The Keyhole nebula — η(Eta) Carinae
Constellation: Carina
The Keyhole nebula, is a small dark cloud of dust within the Carina nebula (NGC 3372), containing bright filaments of hot, fluorescing gas. In it located in the constellation of Carina. The Carina nebula is approx. 8’500 Ly from earth. Link to interactive sky chart.
Dates:
Image 1:
This is derived from the outstanding data taken by Martin Pugh during the month of March 2023 (Martin’s website: Remote Astrophotography with Martin Pugh (martinpughastrophotography.space).
His telescope is located in Chile (Observatory: El Sauce).
Colour palette is SHO.
Image 2:
Data acquired remotely in May 2023 using Martin’s equipment.
His telescope is located in Australia (Observatory: Heaven’s second mirror, NSW).
Colour palette is SHO.
Telescope & Mount:
Image 1: Planewave CDK24 (F6.5) on a Planewave L600 mount.
Image 2: SharpStar 140mm (F4.8) on a Software Bisque Paramount ME II mount.
Imaging:
Image 1:
Camera: Moravian G3-61000 (bin 2×2)
Data:
Nebula:
Astrodon Ha: 7x900s
Astrodon O3: 7x900s
Astrodon S2: 11x900s
Stars:
Astrodon R: 8x180s
Astrodon G: 10x180s
Astrodon B: 10x180s
Total integration time: 7h 39′
Image 2:
Camera: SBIG STXL16200, FW8G
Data:
Nebula:
Antlia Ha: 16x600s
Antlia O3: 24x600s
Antlia S2: 24x600s
Stars:
Antlia R: 15x60s
Antlia G: 15x60s
Antlia B: 15x60s
Total integration time: 11h 25′
Several objects are visible in this image:
The open cluster Trumpler 16, which contains the star η(Eta)-Carina.
To the right of the Keyhole nebula, one can see the Defiant Finger, a Bok globule, ionized by WR 25, and/or Trumpler 16-244, a bright blue supergiant.
The open cluster Trumpler 14 located about 8’000 Ly from earth. It encompasses about 2’000 stars.
The Wolf-Rayet star WR 25 (HD 93162, the brightest star in this image), which is a member of the Trumpler 16 cluster, is a binary system.