The Iris Nebula, also NGC 7023, is a bright reflection nebula and Caldwell object in the constellation Cepheus. NGC 7023 is actually the cluster within the nebula, LBN 487, and the nebula is lit by a magnitude +7 star, SAO 19158. It shines at magnitude +6.8. It is located near the Mira-type variable star T Cephei, and near the bright magnitude +3.23 variable star Beta Cephei (Alphirk). It lies 1,300 light-years away and is six light-years across. [Source: Wikipedia]

NGC 7023 is not the only nebula in the sky to evoke the imagery of flowers. Still, this view shows off some of the Iris Nebula's range of colors and symmetriesl. Within the Iris, dusty nebular material surrounds a hot, young star. The dominant color of the brighter reflection nebula is blue, characteristic of dust grains reflecting starlight. Central filaments of the dusty clouds glow with a faint reddish photoluminesence as some dust grains effectively convert the star's invisible ultraviolet radiation to visible red light. Infrared observations indicate that this nebula may contain complex carbon molecules known as PAHs. The blue petals of the Iris Nebula span about six light-years. [Source: APOD]

The image was captured with my TMB80ss refractor, mounted on the venerable Meade 12"LX200. The camera used was the Canon 450DXsi, imaging at F6.3 (i.e. 504mm FL). Imaging subs were taken around 18C, and 3 minutes and 20 seconds each.

Image --

98 subs at 180sec (4.90 hr) on Dec 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th.

40 subs at 20sec (0.22 hr) on Dec 7th.

Processing was done with PixInsight, following reasonably good practice. North is up, and this is slightly more than a medium crop due to star distortion in the corners. The target was actually placed somewhat left of FOV center and the image was then cropped to place the target in the center. This compensated (somewhat) for the lack of symmetrical flatness in the field.

While the nebula is of medium brightness, its central star is very bright and difficult to manage. I used both the 180sec along with the 20sec integrations in an attempt to tame the central star. Didn't quite get there, which is evident if you look closely.

Meanwhile, my ATIK 383L+mono is still in the U.K. being reconditioned, so I'm hoping for better things when it gets back.