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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.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: nebula - dark nebula - emission nebula - Keyhole Nebula - Eta Carinae
Publications with words: nebula - dark nebula - emission nebula - Keyhole Nebula - Eta Carinae
See also:
- APOD: 2026 July 9 Á The Red Glow of the Cosmic Bat Nebula
- APOD: 2026 July 7 Á NGC 6188: Dragons of Ara
- APOD: 2026 July 1 Á The Cotton Candy Clouds of Rho Ophiuchi
- APOD: 2026 March 17 Á The Tadpoles of IC 410
- Sharpless 249 and the Jellyfish Nebula
- APOD: 2026 February 20 Á B93: A Dark Interstellar Ghost
- LDN 1622: Dark Nebula in Orion