The Carina Nebula's Mystic Mountain Puzzle

The largest star-forming region in our part of the universe, the Carina Nebula lies in the Southern Hemisphere sky and dwarfs the more-familiar Orion Nebula. Stretching three light-years long, within the Carina Nebula, is a dusty pillar of gas astronomers have nicknamed the Mystic Mountain. Deep within these dark blobs are new stars being born, recycled from the material blown away long ago by dying stars.

This richly colored, stunning image measures 21" x 15" upon completion.

Created exclusively for Astronomy magazine by Masterpieces, Inc.

*NASA, ESA, M. Livio and the Hubble 20th Anniversary Team (STScI), photo