NGC 6960, also known as the Western Veil or Witch's Broom Nebula, is part of a larger complex of nebulae known as the Cygnus Loop or Veil Complex. The Veil Complex is a supernova remnant from the explosion of a massive star. It is located in the constellation Cygnus and covers a large area of the sky.
Within the Veil Complex there are several notable nebulae apart from NGC 6960:
The Eastern Veil Nebula (NGC 6992/6995): This is another prominent section of the Veil Complex, located east of NGC 6960. It features delicate filaments and intricate structures, similar to the Western Veil.
Pickering's Triangle (NGC 6979): Located near the central region of the Veil Complex, Pickering's Triangle is a triangular nebula. It is named after the American astronomer Williamina Fleming Pickering, who discovered it in the early 20th century.
Finger of God Nebula (IC 1340): This elongated filamentary nebula is located near NGC 6960. It resembles a pointing finger, hence its name. It is often photographed with the other nebulae of the Veil Complex.
Cygnus Wall (NGC 7000): Although not directly part of the Veil Complex, Cygnus Wall is a prominent emission nebula located nearby. It is often referred to as the "North American Nebula" because of its shape, which resembles the continent of North America.
These nebulae offer stunning views and are popular targets for astrophotographers and observers. They show the remnants of stellar explosions, revealing the intricate structures and dynamics of the interstellar medium. Exploring the Veil Complex and its surrounding nebulae provides a glimpse into the violent and beautiful processes that shape our universe.
I took this photo while on holiday in Croatia with my small portable setup, just a bit south of Rovinj. The area was quite dark, which provided favorable conditions for astrophotography.
I spent a total of around four hours capturing data in the Ha (Hydrogen-alpha) and OIII (Oxygen III) wavelengths. I processed the images quickly using PixInsight, as I usually do. However, I'm not entirely satisfied with the quality of the stars in the final result. Additionally, I noticed some halos, especially in the OIII channel. I did my best to remove them using PixInsight.
I would appreciate your feedback on the image. Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for improvement.
Setup:
Mount: AM5
Lens: Samyang 135mm @ F/4
Camera ZWO ASI 294MM
Filter Baader NB 6.5nm fast F/2
ZWO EFW
ZWO EAF
Guide scope QHY mini and ZWO 120 mini guide camera