Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302) Facts, Formation, Location

NGC 6302, known as the Butterfly Nebula, is a spectacular bipolar planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius. The nebula’s butterfly structure is formed by ejected material from a dying star. NGC 6302 is located 3,800 light-years from Earth and estimated to be 2,000 years old. Its wings extend 3 light-years from the star and consist of gas clouds expanding at 100 km/s.

The central star of the Butterfly Nebula is the hottest known star in the universe, with a surface temperature reaching 222,204°C (400,000°F). The nebula’s wings formed 900 years ago, while features range from 1200 to 2300 years in age. Edward Emerson Barnard discovered the Butterfly Nebula in 1888 using the Lick Observatory’s 36-inch refracting telescope.

The Butterfly Nebula is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its coordinates are Right Ascension 17h 13m 44.2s and Declination -37° 06′ 15.9″. Astronomers observe the Butterfly Nebula as a sky target during hemisphere summer months.

The Butterfly Nebula consists of gas expelled by its star, containing ionized hydrogen, helium, and elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The nebula’s hottest regions reach 200,000 Kelvin. Dust particles in the nebula form from gas molecules, with oxygen-bearing silicate molecules contributing to infrared emission. The expanding shell has a radius of 0.5 parsecs and an expansion velocity of 20-30 km/s.

What is a Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302)?

NGC 6302, known as the Butterfly Nebula, is a spectacular bipolar planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius. Ejected material from a dying star forms its butterfly-like structure. Astronomers consider NGC 6302 one of the complex planetary nebulae observed, located 3,800 light-years from Earth. The nebula’s age is estimated at 2,000 years.

Butterfly nebula wings consist of two symmetrical lobes of gas and dust. The wings extend 3 light-years from the star. Gas clouds expand at a speed of 100 km/s. Butterfly nebula gas is composed of ionized hydrogen and helium. The gas reaches temperatures between 36,000 and 220,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Radiation from the central star excites the gas, creating a plasma.

Butterfly nebula formed 1,000 to 2,000 years ago. The star exhausted its fuel and shed its layers into space. James Edward Keeler discovered the Butterfly Nebula in 1888 using the 36-inch refracting telescope at Lick Observatory. James Dunlop observed the nebula in 1826 during his survey of southern celestial objects.

Butterfly nebula wallpapers are favored among astronomy enthusiasts. Desktop backgrounds feature the nebula’s colors and intricate structure. The nebula’s appearance appeals to both experts and non-experts.

What type of nebula is Butterfly Nebula?

Butterfly Nebula is a bipolar planetary nebula. NGC 6302 exists 3,800 light-years from Earth. Bug Nebula or Caldwell 69 forms when a star expels outer layers, creating wing structures. Butterfly Nebula contains ionized gas, hydrogen and helium. John Herschel discovered it in 1834. Hubble Space Telescope and Large Telescope have conducted observations.

What is the temperature of Butterfly Nebula?

Butterfly Nebula’s central star reaches 220,000 Kelvin, one of the universe’s hottest known stars. Nebula itself ranges from 10,000 to 20,000 Kelvin. Some regions hit 100,000 Kelvin. Temperature varies across gas and dust structure. Intense ultraviolet radiation from central star heats surrounding material, causing glow.

Gas in the “wings” of the Butterfly Nebula reaches temperatures of 36,000°F (20,000°C). Radiation from the superhot central star heats the surrounding gas to these temperatures. The heated gas expands outward at speeds exceeding 600,000 mph, creating the nebula’s butterfly shape.

Butterfly Nebula images reveal colors and structures shaped by the intense heat and radiation. The Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of NGC 6302 in 2009, showcasing its complex details. Butterfly Nebula wallpaper images have become popular among astronomy enthusiasts due to their beauty.

What is the radius of Butterfly Nebula?

Butterfly Nebula’s radius measures 0.6 light years. NGC 6302’s diameter spans 1.2 light years, equating to 11.3 trillion kilometers or 7 trillion miles. Butterfly Nebula’s radius equals 3.4 trillion astronomical units. Astronomers determined the radius through observations of angular size and distance from Earth. Butterfly Nebula is small compared to other planetary nebulae.

What is the magnitude of Butterfly Nebula?

Butterfly Nebula, known as NGC 6302, has an apparent magnitude of 7.1. Magnitude of 7.1 is reported for NGC 6302. M76 designation shows a visual magnitude of 10.1. Magnitude measurements differ between sources, due to varying observation methods or nebula’s changing brightness over time.

What are interesting facts about the Butterfly Nebula?

NGC 6302, known as the Butterfly Nebula, is one of the most complex planetary nebulae seen. Located in Scorpius constellation, it spans 3 light-years. The star reaches 200,000 Kelvin, 200 times hotter than the Sun. Professor Bruce Balick’s team observed its mass loss and structure using the Hubble Space Telescope.

