4.3
Apparent Mag7,500
Distance (ly)O/WR
Spectral Type35,000
Temperature (K)Eta Carinae is one of the most massive and luminous stars known. In 1843, it briefly became the second-brightest star in the sky during the Great Eruption. It is expected to explode as a supernova.
Stellar Data
Apparent Magnitude4.3
Absolute Magnitude-12
Distance7,500 light-years
Spectral TypeO/WR
Temperature35,000 K
Luminosity5,000,000 L☉
Radius240 R☉
Mass120 M☉
Right Ascension10h 45m 03.6s
Declination-59° 41′ 04.0″
ConstellationCarina
Notable Facts
- Eta Carinae briefly became the second-brightest star in the sky in 1843
- It is about 5 million times more luminous than the Sun
- The Homunculus Nebula was created by its Great Eruption