The nebula 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. In the 1840's, Eta Carinae erupted visibly and was the second brightest star in the sky during this time.
Scientists continue to monitor the star for more outbursts.
Cirrus caused halos around brighter stars. All rights reserved. They may not be reproduced, published, copied or transmitted in any form, including electronically on the Internet or World Wide Web, without written permission of the author. Thank you for respecting the intellectual property rights protected by the Copyright laws of the United States and new International Copyright treaty. These images are digitally watermarked.