The Network Nebula (Veil East)

 

Object Type: Supernova Remnant

Top Image

Scope: AP 5" Refractor
Exposure 110 minutes

​

Bottom image

Scope: Orion APO 80mm
Exposure 160 minutes

 

 

The eastern part of the Veil Nebula also known as the Network Nebula, radio source W78, or Sharpless 103, or 'Witch's Broom Nebula' is a relatively faint supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus. 

 

The source supernova exploded some 5,000 to 8,000 years ago, and the remnants have since expanded to cover an area of ~3x3 degrees; about 6 times the diameter or 36 times the area of a full moon. The distance to the nebula is not precisely known, with estimates ranging from 1,400 to 2,600 light-years. It was discovered on 1784 September 5 by William Herschel. 

 

He described the western end of the nebula as "Extended; passes thro' 52 Cygni... near 2 degree in length." and described the eastern end as "Branching nebulosity... The following part divides into several streams uniting again towards the south."