Photo credit: science.nasa.gov

The Veil Nebula: A Cosmic Masterpiece Captured by Hubble

The Veil Nebula, a striking supernova remnant, continues to captivate astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. This celestial phenomenon is the aftermath of a massive star, approximately 20 times the mass of our Sun, which exploded roughly 10,000 years ago. Located about 2,400 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus, the Veil Nebula serves as a prime example of the intricate and beautiful structures formed from stellar explosions.

Recent images captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope showcase the Veil Nebula in vivid detail. Utilizing Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, the latest view integrates data from three distinct filters, emphasizing the emissions from hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms. While this particular image presents only a fraction of the entire nebula, it offers insights into its complex makeup and structure. To put its size into perspective, if the Veil Nebula were visible to the naked eye without a telescope, it would span approximately the same width as six full Moons aligned side by side.

This breathtaking image, although representative of a moment in time, is invaluable for researchers as they study the evolution of supernova remnants over extended periods. By comparing this snapshot with previous observations from the years 1994 and 1997, scientists will be able to track the movement of individual gas knots and filaments across time. Such comparative studies enhance our comprehension of the dynamic processes at play within this stunning remnant of a star.

Through ongoing observations and analyses, the Hubble Space Telescope continues to illuminate the mysteries of the universe, with the Veil Nebula being one of its many remarkable subjects.

Media Contact:

Claire Andreoli (claire.andreoli@nasa.gov)
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD

Source
science.nasa.gov