Eta Carina Nebula, 2009 (digital photo)

Creator: Thomas Davis This photograph shows part of a vast nebula, or cloud of dust and gas, from which a new generation of stars is condensing. In the centre a group of bright young stars has already ignited, burning off the surrounding gas and dust to form an enormous void in the heart of the nebula. The Eta Carina nebula lies at an estimated distance of between 6,500 and 10,000 light years away. Born digital photograph entitled 'Eta Carina Nebula' by Thomas Davis taken on 1st March 2009. Taken with FLI Proline CCD camera; Astro-Physics 155mm EDF refractor; sulphur II, hydrogen alpha, and oxygen II filters; 13.5 hours worth of exposures. Highly Commended in the Deep Space category of Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2009 competition.