The Cygnus Loop

The Cygnus Loop, also known as the Veil Nebula, is a large supernova remnant located in the constellation Cygnus. It is the result of a massive star that exploded in a supernova event roughly 8,000 years ago.

The Cygnus Loop covers a vast area of the sky, spanning about 3 degrees, which is approximately six times the diameter of the full moon. The remnant is composed of three main sections: the Eastern Veil (NGC 6992), the Western Veil (NGC 6960), and the Pickering's Triangle (NGC 6979). These sections represent shockwaves of expanding gas and debris from the supernova explosion.