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Today in History: Eta Carinae shines as second-brightest star in night sky

3/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 11, 1843, Eta Carinae experienced its "Great Eruption," temporarily becoming the second-brightest star in the night sky, surpassing Rigel. This stellar system, located 7,500 light-years away, exhibited a luminosity over five million times that of the Sun. After this event, it faded from visibility, only to brighten again in subsequent years.

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Story summary

On March 11, 1843, Eta Carinae experienced its "Great Eruption," temporarily becoming the second-brightest star in the night sky, surpassing Rigel. This stellar system, located 7,500 light-years away, exhibited a luminosity over five million times that of the Sun. After this event, it faded from visibility, only to brighten again in subsequent years.