BLACK DOG OBSERVATORY

NGC3324 Keyhole Nebula

The Keyhole Nebula is the dark cloud feature of the Eta Carinae Nebula (NGC3372). This dark cloud is around 7 light years across and can be seen to the left of the bright star in the foreground.

The Eta Carinae Nebula is one of the most spectacular diffuse nebulae. It's located in the constellation Carina, and is one of the largest and brightest in the southern sky.

The nebula contains the star Eta Carinae which is one of the most massive at around 100 times larger and 4 million times more luminous than our Sun.

The overall size of the Eta Carinae Nebula is 200 light years across and is 7500 light years away.