Supernova remnant in Cygnus. The Veil Nebula has several parts that spread out over an area about 3 degrees wide. Together, these tenuous ribbons of gas are what is left of a supernova that exploded about 10,000 years ago. This photo shows one of its two main parts.
Though very large, the Veil Nebula is also very faint, and for a long time it was considered a challenging object to observe through a telescope. That notion has changed now that telescopes have gotten larger and amateur astronomers have become more skillful at tracking down elusive objects. Through my 18-inch telescope (especially with an OIII filter that enhances the brightness of the nebula compared to the night sky), the Veil Nebula is an amazing sight. On many summer nights, I have spent a long time tracing is delicate tendrils through the starry background. It is one of my favorite targets from a dark observing site.