Eta Carinae: 2D Images to 3D Models

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Eta Carinae: 2D Images to 3D Models

Component • January 25th, 2022

This visualization showcases the multiwavelength emissions and three-dimensional structures surrounding Eta Carinae, one of the most massive and eruptive star systems in our galaxy.

Two of NASA’s Great Observatories, the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, have observed Eta Carinae using visible, ultraviolet, and x-ray light, as well as in the Hydrogen alpha emission line. These 2D portraits have been modeled by astronomers and artists to create a 3D visualization that brings the telescope images to life.

The sequence presents the layered model one wavelength region at a time, and builds up the complex nested structure. The viewer gets a full 360-degree view and can assemble a complete mental model that aids interpretation of the NASA observations.

Credits: J. Olmsted, D. Player, L. Hustak, J. DePasquale, G. Bacon, F. Summers (STScI), NASA, ESA

Music: “Sleepy Frieda”, Maarten Schellekens, CC BY-NC 4.0

Alternate Videos

Eta Carinae: The Great Eruption of a Massive Star

Eta Carinae: Simple 3D Rotation (unannotated)

Making of Eta Carinae and the Homunculus Nebula in 3D

Eta Carinae in ViewSpace

Interactively view Eta Carinae across the spectrum.

Find out how different telescopes show us different faces of Eta Carinae.

ViewSpace offers engaging journeys into many astronomy topics. To find out more about stars similar to Eta Carinae check out these video collections:

Massive Stars

Star Life & Death

Images

Visible Light (Hubble)

Multi-Wavelength (Hubble, Chandra)

Full Collection of Images

Printable Lithograph (PDF)

X-Ray Light (Chandra)

Infrared Light (Spitzer)

AAS WorldWide Telescope View

3D Printing

3D Print Eta Carinae

Hold Eta Carinae in your hand by making your own 3D print of the Homonculus Nebula!

Make 3D prints of a variety of astronomical objects as they appear in the light of x-rays. Hold a massive star, a pulsar, or a supernova in your hand. Each object comes with a full description of its nature, along with 3D-printable files.

The Tactile Universe has many resources that are accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired using a combination of Braille, tactile techniques, and descriptions in both large format text and audio formats, as well as a collection of 3D prints of cosmic objects.

Hands-On STEM Activities

Paper Circuits is a STEM activity for learners of all ages explore the basics of electricity while building a simple circuit using paper and conductive tape. The completed project will be an illuminated astronomy image, like the exploded star pictured above.

Sonification

A Universe of Sound offers a whole new way to experience astronomical data through sonification. This collection offers astronomical audio experiences crafted from a variety of data, from a harmonic range of stars, nebulas, and galaxies.

Learning Guides

The Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA Cookbook provides recipes for creating your own astronomical learning events. It includes ready-to-run scenarios, or can be a resource guide for building your own custom events.

NASA's Universe of Learning

NASA's Universe of Learning features a large selection of resources that explore the lives and deaths of stars, expanding upon the story of Eta Carinae. This listing can be filtered to highlight assets for specific audiences and purposes.