The Keyhole Nebula
Explanation:
The dark dusty
Keyhole Nebula gets
its name from its unusual shape. Officially designated
NGC 3324, the
Keyhole Nebula
is a smaller region superposed on the larger
Eta Carina Nebula. These nebulae were
created by the dying star
Eta Carina, which is prone to
violent outbursts during its final centuries.
Noted and discussed as early as 1840 when a
spectacular explosion became visible, the
Eta Carina system now appears to be undergoing an
unusual period of change. An
emission nebula
that contains much
dust,
the Keyhole Nebula is roughly 9,000 light years distant.
This photogenic nebula can be seen in the south
with even a small telescope.
The Keyhole Nebula was recently
discovered to contain highly
structured clouds of
molecular gas.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
