Wisps of the Veil Nebula . ... Credit Copyright: Joaquin Ferreiros Explanation: Wisps like this are all that remain visible of a Milky Way star. About 9,000 years ago that star exploded in a supernova leaving the Veil Nebula , also known as the Cygnus Loop. At the time, the expanding cloud was likely as bright as a crescent Moon , remaining visible for weeks to people living at the dawn of recorded history . ... A bright wisp at the right is known as the Witch's Broom Nebula . ...