Hubble Zooms in on Shrapnel from an Exploded Star
Quiet Stargazing

Hubble Zooms in on Shrapnel from an Exploded Star

Explore the profound quiet of the universe through NASA's high-resolution archives. Perfect for your stargazing journey.

Plan ExpeditionView Gear
Scroll to Top
Celestial Log

NASA Observation

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago. Called the Veil Nebula, the debris is one of the best-known supernova remnants, deriving its name from its delicate, draped filamentary structures. The entire nebula is 110 light-years across, covering six full moons on the sky as seen from Earth, and resides about 2,100 light-years away in the constellation Cygnus, the Swan. This 3-D visualization flies across a small portion of the Veil Nebula as photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope. Read more: www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/hubble-zooms-in-on-shrapnel-... Credit: NASA, ESA, and F. Summers, G. Bacon, Z. Levay, and L. Frattare (Viz 3D Team, STScI) NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram
Expedition

Experience the serenity of the cosmos

Discover nebula-themed journey sites designed for peaceful observation.

Essentials

Stargazing Gear

Professional Deep Space Telescope
Knowledge Base

Stargazer FAQ

Are the colors in this nebula image real?

NASA often uses 'false color' techniques. Scientists map invisible wavelengths (like infrared) or specific gases to visible colors (red, green, blue) to highlight the nebula's structural details.

Can I see this nebula with a standard telescope?

While some bright nebulas are visible with entry-level telescopes, capturing these stunning details usually requires deep-sky astrophotography equipment and long exposures.

© 2026 Look At The Stars!. All rights reserved.Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.comDisclosure: Look At The Stars is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.