Measuring $\eta$ Carinae's High Mass Ejecta in the Infrared and Sub-millimeter

TL;DR

This paper combines multi-wavelength observations from infrared to sub-millimeter to better understand the dust distribution and mass in $ta$ Carinae's Homunculus nebula, aiming to clarify its eruption history.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of dust distribution and mass in $ta$ Carinae using combined observational data and modeling, addressing uncertainties in previous estimates.

Findings

Refined estimates of dust mass and distribution in the nebula.

Constraints on the mass loss history of $ta$ Carinae.

Insights into the mechanisms behind its eruptions.

Abstract

I address uncertainties on the spatial distribution and mass of the dust formed in $\eta$ Carinae's Homunculus nebula with data being combined from several space- and ground-based facilities spanning near-infrared to sub-mm wavelengths, in terms of observational constraints and modeling. Until these aspects are better understood, the mass loss history and mechanisms responsible for $\eta$ Car's enormous eruption(s) remain poorly constrained.