Carina Nebula (NGC 3372)
Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) is an emission nebula in the constellation Carina, magnitude 3.0 (blue), 2.0° × 2.0° across.
A huge, bright emission nebula around the unstable giant star Eta Carinae, larger and brighter than the Orion Nebula; visible to the naked eye, with a dark V-shaped dust lane and the Keyhole Nebula at its heart.
When and where to see it
It is best placed in the evening sky around April, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in February). It can be seen from everywhere south of 30°N and never sets south of 30°S.
At its highest it stands below the horizon from 50°N, below the horizon from 35°N, 30° up from the equator, 65° up from 35°S.
Facts
- Type
- Emission nebula
- Constellation
- Carina
- Designations
- NGC 3372, C 92, Eta Carinae Nebula
- Magnitude
- 3.0 (blue)
- Apparent size
- 2.0° × 2.0°
- Position
- RA 10h 45.1m, Dec −59° 52′ (J2000)
Open AstroPilot to see when Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.