The East Veil Nebula is a striking remnant of a long-dead star. It is a breathtaking portion of the Cygnus Loop. This supernova remnant is located about 2,400 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus. This nebula is also known as NGC 6992 and NGC 6995. It is part of a vast, intricate network of glowing gas and dust. A massive star created it when it exploded approximately 10,000 years ago.

Stretching across the sky in colorful, wispy filaments, the East Veil Nebula showcases intricate details of interstellar material. Its vivid hues, often captured in stunning astrophotographs, result from the emission of ionized gases. Oxygen produces a ghostly blue-green glow, while hydrogen and sulfur add shades of red and magenta.

The below image is comprised of around 4.5 hours of data captured with a one shot color astro cooled camera. An SVBony 80mm f6 refractor scope with 480mm focal length on an Air mount. Edited in Pixinsight and Photoshop.

The nebula’s structure offers astronomers valuable insights into the dynamics of shock waves and the interstellar medium. As the supernova shock wave expands outward, it interacts with surrounding gas. This process compresses and heats the gas. These interactions create the luminous strands seen from Earth.

The East Veil Nebula is a popular target for amateur astronomers. They can view it through telescopes equipped with narrowband filters. These filters enhance its delicate features. Together with its western counterpart, the West Veil Nebula (or Witch’s Broom), it forms part of a spectacular tableau. This tableau captivates and inspires stargazers and scientists alike.

This remnant of cosmic violence is a reminder of the ongoing cycle of stellar death and rebirth. It enriches the galaxy with elements essential for new stars, planets, and perhaps life itself.