Supernovae (incl. Remnants) – Astronomy and Astrophotography

A supernova is an extremely bright and energetic explosion of a massive star. It marks the end of the life cycle of a star that must be at least about 1.4 times the mass of our Sun. 

The brightness of a supernova can, for a brief period, be as great as the entire galaxy in which it resides. During this short time, supernovae can emit more light than billions of normal stars. They are also significant sources for the formation of heavy elements, as they eject these elements into the surrounding space during the explosion.

Eastern Veil Nebula - Caldwell 33 - NGC 6992

Caldwell 33 – Eastern Veil Nebula

Caldwell 33, also known as the Eastern Veil Nebula, is part of a supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus, located about 2,500 light-years away. It reaches its culmination around astronomical midnight during the first days of August ...

Western Veil Nebula - Caldwell 34 - NGC 6960

Caldwell 34 – Western Veil Nebula

The Western Veil Nebula is a supernova remnant located in the constellation Cygnus, approximately 1,470 light-years away from Earth, reaching its annual culmination at astronomical midnight in early August ...

Messier 1 – Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula (Messier 1) is a supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus at a distance of roughly 6,000–6,500 lightyears, and for mid‑northern observers it reaches its annual culmination at astronomical midnight and is best observed in December ...

NGC 6995 – Bat Nebula

The Bat Nebula, a small portion of the Eastern Veil Nebula located in the constellation Cygnus approximately 2,400 light-years away, reaches its annual culmination at astronomical midnight early August ...