Carina Nebula Pillar

A pillar of gas in the Carina Nebula is bathed in the light of hot, massive stars.

There are many beauties to be found within the Carina Nebula, including the Carina Nebula Pillar. Radiation and fast winds from the stars sculpt the pillar of gas in this image and cause new star formation within it.There are over 14,000 stars within the region of this nebula and there is evidence that massive stars have self-destructed in supernova explosions that took place here. But these same destructive forces cause the formation of new, bright stars within pillars such as this one.

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Object Name: Jet in Carina

Release Date: Sep 9, 2009

Image Credits: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team



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