NGC 6960 is the western section of the Veil Nebula, an ancient supernova remnant in Cygnus. Recent observations suggest the dramatic stellar explosion which created this object happened about 10,000 years ago and that the distance to the Veil is about 1,500 light-years. The delicate arc presented in the sketch at left is located in the same field as 4.2 magnitude 52 Cygni. This portion of the Veil gracefully arcs along a 60'x9' path like a flame frozen in time and space. 52 Cygni is the brightest star in the sketch at left. An 8th magnitude star is embedded in the gently swooping tip.

This second sketch continues the Veil Nebula. 52 Cygni is just inside the northern border. The Veil carelessly arcs through the field, gradually diminishing in brightness. An 11th magnitude GSC star is visible near the end of the arc. This section features bright edges and a faint interior toward the end. The second major portion of the Veil Nebula, NGC 6992, smolders 2.5 degrees to the east. About one degree to the northeast, you'll find the faint nebular patch known as Pickering's Wedge.