The dark dusty Keyhole Nebula
gets its name from its unusual shape. Officially designated NGC 3324, it
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. 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.