Gemini Observatory unveils stunning Butterfly Nebula for 25th anniversary

The International Gemini Observatory has released a new image of the Butterfly Nebula to mark its 25th anniversary. The picture was taken last month by the Gemini South telescope in Chile. Schoolchildren in Chile selected the nebula as the astronomical target for the celebration. The Butterfly Nebula lies in the constellation Scorpius, between 2,500 and 3,800 light-years from Earth. A single light-year equals 6 trillion miles. At its centre sits a white dwarf star, which has shed its outer layers of gas to form the nebula’s distinctive butterfly-like wings.

The heat from the white dwarf causes the surrounding gas to glow, creating the nebula’s bright appearance. The National Science Foundation’s NoirLab published the image on Wednesday, showcasing the nebula’s intricate structure in detail. The release of the image highlights the observatory’s ongoing work in astronomy. The Butterfly Nebula’s unique shape and glowing gas make it a striking subject for study. The anniversary celebration involved local schoolchildren in the selection process.