Bipolar Nebula NGC 6302 Imaged in Real-Time, Stunning Final Result

Taken with my Seestar S30 Pro in EQ mode with 60 second exp time in Bortle 4 sky. Final photo at end was processed in the Seestar app. The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is a striking bipolar planetary nebula located roughly 3,400 light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. Its glowing "wings" of superheated gas span over 3 light-years, stretching across space at speeds exceeding 965,000 km/h (600,000 mph). At the core of the nebula lies the ancient remnant of a dying star that was once about five times the mass of our Sun. This white dwarf is one of the hottest known stars in the galaxy, with a surface temperature exceeding 250,000°C (400,000°F). The butterfly (or hourglass) shape is created by a dense, doughnut-shaped torus of dust and gas that encircles the star. This thick belt pinches the star's stellar outflows, forcing the expanding gas to blast outward in two opposite directions, forming the iconic wings. Watch deep space telescope footage of the Sadr region in Cygnus. See how astronomical observation software tracks stars and nebulae. This video documents a live session using telescope tracking software to locate specific celestial targets. It provides a clear look at the interface used for horizontal calibration and the continuous recording process involved in deep space astrophotography. Whether you are setting up your own rig or interested in how star field tracking functions, this footage demonstrates the practical application of alignment tools. By observing the Finding Sadr sequence, you can see how the system maintains focus on distant nebulae. The recording highlights the challenges and precision required for clear astronomical observation. Understanding how telescope software manages horizontal calibration is essential for anyone attempting to capture stable, long-exposure images of the night sky. Subscribe for weekly astrophotography setup breakdowns and comment below which celestial target you want to see tracked next.