In a remarkable display of cosmic beauty, the Gemini South telescope in Chile has unveiled a mesmerizing image of the Butterfly Nebula, a celestial phenomenon located 2,500 to 3,800 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. The National Science Foundation’s NoirLab released the image on Wednesday, showcasing the nebula’s grand and graceful structure, which resembles the wings of a butterfly. This stunning visual was captured last month as part of a celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the International Gemini Observatory. The Butterfly Nebula, formally known as a bipolar nebula, is illuminated by a white dwarf star at its core. This aging star shed its outer layers of gas long ago, and the expelled material now forms the nebula’s expansive, glowing wings. The heat from the star causes the gas to radiate, creating the ethereal glow visible in the image. The astronomical target was chosen by schoolchildren in Chile, adding a touch of local engagement to this scientific milestone. The Gemini Observatory continues to contribute to our understanding of the universe, offering breathtaking glimpses into the cosmos.