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The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a breathtaking new portrait of the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302), unveiling hidden details in its fiery core. From its dense, dusty torus to powerful outflowing jets, Webb’s observations showcase a never-before-seen look at this dynamic planetary nebula located 3,400 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius.
A Cosmic Transformation: What is the Butterfly Nebula?
Planetary nebulae like the Butterfly Nebula form when Sun-like stars reach the end of their life cycles, shedding their outer layers into space. Despite the name, planetary nebulae have nothing to do with planets—early astronomers simply thought they looked round, like distant worlds.
The Butterfly Nebula, however, is far from round. It is a bipolar nebula, with two enormous wings of gas expanding outward in opposite directions, separated by a dark, dusty band. This central band acts like the insect’s body and hides the dying star at the nebula’s heart.
Webb’s Breakthrough View.
Earlier, the Hubble Space Telescope revealed striking images of NGC 6302, but Webb’s infrared vision has gone further. Using its Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), Webb has penetrated the thick dust, zooming into the nebula’s central torus.
- Central Star Discovery: For the first time, researchers identified the exact location of the nebula’s central star, hidden within a glowing cloud of heated dust. This stellar remnant is among the hottest known central stars of planetary nebulae, blazing at 220,000 Kelvin.
- Dust Composition: Webb detected crystalline silicates (like quartz) and irregular dust grains, some as large as a millionth of a metre—evidence that these particles have been growing for thousands of years.
- Layered Gas Structure: Different ions appear in layers, with the most energetic gases near the centre, while elements like iron and nickel trace powerful jets shooting in opposite directions.
Discovery of Organic Molecules.
One of the most exciting findings is the detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—complex carbon-based molecules that form flat, honeycomb-like structures. On Earth, PAHs are found in smoke and soot, but here, Webb spotted them forming in an oxygen-rich nebula—a first in astronomical research. Scientists believe they emerged when a stellar wind burst through surrounding gas, reshaping the nebula.
Why It Matters.
This discovery not only explains the shaping mechanisms behind planetary nebulae but also provides new insights into how organic molecules form in space—processes that may be linked to the chemical origins of life.
International Collaboration.
The James Webb Space Telescope is the largest and most powerful space observatory ever built, developed in partnership between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). ESA contributed the NIRSpec spectrograph and 50% of MIRI, alongside arranging the launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket.
Conclusion.
The Butterfly Nebula’s wings are more than just a celestial showpiece—they are windows into the violent, beautiful death of stars and the cosmic recycling that spreads elements across the galaxy. Thanks to Webb, astronomers now have their clearest view yet of this spectacular nebula’s hidden heart.