Carina

Description

Carina contains Canopus, the second brightest star in the night sky. It also hosts the Carina Nebula (NGC 3372), one of the largest and brightest nebulae, and Eta Carinae, an unstable hypergiant star.

Mythology and History

Carina was the keel of the Argo, the ship of Jason and the Argonauts. The huge Argo constellation was divided into three parts: Carina (keel), Puppis (stern), and Vela (sails).

How to Observe

Visible mainly from the southern hemisphere. Canopus is easy to find as the second brightest star after Sirius. The Carina Nebula is visible to the naked eye.

Main Stars