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Eta Carinae
Eta Carinae is the most luminous star known in our galaxy. It radiates
energy at a rate that is 5 million times that of the Sun. Observations
indicate that Eta Carinae is an unstable star that is rapidly boiling
matter off its surface. Some astronomers think that it could explode
as a supernova any time! At a distance of 7,000 light years from Earth,
this gigantic explosion would pose no threat to life but it would
be quite a show.
| Fast Facts for Eta Carinae: |
| Credit |
NASA/CXC/SAO |
| Scale |
Image is 100 arcsec on a side. |
| Category |
Normal Stars & Star Clusters |
| Coordinates (J2000) |
RA 10h 45m 04s | Dec -59° 41' 03" |
| Constellation |
Carina |
| Observation Dates |
September 6, 1999
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| Observation Time |
3 hours |
| Obs. IDs |
50
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| Color Code |
Both - Thermal and Intensity |
| Instrument |
ACIS |
| Distance Estimate |
7,500 light years |
| Release Date |
October 08, 1999 |
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