A spooky bat has been spotted flying over the European Southern Observatory's (ESO's) Paranal site in Chile (Image: ESO)

Astronomers have revealed a stunning image of a vast cosmic cloud. The structure resembles a bat spreading its luminous wings across space. Captured by the European Southern Observatory's VLT Survey Telescope, it stuns scientists worldwide.

The Nebula's Hidden Glow

The "cosmic bat" lies nearly 10,000 light-years from Earth. It rests between the constellations Circinus and Norma in our Milky Way. The nebula glows as young stars energise surrounding hydrogen gas. Their intense radiation makes the cloud shine with eerie brilliance.

Wings of Dust and Light

Dark filaments of dust weave through the glowing gas region. These dusty streaks carve the illusion of enormous and outstretched wings. The area spans the width of four full moons in the sky. The image was taken using the 268-megapixel Omegacam instrument.

A Timely Halloween Vision

Image was released on 31 October 2025, thrilled stargazers globally. Its haunting shape fits perfectly with Halloween's mysterious mood. Astronomers describe it as an example of cosmic pareidolia. Humans can recognise shapes within random celestial patterns.

Beyond the Bat

Despite its spooky form, the nebula is a cradle of creation. It contains newborn stars and active gas and dust clouds. Scientists are optimistic that further research will show how such stellar nurseries change. This radiant cosmic bat makes us see that beauty is present in the chaos of the universe.