Western Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)

About this Image

The western part (NGC 6960) of the Veil Nebula also known as Cygnus Loop together with the eastern part (NGC 6992) is a remnant of a supernova explosion that occurred about 30.000 - 40.000 years ago. It shows strong red H-alpha emission and blue-green O-III components. The bright star 52-Cygni in the center of the image is shining at mag 4.2.

The fascinating smoke-like wisps of gas in this Hubble image are a record of the enormous amounts of energy released as the fast-moving supernova explosion ploughs into its surroundings and creates a shock front. The rapid release of energy in the shock of the collision, when the supernova material smashes into the gas of the interstellar medium at a speed of more than 600,000 kilometres per hour, makes the gas glow.
The remnant is located 1,400 light years away in the constellation of Cygnus.

Find the full Veil area as mosaic here.
North is left.

Find more information and Hubble images of the Veil nebula here: 1.