NGC 6303
NGC 6303 is a planetary nebula located in the constellation Scorpius. It is approximately 3,600 light-years away from Earth and is known for its striking appearance, which includes a bright central star surrounded by a colorful shell of gas and dust. The nebula is also referred to as the Red Spider Nebula due to its distinctive shape and vibrant colors.
Discovered by William Herschel in 1786, NGC 6303 is a relatively young nebula, with an estimated age of around 2,000 years. It is classified as a bipolar nebula, exhibiting two lobes of material that extend outward from the central star. This unique structure provides valuable insights into the processes of stellar evolution and the life cycle of stars.