VLTI-AMBER observations of Eta Carinae with the FINITO fringe tracker and spectral resolution 12000

We present, interferometric near-infra,red observations of the Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) eta Car using the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) and the AMBER instrument of the European Southern Observator, (ESO). A high spatial resolution of 5 mas (similar to 11.5 AU) and a high spectral resolution R = lambda/Delta lambda 1500 and 12000 were obtained. Some of the data was recorded using the fringe tracker FINITO. The observations were obtained in the wavelength range around both the He 12.059 mu m and the Br gamma 2.166 mu m emission lines. The AMBER interferograms allow the investigation of the wavelength dependence of eta Car's visibility, wave length differential phase, and closure phase. If we fit Hillier et al. model visibilities to the observations, we obtain 50% encircled-energy diameters of 4.2, 6.5 and 9.6 mas in the 2.17 mu m continuum , the He I, and the Br gamma emission lilies, respectively. In the continuum, an elongation along a position angle 120 degrees +/- 15 degrees was derived from the visibilities. The VLTI observations support theoretical models of anisotropic winds from fast-rotating, luminous hot stars with enhanced high-velocity mass loss near the pole.