NGC 3293, NGC 3324, and Surrounding Nebulae

The Carina Nebula region is extremely popular among astrophotographers of the southern sky. The impressive Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) is particularly often targeted. However, there are numerous other fascinating objects to discover in its immediate surroundings—such as the open star cluster NGC 3293 shown here.

This is a typical, luminous young star cluster, containing mostly blue B-type stars and a few red supergiants. NGC 3293 is embedded in a fascinating nebular landscape of softly shimmering blue reflection nebulae and delicate, red-glowing H-alpha filaments.

In the lower left part of the image is NGC 3324, which appears like an extension of the Carina Nebula. Its shape is somewhat reminiscent of the well-known Fish Head Nebula, and it became especially well-known through the spectacular first light image taken by the James Webb Space Telescope.

Another reflection nebula, vdBH 37, is located in the lower right portion of the image. It, too, contributes to the aesthetic and scientific richness of this region.