NGC 3576 is a star-forming region in the southern constellation of
Carina, and is about 9800 light years from earth. Massive, energetic stars
have pushed out material in sweeping loops 100 light years wide. Beneath the arch of
these loops is a pattern of light and dark clouds whose shape gives this
nebula its popular name. There are also numerous other dark
"Bok globules," areas of dense gas and dust that will likely collapse to form
new stars.

Image data:
Camera: SBIG STXL-11002
Exposure: RGB 2 hours; Hydrogen-alpha 7 hours; Oxygen-III 7 hours; Sulfur-II 8 hours
(total = 24 hours)
Telescope: Planewave 17" CDK
Observatory Location: New South Wales, Australia