West Veil Nebula
NGC 6960
Object Data
- Catalog Designation
- C34
- Type
- SupernovaRemnant
- Constellation
- Cygnus
- Magnitude
- 7.0
- Right Ascension
- 20h 47m 00.0s
- Declination
- +30° 43' 01.2"
- Distance
- 2,100 light-years
- Angular Size
- 70
Survey Image
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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.
Community Photos (1)
Credit: Ken Crawford. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. (Wikimedia Commons)
Skybred Mar 2, 2026