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.
The Keyhole Nebula is roughly 9,000 light years distant. (APOD)

This is a cropped and enhanced section from the previous wide Eta Carina nebula image.

Ha - 60 min (Bin 1)
O3,S2 30 min each (BIN 2)
RGB - 10 min each (Bin 2)

Total of 2:30

Imaged with the 16" f3.75 Dream Astrograph.
Apogee Alta U-16M camera.



Imaged from Tivoli farm in Namibia June 2014