description Eastern Veil Nebula Overview
The Eastern Veil Nebula, catalogued as NGC 6992 and NGC 6995, is a bright filamentary arc of ionized gas forming the eastern section of the Cygnus Loop, a supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus. The gas was heated by a supernova explosion estimated to have occurred roughly 8,000 years ago. It lies at an estimated distance of approximately 2,400 light-years from Earth. The Eastern Veil is one of the brighter portions of the loop and is a common target for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers.
help Eastern Veil Nebula FAQ
What exactly is the Eastern Veil Nebula?
The Eastern Veil Nebula, catalogued as NGC 6992 and NGC 6995, is a bright filamentary arc of ionized gas. It forms the eastern section of the Cygnus Loop, which is a massive supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus.
How old is the Eastern Veil Nebula?
The gas was heated by a supernova explosion estimated to have occurred roughly 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The light from that massive stellar explosion finally reached Earth a few thousand years ago.
Can you see the Eastern Veil Nebula with a backyard telescope?
Yes, NGC 6992 is the brightest section of the Veil Nebula and can be spotted using a telescope with an aperture of at least 6 to 8 inches. Using a narrowband filter, like an OIII filter, greatly enhances the contrast of the filamentary structure against the night sky.
How far away is the Eastern Veil Nebula from Earth?
The entire Cygnus Loop supernova remnant is located approximately 1,400 to 2,400 light-years away from our solar system. This distance makes it one of the closest and most studied supernova remnants in the Milky Way.
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