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 Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
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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: 2024 April 24 Á Dragons Egg Bipolar Emission Nebula
- The Great Carina Nebula
- APOD: 2024 March 13 Á The Seagull Nebula
- APOD: 2024 February 21 Á Seagull Nebula over Pinnacles Peak
- NGC 1893 and the Tadpoles of IC 410
- APOD: 2024 January 23 Á Deep Nebulas: From Seagull to California
- The Light, the Dark, and the Dusty