Combination of 12, 5 minute exposures using an H-alpha filter.
SBIG ST-8XE CCD. 50mm Nikon lens at f/4.
The Veil nebula is a huge, ancient supernova remnant. It is situated in south-eastern Cygnus, near the border with Vulpecular. The most convienient stars to use as a guide in locating it are either the 2nd magnitude epsilon cygni, which lies 3 degrees to the north, or the 3rd magnitude zeta cygni, which lies about 5 degrees to the east. The size of the veil is what catches many inexperienced observers. It is over 2 degrees across! Although some sections are very faint, much of it is not difficult providing the skies are dark. I have found it readily visible with 80mm binoculars under magnitude 7.0 skies.
It was interesting to notice in the above image, the very large "bubble" of emission between the North America nebula and the Veil nebula. I have not seen any references to this patch of nebulosity.
