Eta Carinae
Eta Carinae Nebula - NGC 3372
NGC 3372, commonly known as the Carina Nebula, is a stunning celestial beauty that never fails to captivate stargazers and astronomers alike. This is a two panel SHO image of the Eta Carinae Nebula that was shot between the 25th to the 28th of January, 2023. This was my first attempt at a mosaic and it was such a great learning experience. For the imaging process, I would have preferred to use RGB stars however the run of cloudy nights has prevented me from gathering the data. Each panel has 4 hours of data across the three narrowband filters.
Located in the southern constellation Carina, this stellar nursery is a hotbed of intense star formation and cosmic activity. Stretching over 300 light-years across, it showcases a mesmerizing tapestry of glowing gas clouds, stellar clusters, and colorful nebulous regions. At its heart lies the enigmatic Eta Carinae, a massive young star system whose explosive behavior has reshaped its surrounding nebula over the centuries. With its intricate filaments, distinctive pillars of dust, and dazzling star clusters, NGC3372 offers a transcendent window into the awe-inspiring wonders of the universe. Whether observed through telescopes or immortalized in astrophotography, the Carina Nebula continues to inspire curiosity and wonder about the vastness and beauty of our cosmos.
Target Details
Radius: 230 light years
Distance to Earth: 8,500 light years
Coordinates: RA 10h 45m 08.5s | Dec -59° 52′ 04″
Apparent magnitude (V): +1.0
Constellation: Carina
Acquisition Details
Each panel
48 x 300” (4h) - Sii
48 x 300” (4h) - Ha
48 x 300” (4h) - Oiii
Hardware
Imaging Telescope: William Optics ZenithStar 73 / ZS73
Imaging Camera: ZWO ASI1600MM
Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Filters: Antila H-alpha,Oiii, Sii 3nm 1.25".