[malclocke (Malc)]

I have a look at the Eta Carina nebula most times I get my scope out, but I have never paid much attention to the star Eta Carina itself. I've always loved the famous 'dumbbell' Hubble photo of this star, so tonight I thought I would see if any of the detail from that photo is visible.

I pointed my scope at what I assume is the right star and used my maximum magnification (~270x). The star seemed to have an orange colour, and I'm sure I could make out a faint reddish, roughly circular structure to one side of the star. Is this the same structure that is visible in the hubble photo, or something different? Am I even looking at the right star?