The Bat Nebula, cataloged as NGC 6995, is a striking filamentary section of a much larger supernova remnant in Cygnus and a rewarding target for deep-sky imagers. Its tangle of glowing ribbons responds beautifully to narrowband processing, where the red of hydrogen-alpha and the teal of doubly ionized oxygen trace the delicate shock fronts. Because the structure is faint and intricate, long integration times and dark skies help reveal the fine wisps that give the nebula its bat-like silhouette. A mid-focal-length refractor or astrograph frames this portion of the remnant well while still leaving room for the surrounding filaments.
Names, key data and data sources
All values come from the astronomical database SIMBAD (CDS Strasbourg). Tap a row to see where the value comes from.
NamesBat NebulaAstrocamp
Catalogue numbersNGC 6995Primary designation: NGC 6995SIMBAD
TypeSupernova RemnantAstrocamp
ConstellationCygnus (Cyg)computed
Position (J2000)RA 20h 56m 60s · Dec +31° 13′ 0″SIMBAD
Galactic coordinatesl = 75.2° · b = −9.2°Position relative to the Milky Way plane: 9° south of itcomputed
Cosmic neighbourhoodPart of: Cygnus Loop (Sh2-103)Astrocamp
Sources and methods (7)
- Names: Names from the Astrocamp object database.
- Catalogue numbers: All identifiers under which SIMBAD lists the object; order according to the Astrocamp catalogue rule.
- Type: Value since Jul 6, 2026
- Constellation: Computed from the position (IAU constellation boundaries). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Position (J2000): Entry in SIMBAD, quality E (SIMBAD scale A–E). Publication: 2001AJ....122..938D (NASA ADS). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Galactic coordinates: Converted from the position (IAU 1958 galactic system). Publication: 2001AJ....122..938D (NASA ADS). Value since Jul 4, 2026 · last confirmed with SIMBAD Oct 20, 2026
- Cosmic neighbourhood: Editorial links in the Astrocamp object database (parent structure, associated objects, members).
Checked against SIMBAD on Oct 20, 2026 · Open NGC 6995 in SIMBAD
Position and the cosmic neighborhood
The Bat Nebula lies in the rich star fields of Cygnus at a right ascension of 20h 57m and a declination of +31° 13′, embedded within the high density of Milky Way stars that make this region a favorite for wide-field astrophotography. NGC 6995 is one of the eastern arcs of the great Cygnus Loop (Sh2-103), the sprawling supernova remnant that spans an impressive 3.8° × 2.7° (230′ × 160′) across the sky. Imagers often capture this bright eastern segment on its own for detailed close-ups, or fold it into a mosaic that embraces the full loop and its western counterparts. The dense surrounding star clouds provide a glittering backdrop that can be managed with careful star reduction to keep the delicate nebulosity in focus.
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Nice to Know
- The Bat Nebula earns its name from the winged, bat-like shape formed by its interwoven filaments, a visual treat that rewards high-resolution imaging.
- NGC 6995 is only one segment of the far larger Cygnus Loop (Sh2-103), so framing choices dramatically change the character of the final image.
- Its thin, high-contrast shock fronts make it an ideal subject for narrowband palettes, where hydrogen-alpha and oxygen-III separate the structures into vivid detail.
- Sitting in the dense star fields of Cygnus, the nebula pairs intricate nebulosity with a dazzling stellar backdrop, ideal for both close-ups and wide-field mosaics.
