Astronomy Picture of the Day ·

M2-9: Wings of a Butterfly Nebula

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for April 16, 2023 is “M2-9: Wings of a Butterfly Nebula,” an image. It is credited to Image Credit: Hubble Legacy Archive , NASA , ESA ; Processing: Judy Schm i dt. The original explanation runs about 142 words.

An elongated colorful nebula is shown elongated horizontally and pinched in the middle. In the very center is a bright source. Please see the explanation for more detailed information.
Credit: Image Credit: Hubble Legacy Archive , NASA , ESA ; Processing: Judy Schm i dt Shown from science.nasa.gov. Not hosted by OpenOrbit.

From the explanation

“Are stars better appreciated for their art after they die? Actually, stars usually create their most artistic displays as they die.”

— APOD editors, April 16, 2023

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date
April 16, 2023
Type
Image
Credit
Credit: Image Credit: Hubble Legacy Archive , NASA , ESA ; Processing: Judy Schm i dt
Copyright
No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length
About 142 words

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Topics in this entry

Nebulae

Topics are matched from words in the title and explanation.

On this day: April 16 in other years

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Source

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.