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Western Veil Nebula

Lacework Nebula, Witch's Broom, C34, NGC 6960

Proper NamesWestern Veil Nebula, Lacework Nebula, Witch's Broom
Caldwell NumberC34
NGC/IC NumberNGC 6960
ConstellationCygnus
Right Ascension20h 48m 45s
Declination+30° 20' 0"
Distancec.1,500 light years
c.500 parsecs
MagnitudeApparent: +5.0
Absolute: -4.5
DimensionsApparent: 70' x 6'
Actual: 53 x 5 light years
Optimum VisibilityAugust
NotesThe Veil Nebula is the remnant of an ancient supernova that forms a pattern of nebulous arcs, with the Western Veil representing the westernmost of these arcs. The star 52 Cygni falls against the backdrop of the nebula, but is actually considerably closer to the Solar System than the nebula beyond.

A view of the central regions of the long, filamentary structure of the Western Veil Nebula. The bright star shining against the western edge of the Veil is 52 Cygni, a star in the foreground of the Western Veil that is unrelated to the trailing nebula beyond. Imagery provided by Aladin sky atlas

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