Eta Carinae could be a star ready to explode, but it remains unclear when this will happen. It could happen in the near future, but on an astronomical scale, it could happen in a million years. Eta Carinae, which is about 100 times the size of our Sun, is considered an ideal candidate for a full-blown supernova or starburst.

Beginning in the 1840s, a massive explosion known as the Big Bang made Eta Carinae the second brightest star visible from Earth. This brightness was so impressive that for a time it was used as an important guide star for sailors in the southern seas. Eta Carinae is also the only star thought to emit natural laser light.

Image description:

In the centre, a shape resembling two onions shimmers. Gases in blue and purple tones spread around the centre, while fuchsia, red and pink colours surround the outer edges. In the background, stars complete the scene with their twinkle.