C69 · planetary nebula

Bug Nebula

NGC 6302 is a bipolar type planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius.

RA17h 13m 44sDec−37° 06' 11"

Image: NASA / GSFC. Source: GSFC via images.nasa.gov.

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: C69
All designations: C69 · NGC 6302 · Bug Nebula
Object type: Planetary Nebula
Constellation: Scorpius
Best viewing: Summer

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 17h 13m 44s
Declination (J2000): −37° 06' 11"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

NGC 6302 is a bipolar type planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius. The structure in this planetary nebula is among the most complex ever seen in any planetary nebulae. The spectrum of Butterfly Nebula shows that its central star is one of the hottest stars known, with a surface temperature in excess of 250,000 degrees Celsius. This implies that the star from which it formed must have been very large in order to become this hot.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0