Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Cepheus (Cep)  ·  Contains:  NGC 7023
NGC7023 Iris Nebula, PrairieSkiesAstro
NGC7023 Iris Nebula
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NGC7023 Iris Nebula

NGC7023 Iris Nebula, PrairieSkiesAstro
NGC7023 Iris Nebula
Powered byPixInsight

NGC7023 Iris Nebula

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Description

One of the most famous reflection nebulae in the night sky, NGC7023 (Caldwell 4) or the Iris Nebula sits at an apparent magnitude of 6.4 in the constellation Cepheus. The central region actually houses a "cluster within a nebula" (the cluster being NGC7023 and the nebula being LBN487). Most simply refer to the entire region as NGC7023 and I've chosen to do the same. The light produced by the bright central star SAO19158 is reflected by the gas and dust producing the deep blue hue. The nebula is 1,300 light years away and 6 light years across. Though it is labeled as a reflection nebula one can barely make out some HII regions near the bottom right and top which indicate that there may also be an emissions component to this nebula as well. I love the stunning dark gas and dust which appear to "engulf" the central region on all sides; it creates an eerie sense that this nebula actually has an "eye" and is watching you (Lord of the Rings anyone?). I also really like the "waves" visible in the central region. Some more dark gas and dust are visible to the far right.

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NGC7023 Iris Nebula, PrairieSkiesAstro