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Stunning Butterfly Nebula Image Celebrates Gemini Observatory's 25th

11/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The National Science Foundation's NOIRLab released a striking image of the Butterfly Nebula captured in Chile.
The Butterfly Nebula is officially known as NGC 6302.
Glowing wings form from gas expelled by a white dwarf at the nebula's center.
The image was selected by local students to celebrate the International Gemini Observatory's 25th anniversary.
The Butterfly Nebula lies 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away in the Scorpius constellation.

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Story summary

The National Science Foundation's NOIRLab released a striking image of the Butterfly Nebula captured in Chile.
The Butterfly Nebula is officially known as NGC 6302.
Glowing wings form from gas expelled by a white dwarf at the nebula's center.
The image was selected by local students to celebrate the International Gemini Observatory's 25th anniversary.
The Butterfly Nebula lies 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away in the Scorpius constellation.