Bug Nebula (NGC 6302)
Bug Nebula (NGC 6302) is a planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius, magnitude 9.6, 44″ across.
A bright, bipolar planetary nebula in Scorpius with one of the hottest known central stars; telescopes show an elongated bar of light.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around July, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in June). It can be seen from everywhere south of 53°N and never sets south of 53°S.
At its highest it stands 3° up from 50°N, 18° up from 35°N, 53° up from the equator, 88° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Planetary nebula
- Constellation
- Scorpius
- Designations
- NGC 6302, C 69, Butterfly Nebula
- Magnitude
- 9.6
- Apparent size
- 44″
- Position
- RA 17h 13.7m, Dec −37° 6′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Bug Nebula (NGC 6302) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.