... SSC , JPL , Caltech , NASA Explanation: Eta Carinae, one of the most massive and unstable stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, has a profound effect on its environment. Found in the the South Pillar region of the Carina Nebula, these fantastic pillars of glowing dust and gas with embedded newborn stars were sculpted by the intense wind and radiation from Eta Carinae and other massive stars. ... The Spitzer image spans almost 200 light-years at the distance of Eta Carinae . ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...