|
Credit & Copyright: Chandra X-ray Observatory,
NASA
Explanation:
Eta Carinae is the one of the most luminous star systems in
our Galaxy,
radiating millions of times more power than
our Sun.
Eta Carinae is also
one of the strangest star systems known,
brightening and fading greatly since the early 1800s.
Recently, the
Chandra Observatory observed
Eta Carinae in
X-ray light, adding even more
unanticipated pieces to this enigmatic puzzle.
Pictured above, a horseshoe-shaped outer ring about two
light-years across has been
discovered surrounding a hot core
measuring three light-months across.
One thing appears likely: these structures were caused by
collisions involving matter expelled from the center at supersonic speeds.
Speculation continues that
Eta Carinae will be seen to undergo a
supernova explosion sometime in the next thousand years.
|
January February March April May June July August September October November December |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Eta Carinae
Publications with words: Eta Carinae
See also: