Cosmos can be an intriguing place sometimes. It is home to many unusual planetary occurrences which can be a real treat to look at. Recently, the universe witnessed a spectacular image when the ESO or the European Southern Observatory picked up on an extremely large object using its large telescope. It seemed to be located some 3,000-6,500 light-years away, situated in the constellation of Vela. The technical name for the object is NGC 2899. However, it is the first time ever in history that it has shown off its butterfly shape.
This structure takes its shape because of the gases and the gravity that acts on it. Astronomers have explained this phenomenon as the spilling of gas and dust at the end of a star’s life. This occurrence often emerges out to be a nebula shaped like a butterfly which marks a milestone in the life of a star. It is known to take an incredibly long time to process but ends up being a treat to the eyes. The butterfly structure that the very large telescope picked up, seems to be an important part of the planetary formation.
The ESO was quoted saying that the NGC 2899 is a gas structure that has the capacity to extend up-to two light-years. The structure reaches temperatures above ten thousand degrees due to the radiations from the neighboring parent stars. Many astronomers are shaken by the symmetrical shape of the nebula. However, they explain it by stating how the two central stars push out and give off the gas in a symmetrical pattern.
These occurrences are often thought to mark the commencement of a new system. Moreover, they take a long time to form and gain its structure. It is definitely a thing of luck and fate to be able to witness such a sight occurring some thousand light-years apart. Seeing a butterfly floating in the abyss is indeed a sight to thank our lucky stars for!
