Caldwell 34 — Supernova Remnant in Cygnus
NGC 6960
About West Veil Nebula
Description
The Western Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) is the western arc of the Veil Nebula supernova remnant in Cygnus, about 2,400 light-years away. Also called the Witch's Broom, this section passes directly through the bright naked-eye star 52 Cygni, making it easy to locate.
Observing Tips
Center on 52 Cygni and use an OIII filter. In a 6-inch scope with the filter, the filaments streaming away from the star are stunning. Scan slowly north and south to follow the arc for over a degree. Best in summer and early autumn.
History
Discovered by William Herschel on September 5, 1784, the same night he found the Eastern Veil. The two were recognized as parts of the same expanding shell through photographic surveys.
Fun Facts
52 Cygni is a foreground star unrelated to the Veil Nebula — a lucky alignment that makes this section easy to find. The Veil Nebula is often considered the finest supernova remnant for visual observers.
Observe
1Properties
Position & Identifiers
2How easy to spot?
| Telescope | Bortle 3 | Bortle 4 | Bortle 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 mm refractor 80mm refr. | Imp. | Imp. | Imp. |
| 150 mm Newton 150mm Newt. | Imp. | Imp. | Imp. |
| Celestron C8 (203 mm SCT) C8 203mm | V. hard | Imp. | Imp. |
Bortle 3 = rural · 4 = outer suburbs · 5 = suburbs
3Visibility
Set a location in User Settings to see visibility data.
4
Filter Response Guide
5
Eyepiece View
West Veil Nebula · 210.0′×160.0′ · N up, E left
Explore
6
Surface Brightness
Discover
7
Light Travel Time Machine
8
Relativistic Travel
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Ken Crawford. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026
Nearby in the Sky
Other targets within a few degrees — pan your scope a little and keep exploring.
Visibility scores assume a 150 mm Newton at Bortle 4.
Explore Nightbase
Related knowledge, tools, and stories — no observation planning required.
