Planetary nebula M2-9

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Planetary nebula M2-9

Planetary nebula. Hubble space telescope image of the M2-9 bipolar planetary nebula, with its 2 pro- minent gas jets. Neutral oxygen is red, singly- ionized nitrogen is green & doubly-ionized oxygen is blue. The jets occur because of a huge ring of gas (not seen here) around the 2 stars at the centre of M2-9. The ring channels gas ejected from the stars at over 320 kilometres per second like the nozzle of a jet engine. M2-9 lies 2100 light years away in the Opiuchus constellation and was formed by a stellar outburst which occurred about 1200 years ago. Image taken by Hubbles Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 on 2 August 1997

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Media ID 6441967

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Planetary nebula M2-9, also known as the Butterfly Nebula. Taken by Hubble's Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 on 2 August 1997, this image reveals the intricate details of this celestial wonder. The M2-9 nebula is located approximately 2100 light years away in the Ophiuchus constellation. Its distinctive shape resembles a butterfly with two prominent gas jets extending from its center. The colors depicted in this photograph represent different elements: neutral oxygen appears red, singly-ionized nitrogen is green, and doubly-ionized oxygen shines blue. What makes this planetary nebula truly fascinating is its origin story. It was formed around 1200 years ago when a stellar outburst occurred at its core. This explosion created a massive ring of gas surrounding two stars that lie at the heart of M2-9 but are not visible in this particular image. These stars eject gas at an astonishing speed of over 320 kilometers per second through channels within the ring, resembling powerful jet engines propelling cosmic matter into space. As we gaze upon this breathtaking snapshot captured by Science Photo Library, we are reminded of both the immense power and delicate elegance found within our vast universe.

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