Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Science

Ptah

(33,492 posts) Sun Apr 16, 2023, 08:38 PM Apr 2023

Astronomy Picture of the Day 2023 April 16 M2-9: Wings of a Butterfly Nebula

Last edited Sun Apr 16, 2023, 09:11 PM - Edit history (1)

Are stars better appreciated for their art after they die? Actually, stars usually create their most artistic displays as they die. In the case of low-mass stars like our Sun and M2-9 pictured here, the stars transform themselves from normal stars to white dwarfs by casting off their outer gaseous envelopes.

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230416.html