Stunning Hubble Image Reveals Colors Of The Veil Nebula

A breathtaking cosmic spectacle reveals its vibrant hues in this recent capture by the Hubble Space Telescope. The Veil Nebula, remnants of a colossal star that detonated in a supernova approximately 10,000 years ago, showcases a stunning array of dust and gas, elegantly shaped, which inspired its name.

The progenitor star of the nebula was a behemoth, boasting a mass 20 times that of our sun. Its explosion was so brilliant that it would have outshone Venus in Earth’s sky, despite being situated 2,400 light-years away. Over the millennia, the remnants of that eruption have dispersed, forming the intricate structure we observe today.

Hubble has previously photographed the Veil Nebula, with the last instance occurring in 2015. However, this latest image zooms in on a specific region of the nebula, providing an intricate view. The various colors depicted correspond to different elements found within the nebula, enabling scientists to analyze the unique chemical composition of this area.

The image is displayed in its entirety below:

In this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image, Hubble once again lifts the veil on a famous — and frequently photographed — supernova remnant: the Veil Nebula. — In this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image, Hubble once again unveils the captivating — and often photographed — supernova remnant: the Veil Nebula. ESA/Hubble & NASA, R. Sankrit

“This image is a composite created from data collected through three different filters by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, emphasizing emissions from hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen atoms. This snapshot reveals only a small segment of the Veil Nebula; had you the visibility of the entire nebula without telescopic aid, it would span the width of six full moons aligned side by side,” Hubble scientists explain.

“While this image captures a singular moment in the life of the Veil Nebula, it aids researchers in understanding the evolution of the supernova remnants over decades. When combined with Hubble observations from 1994, scientists can track the movement of individual gas knots and filaments over time, deepening our comprehension of this remarkable nebula.”

Additionally, comparisons can be made with original Hubble images taken in 1994 and 1997. These images exhibit different aspects of the nebula:

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope photographed three magnificent sections of the Veil Nebula – the shattered remains of a supernova that exploded thousands of years ago. This series of images provides beautifully detailed views of the delicate, wispy structure resulting from this cosmic explosion. — NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope captured three stunning sections of the Veil Nebula – the shattered remnants of a supernova that occurred millennia ago. This collection of images showcases intricate details of the ethereal, wispy structure born from this cosmic explosion. NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration; Acknowledgment: J. Hester (Arizona State University)

With over 30 years separating some of these images, scientists can witness the structural transformation over time — showcasing how Hubble continues to deliver mesmerizing imagery of the cosmos as it nears its 35th anniversary since its launch.