The Veil Nebula is a large supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus, forming the visible parts of the Cygnus Loop. It originated from the explosion of a star about 20 times the Sun’s mass, which went supernova 10,000–20,000 years ago. At the time, the blast would have shone brighter than Venus and been visible in daylight. Today, the expanding remnants span roughly 3 degrees of sky—about six times the diameter of the full Moon.

Recent measurements place the nebula at about 2,400 light-years away, though earlier estimates varied. Spectral analysis shows emissions from oxygen, sulfur, and hydrogen, while the structure is also a strong source of radio waves and x-rays.

The nebula is divided into three main features: the Western Veil (NGC 6960, or Witch’s Broom), the Eastern Veil (NGC 6992/6995 and IC 1340 - not visible in this image), and Pickering’s Triangle. Smaller knots such as NGC 6974 and NGC 6979 add further detail.