Peering Through the Homunculus in the Thermal IR: Complex Equatorial Structure Around Eta Carinae
Abstract
We present new high-resolution infrared and optical imaging and spectroscopy of Eta Carinae and its complex circumstellar nebulosity. Diffraction-limited IR images reveal several new structures in the core of the nebula, possibly associated with a compact but disrupted circumstellar dust torus. These images help to clarify a recent controversy regarding the nature of the IR structures around Eta. We compare the structures seen in thermal-IR images to near-IR and optical images and spectra from HST and ground-based observatories.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2001
- Bibcode:
- 2001AAS...19913502S