Chandra Release - June 20, 2007 Visual Description: Eta Carinae The image features X-ray and optical data of the star system Eta Carinae, which is an extremely luminous and massive star located about 7,500 light-years away from Earth. In the composite image, Eta Carinae appears to be a bright blue-white source surrounded by nebulous structures (optical light from Hubble). The nebula immediately around the star system is shaped like a dumbbell if it was partially transparent and made of wispy material. The colors of the nebula surrounding Eta Carinae is a periwinkle blue. Beyond the dumbbell shape is a massive golden croissant-like structure hugging the smaller blue dumbbell and inner star system (X-ray light from Chandra). The massive star in Eta Carinae is thought to be consuming its nuclear fuel at an incredible rate, while quickly drawing closer to its ultimate explosive demise. When Eta Carinae does explode, it will be a spectacular fireworks display seen from Earth, perhaps rivaling the Moon in brilliance.