NGC 3372

Diffuse Nebula NGC 3372 (= Lacaille III.5/III.6 = Caldwell 92), an emission nebula, in Carina

The Eta Carinae Nebula

[n3372uks.gif]
Right Ascension 10 : 43.8 (h:m)
Declination -59 : 52 (deg:m)
Distance 10.0 (kly)
Visual Brightness 1.0 (mag)
Apparent Dimension 120x120 (arc min)

This giant diffuse nebula is one of the largest H II regions (composed of ionized hydrogene gas) in our Milky Way galaxy.

The star forming nebula NGC 3372 has produced the very conspicuous peculiar star Eta Carinae, which is among the most massive and luminous stars in our Milky Way, and perhaps in the universe.

Our image was obtained by David Malin with the 1.2-meter UK Schmidt Telescope. It is copyrighted and may be used for private purpose only. For any other kind of use, including internet mirroring and storing on CD-ROM, please contact Coral Cooksley of the Anglo Australian Observatory.

  • More information on this image by David Malin

    In John Caldwell's observing list. In the Astronomical League's Southern Sky Binocular Club list.

    Bill Arnett's Eta Carinae and NGC 3372 photo page, info page.

    Hartmut Frommert (spider@seds.org)
    Christine Kronberg (smil@lrz.uni-muenchen.de)

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    Last Modification: 22 Mar 1998, 20:40 MET