Posted on 09/06/2011 3:35:28 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
Explanation: To some, the outline of the open cluster of stars M6 resembles a butterfly. M6, also known as NGC 6405, spans about 20 light-years and lies about 2,000 light years distant. M6 can best be seen in a dark sky with binoculars towards the constellation of Scorpius, coving about as much of the sky as the full moon. Like other open clusters, M6 is composed predominantly of young blue stars, although the brightest star is nearly orange. M6 is estimated to be about 100 million years old. Determining the distance to clusters like M6 helps astronomers calibrate the distance scale of the universe.
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[Image Credit & Copyright: Sergio Eguivar Buenos Aires Skies]
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It does look like a butterfly! Ooooh, sparkly!
I don’t see a butterfly, rather a warrior with a sword and shield, squaring off against his opponent. Rorschach would be proud.
Made me think of this quote (don’t know why):
“Little girls, like butterflies, need no excuse.” - Robert A. Heinlein, “The Notebooks of Lazarus Long.”
If you live up in the northern tier of states, don’t go trying to see this unless you got a flat horizon. Down South, it’s low enough, up there, it hugs the ground.
It’s a great site on a dark night.
Made me think of those two upthread (don’t know why)
“Little girls, like butterflies, need no excuse.” - Robert A. Heinlein, “The Notebooks of Lazarus Long.”
That is funny.. my “ooh, sparkly” quote came right out of my five year old daughter’s mouth. Yes.. she loves butterflies!!
Maybe old ladies and moms need no excuse either.
Not to be confused with the Venus Butterfly . . . .
To stare off into space, mumbling about things that patently do not exist? Nah, ya'll do not need an excuse. But given the source--definitely a free pass.
It’s comforting to know that I get a pass as I enter my dotage, Fred. ;-)
Or Iron Butterfly.
Looks like firefly to me.
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