images

Part of the Veil nebula-NGC 6960

by

R.Gendler/Novapix

Reference

a-snv11-00038

Date

2007-01-18

The Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) is part of a supernova remnant known as the Cygnus Loop. It is the shattered remains of one, and possibly two, supernovae that exploded less than 10,000 years ago in the direction of the constellation Cygnus, the Swan. At the time of the explosion, it would have been seen as a very bright star, rivaling the crescent Moon. The bright star near the center of the image, known as 52 Cygnus, is not associated with the supernova.