Planetary nebula in Scorpius
This is a good example of a bipolar planetary nebula--one with two lobes or projections pointing in opposite directions. It is also called the Butterfly Nebula because in some photos the two lobes resemble a butterfly's wings.
This nebula, also known as Caldwell 69, is located inside the curve made by the tail of Scorpius, the scorpion. It is so far south of the celestial equation that it never gets more than 12 degrees above the southern horizon here in Connecticut. I took these images on a hazy night when it was at its highest, and I was surprised that I could at least capture some details of its distinctive shape.
| Magnitude | 9.5 |
| Apparent Size | 1.4' x 0.4' |
| Distance (light yrs) | 3,400 |
| Right Ascension | 17:13.7 |
| Declination | -37 06 |
Image details: 17 exposures of 120 seconds, taken with a ZWO ASI2600MC Pro imager and a 14" Meade LX850 telescope at f/5.6.
April 2025