CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A telescope in Chile has captured a stunning new picture of a grand and graceful cosmic butterfly.
The National Science Foundation’s NoirLab released the picture Wednesday.
Snapped last month by the Gemini South telescope, the aptly named Butterfly Nebula is 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. A single light-year is 6 trillion miles.
At the heart of this bipolar nebula is a white dwarf star that cast aside its outer layers of gas long ago. The discarded gas forms the butterflylike wings billowing from the aging star, whose heat causes the gas to glow.
Schoolchildren in Chile chose this astronomical target to celebrate 25 years of operation by the International Gemini Observatory.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
latest_posts
- 1
Newly identified species of Tanzanian tree toad leapfrog the tadpole stage and give birth to toadlets - 2FDA claims on COVID-19 vaccine safety are unsupported by reliable data – and could severely hinder vaccine access
- 36 Eyewear Brands Worth Purchasing
- 4Understanding the Rudiments of Tree Administrations
- 5Step by step instructions to Recognize the Distinction Between Lab Jewels and Precious stone Simulants
- 10 Demonstrated Tips to Dominate Video Altering on Your Cell phone in 2023
- Top 20 Wellbeing and Wellness Applications for a Sound Way of life
- 'Malcolm in the Middle' reboot releases 1st trailer, reuniting Frankie Muniz and Bryan Cranston: Watch here
- The most effective method to Use an Internet Showcasing Degree for Advanced Predominance
- Ethiopian earthquakes and volcanic eruptions: earth scientist explains the link
- The pace of hiring just fell to the lowest since 2011, outside of the pandemic
- People who talk with their hands seem more clear and persuasive – new research
- Figure out How to Modify Your Pre-assembled Home for Greatest Solace and Stylish Allure
- US EPA will reassess safety of herbicide paraquat, says its chief
