Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                               2019 October 31

                           The Ghostly Veil Nebula
                    Image Credit & Copyright: Anis Abdul

   Explanation: A ghostly visage on a cosmic scale, these remains of
   shocked, glowing gas haunt planet Earth's sky toward the constellation
   of Cygnus and form the Veil Nebula. The nebula itself is a large
   supernova remnant, an expanding cloud born of the death explosion of a
   massive star. Light from the original supernova explosion likely
   reached Earth over 5,000 years ago. Also known as the Cygnus Loop, the
   Veil Nebula now spans nearly 3 degrees or about 6 times the diameter of
   the full Moon. That translates to over 70 light-years at its estimated
   distance of 1,500 light-years. In fact, the Veil is so large its
   brighter parts are recognized as separate nebulae, including The
   Witch's Broom (NGC 6960) below and right of center. At the top left you
   can find the Spectre of IC 1340. Happy Halloween!

                     Tomorrow's picture: Sunday's Childe
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       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Phillip Newman Specific rights apply.
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