NGC 6302, also known as the Butterfly Nebula or Bug Nebula, is a complex planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius, formed by a dying star ejecting gas and dust. Its distinctive butterfly shape is created by a dense, doughnut-shaped torus of dust that channels the star's outflow into bipolar "wings". The central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature over 250,000°C, and is hidden by the torus, while recent observations from Webb and ALMA have revealed intricate details of its hot and cold components.
Key characteristics
Type: Bipolar planetary nebula
Location: Constellation Scorpius, about 3,400 light-years away
Appearance: Resembles a butterfly or bug with intricate, glowing "wings" of gas
Central Star: A very hot white dwarf, hidden by a central dust torus
Structure: The torus constricts the star's outflow, creating the classic hourglass shape, with fast stellar winds sculpting the wings.
Composition: Shows rich chemistry, including complex carbon-based molecules and crystalline dust grains, with different colors indicating elements like hydrogen (red) and oxygen (blue).
How it formed
A massive star evolved into a red giant, shedding its outer layers.
A dense torus of gas and dust formed around the star's equator.
The star's intense radiation and fast stellar winds escaped through the poles, creating the bipolar "wings".
The central star is now a white dwarf, emitting intense radiation that makes the surrounding gas glow.
Comments