The interesting facts about the Butterfly Nebula are listed below.

• Wings of the Butterfly Nebula: The Butterfly Nebula stretches 3 light-years across, with wings spanning about 2 light-years in diameter. The Butterfly Nebula’s wings formed 900 years ago, while other features range from 1200 to 2300 years in age.
• Bipolar planetary nebula: NGC 6302 exemplifies a bipolar planetary nebula, characterized by its symmetrical structure.
• Central star of the Butterfly Nebula: A dying star remnant lies at the center of the Butterfly Nebula, possessing a mass five times that of our Sun. Stellar winds from the Butterfly Nebula’s central star are reshaping the surrounding gas and dust.
• Hottest star in the universe: The central star of the Butterfly Nebula is the hottest known star in the universe, with a surface temperature reaching 222,204°C (400,000°F).
• Glowing clouds: The star at the center of the Butterfly Nebula is ejecting its outer gas layers into space, creating glowing clouds.
• Discovery of the Butterfly Nebula: Edward Emerson Barnard discovered the Butterfly Nebula in 1888, located in the Scorpius constellation.
• Composition of the Butterfly Nebula: Spectroscopic analysis of the Butterfly Nebula reveals a mix of elements, including hydrogen, helium, and heavier elements.
• Hidden companion star: Studies suggest the Butterfly Nebula has a hidden companion star, influencing the nebula’s shape and evolution.
• Images of the Butterfly Nebula: NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of the Butterfly Nebula in 2009, commemorating the 19th anniversary of Hubble’s launch. The James Webb Space Telescope studies the Butterfly Nebula in detail, offering insights into planetary nebula formation and stellar life cycles.

How was the Butterfly Nebula formed?

The Butterfly Nebula formed when a dying star ejected its outer layers of gas and dust into space. Powerful stellar winds shaped the ejected material into two lobes. Gravitational interaction with a companion star caused bipolar outflow, creating the butterfly shape. The nebula spans 3 light-years and contains ionized hydrogen and helium at 10,000 Kelvin.

Gravitational shapes the expelled material into a bipolar outflow. A star orbiting the central star exerted a gravitational tug on the nebula. Interacting winds between the stars formed the distinctive nebular lobes. Dense gas and dust created a disc around the central star. The expanding material interacted with the surrounding interstellar medium, shaping the nebula’s structure.

The Butterfly Nebula’s lobes extend symmetrically from its center. Ionized gases in the nebula glow brightly, creating its appearance. The central star continues expelling gas at high velocities, contributing to the evolution of the nebula’s shape.

What shape is the Butterfly Nebula?

Butterfly Nebula exhibits a butterfly-like shape with two symmetrical lobes extending from a central core. Nebula’s hourglass structure resembles butterfly wings. Lobes measure 3 light-years long and 1.5 light-years wide. Total extent spans 6 light-years across. Hubble Space Telescope captured resolution images revealing structure and morphology.

The Butterfly Nebula exhibits an hourglass form with a ‘“waist” between two expanding sections. The nebula’s wings consist of concentric shells of gas and dust, forming a complex structure. The northern wing exceeds the southern wing in size and length, with the main lobe measuring 2.5 times the size of the smaller lobe. The nebula’s lobes are expanding at a rate of 20-30 km/s, contributing to its evolving shape.

The Butterfly Nebula’s shape was formed 1,000 years ago when the central star exhausted its fuel and shed its outer layers. The nebula measures 3.5 light-years in diameter and continues to expand and evolve since its formation. The star, with a mass of 0.64 solar masses, plays a role in shaping the nebula through its rotation and material ejection.

How did Butterfly Nebula get its name?

Butterfly Nebula received its name from astronomers due to its hourglass shape resembling butterfly wings. NGC 6302, another name for the nebula, is formed when a star like our sun expands into a giant, shedding its outer layers. The nebula measures 3 light-years across and contains a pair of stars at its center.

The nebula’s appearance features a central body resembling a butterfly’s torso, surrounded by the wing-like formations. These wings are formed by gas and dust expelled from the central star during its final stages of life. The symmetrical nature of these projections gives the nebula a harmonious look, enhancing its butterfly-like appearance. The Butterfly Nebula’s shape and resemblance to a butterfly make it one of the recognizable objects in the night sky, measuring 3.5 light-years in diameter.

In which constellation is the Butterfly Nebula located?

The Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302) is located in the constellation Scorpius. Scorpius is a prominent southern sky constellation, recognizable by its scorpion shape. Hubble observations revealed details of the Butterfly Nebula’s structure. The nebula features symmetrical wings and a central torus, resulting from a star’s final evolutionary stages.

