The witch's broom nebula is the remnant of a supernova explosion.

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It was discovered by John William Herschel in 1784. 

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distance from Earth 2,400 light years

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It is best to observe in the summer through at least large binoculars with a hydrogen or oxygen filter screwed in.​

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The nebula is 65 light-years wide.

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The supernova that created the nebula exploded between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. years ago. When the star exploded, it had 20 times the mass of our Sun.

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The brightest star in this photo (52 Cygni), contrary to appearances, is not in the nebula, but is 10 times closer. It is a red giant and has a diameter 12 times that of the Sun.