This image is of the central part of a much larger supernova remnant from about 10,000 years ago. The whole remnant is called the Cygnus Loop or the East/West Veil complex. The remnant’s beautiful colors and lacey complexity is due to it being composed almost exclusively of glowing hydrogen ions (red) and glowing oxygen ions (blue/green). Located in the Cygnus constellation and approximately 2000 light years distant, it can just be seen using a small/medium telescope and is best viewed from midsummer through late fall.
The most interesting aspect of this structure is its discoverer, Williamina Fleming. She was a founder member of the Harvard Computers and was the first woman elected to the Royal Astronomical Association. A quick internet read of her life and accomplishments is well worth the time.
This image was captured from Sequim over three nights in July of this year by BPAA member Chuck Wraith.
