Carina Nebula (NGC 3372)
The majestic Carina Nebula is one of the largest and brightest star-forming regions in the Milky Way. This HOO-palette image highlights regions rich in hydrogen (Hα) and oxygen (OIII), revealing the clouds of gas and dust that shape massive stars. In the center, the intense glow of the star Eta Carinae can be seen, a massive and luminous binary star system surrounded by structures sculpted by stellar winds.
It is believed that it was discovered by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in 1751-1752, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope.
This nebula is approximately 7,500 light-years from Earth.
Equipment used
• Askar APO103 telescope
• ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera
• ZWO AM3 mount
• Processing in PixInsight + Photoshop
• Bortle Sky 7–8 – Maceió/AL
• 107x30s – Optolong L-Quad-Enhance filter
• 100x30s – Optolong L-Quad-Enhance with 3D printed cross mask to produce spikes on the stars.