From the National Optical Astronomical Observatories
This Cerro Tololo 4-meter Blanco telescope image shows the central portion of the Eta Carinae Nebula, NGC 3372, also known as the Keyhole Nebula, in the constellation of Carina. This gaseous bright nebula surrounds the peculiar variable star Eta Carinae, with overlying clouds of dark material. The nebula is 9000 light years from Earth. North is at the top.
Image Title: The Eta Carinae Nebula NGC 3372
Credit: AURA/NOAO/NSF
The text is based on accompanying on-line materials.
Last Modified On: Sunday, December 17, 2000