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The Witch's Broom NGC 6960
Discover the mesmerizing Witch’s Broom supernova remnant, situated approximately 1400 light-years away in the captivating Cygnus constellation.
This celestial wonder, also known as NGC 6960, captivates viewers with its ionized cloud of heated gas and dust. Immerse yourself in the beauty of hot glowing hydrogen filaments (in vivid red) and doubly ionized oxygen gas (in striking blue/green), stretching almost edge-on within this breathtaking cosmic object.
Spanning an impressive 35 light years from end to end, this supernova remnant formed around 9,000 years ago, following the dramatic explosion of a massive star, 20 times the mass of our very own Sun.
At the heart of this celestial spectacle lies the Witch’s Broom, a stunningly intricate network of energized gas and dust. The NGC 6960, or Witch’s Broom, has become an object of fascination for astronomers and stargazers alike.
Dive into the enchanting layers of this celestial tapestry, where hot glowing hydrogen takes center stage, casting a radiant red hue across the cosmic canvas. Furthermore, doubly ionized oxygen gas complements the scene with its mesmerizing shades of blue and green, creating a truly captivating visual experience.
Stretching across a vast expanse of approximately 35 light years, the Witch’s Broom is a testament to the incredible forces at play in the universe. Witness the remnants of the colossal explosion that took place nearly 9,000 years ago, leaving behind this celestial masterpiece.
Notably, supernova remnants are the cosmic echoes of massive stars’ explosive deaths. In the case of the awe-inspiring Veil Nebula complex, the star that birthed the Witch’s Broom was a behemoth, weighing in at an astonishing 20 times the mass of our Sun.
NGC 6960, or the Witch’s Broom, stands as a timeless testament to the extraordinary power and beauty of the universe. Situated in the distant Cygnus constellation, this supernova remnant continues to captivate our imaginations, offering a glimpse into the wondrous cosmic events that shape the cosmos.
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Image technical:
- Starfield Optics 8″ Astrograph (native F4) http://bit.ly/3WOrKsf
- Starizona NEXUS .75 reducer/coma corrector for F3 https://bit.ly/3MCijaB
- QHY268M CMOS Camera (https://bit.ly/3Aj23FE), 26mp, 3.76um @ -10C
- QHY CFW3-L 7 position https://bit.ly/3IiYoxY
- Optolong 3nm filters https://bit.ly/32P5WXg
- Skywatcher EQ6 mount https://bit.ly/3jEonpC / Skyshed Pier (Skyshedpod.com)
- Pegasus Astro Focus Cube https://bit.ly/2NDdEb2
- NINA 2.0 for acquisition
- Processed in PixInsight
- Seeing and transparency: average to good
- Total integration time: 19 hours 30min (1min subs at high gain)
- Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
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My story began more than 40 years ago looking up at the Moon with a small telescope my Father had. Encouraged by my parents, who bought me my very own telescope, a 4.5″ reflector, I began to explore the night sky from my family home backyard. Today I do astrophotography from my home in Kitchener, Ontario and also with remote telescopes located in New Mexico and Australia. Some of my images have won awards and have been featured online and in magazines.
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