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> NGC 3372, Eta Carinae nebula
NGC 3372, Eta Carinae nebula
author: J.Lodriguss/Novapix
reference: a-neb33-72003
Image Size 300 DPI: 21 * 14 cm
This nebula is larger than the Great Nebula in Orion, but is not visible from most northern latitudes. It is a giant complex of emission and dark nebulae surrounding the unique variable star Eta Carinae, which scientists believe is the most massive and energetic star in the Milky Way galaxy. Located about 8,500 light years from the Earth, the star is about 100 times as massive as our own Sun, but produces 6 million times the light output. It was observed producing a remarkable burst of X-ray emissions that doubled its X-ray output in only four months. In the 1840's, Eta Carinae erupted visibly and was the second brightest star in the sky during this time.
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