednesday, was taken last month by the Gemini South telescope.

The nebula, officially known as NGC 6302 and popularly called the Butterfly Nebula, lies between 2,500 and 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. A light-year measures roughly six trillion miles.

At the center of the nebula is a white dwarf star that expelled its outer layers of gas long ago. These discarded gases now form the striking butterfly-shaped wings that glow under the heat of the aging star.

The astronomical target was selected by Chilean schoolchildren to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Gemini Observatory, adding a community-driven celebration to the celestial marvel.

This observation highlights both the beauty and complexity of planetary nebulae, offering scientists and the public alike a glimpse into the dramatic final stages of a star’s life.