The ‘coordinates of the Butterfly Nebula in the Scorpius constellation are Right Ascension 17h 13m 44.2s and Declination -37° 06′ 15.9″. The nebula is situated 3,800 to 4,000 light-years from Earth. Astronomers observe the Butterfly Nebula as a sky target during northern hemisphere summer months.

The Butterfly Nebula in Scorpius (NGC 6302) is distinct from the Butterfly Nebula in Cygnus. The Cygnus Butterfly Nebula, known as M76 or the Little Dumbbell Nebula, is located around 3,000 light-years away from Earth.

In which galaxy is the Butterfly Nebula located?

The Butterfly Nebula, also known as NGC 6302, is located in the Milky Way galaxy. NGC 6302 lies in the constellation Scorpius. Astronomers have studied this planetary nebula using the Hubble Space Telescope. Observations have revealed its butterfly-like shape and complex bipolar outflows. The nebula’s coordinates are 17h 13m 44.2s, -37° 06′ 15.2″ (J2000).

How far is Butterfly Nebula from Earth?

Butterfly Nebula lies 3,800 light-years from Earth. NGC 6302 is located in the constellation Scorpius. European Space Agency’s Gaia spacecraft measured the distance using parallax method. Gaia Data Release 2 in 2018 provided the measurement with a 10% margin of error. Butterfly Nebula is a bipolar planetary nebula with a distinctive butterfly-like shape.

How to find Butterfly Nebula through a telescope?

To find Butterfly Nebula through a telescope follow the steps listed below.

• Identify the constellation Scorpius in the night sky using star charts.
• Locate the star Shaula at the stinger of the Scorpius constellation.
• Aim your telescope northwest of Kappa Scorpii using the star as a reference point.
• Use high-power eyepieces to view the complex structure of the Butterfly Nebula.
• Equip your telescope with narrowband or OIII filters to enhance visibility through gas.
• Choose a telescope with strong light-gathering power to counteract light pollution.
• Allow your eyes to adjust to darkness for 20-30 minutes before locating the nebula.
• Use specialized equipment for astrophotography to capture exposure images of the nebula.
• Stack and process multiple exposures with image processing software for detailed enhancement.
• Compare your observations with high-resolution Hubble Space Telescope data for accuracy.

What is a Butterfly Nebula made of?

Butterfly Nebula consists of gas expelled by its central star. Nebula’s gas contains ionized hydrogen, helium, and elements like oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Butterfly shape forms from strong stellar winds sculpting gas into two wings. Hottest regions reach 200,000 Kelvin. Nebula extends 3 light-years from the star.

Dust particles in the Butterfly Nebula form from condensed gas molecules. Oxygen-bearing silicate molecules contribute to infrared emission. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons cause ultraviolet emission. The expanding shell has a radius of 0.5 parsecs and an expansion velocity of 20-30 km/s.

Ultraviolet radiation from the central white dwarf star ionizes and heats the surrounding gas. The nebula’s “wings” consist of hot gas exceeding 36,000°F. Elements include hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon compounds. The Butterfly Nebula formed 10,000-20,000 years ago during the final stages of its progenitor star’s life.

What is the surface area of a Butterfly Nebula?

The surface area of the Butterfly Nebula has not been measured. Astronomers have determined several dimensions of this celestial object. The Butterfly Nebula displays a wingspan of 3 light-years across. Its span across the sky reaches 100 light-years. Resolution images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope reveal a width of 2.7 light-years, equivalent to 0.8 parsecs. These measurements provide a sense of the nebula’s scale without offering a definitive surface area calculation. The Butterfly Nebula’s structure and expansion make precise surface area determination challenging. Astronomers continue to study the Butterfly Nebula’s details through advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope.

What is at the center of the Butterfly Nebula?

Butterfly Nebula’s center contains a pair of stars in a close binary system. White dwarf remnant forms the central star, creating gas jets. Jets interact with surrounding material, generating dust and gas structures. Hourglass-shaped region surrounds the center, hidden in visible light but visible in infrared. Star has 0.6 solar masses.

The central star is believed to be part of a binary system. Two stars orbit at the nebula’s core, hidden from direct view by a thick equatorial disk of dust and gas. Gravitational interactions between these stars have shaped the nebula’s appearance. The companion star drew material from the primary star as it evolved, triggering the ejection of gas that formed the nebula.

The white dwarf at the center unleashes radiation and stellar winds into the surrounding space. These forces sculpt and energize the ejected gas, forming the nebula’s bipolar lobes that resemble butterfly wings. The Butterfly Nebula formed around 1,000 years ago when the central star underwent a transformation. Gases were ejected at speeds up to 1,000 km/s, resulting in the nebula’s expansion to 3 light-years across.