The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) is a grand reflection nebula in the constellation Cepheus - illuminated by the embedded star SAO 19158 and casting a trademark blue glow on the surrounding material as dust grains reflect the starlight.
More detail:
instagram.com/baz_astraThis nebula is of particular interest to scientists because of its colors. Reflection nebulae glow because they are made up of extremely tiny particles of solid matter, up to 10 or even 100 times smaller than dust particles on Earth. These particles diffuse the light around them, giving the nebula a second-hand glow that’s typically bluish (like our sky). While the Iris Nebula appears predominantly blue, the surrounding region includes large filaments of deep red, since some dust grains effectively convert the star's invisible ultraviolet radiation to visible red light. Studying nebulae like this one helps astronomers learn more about the ingredients that combine to make stars.
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Technical Details:
Spectral Palette: RGB
13 hours RGB
Sky type: Bortle 2 (21.89 mag./arc sec2)
Location: Lolland, Denmark
Camera: ZWO ASI 294MC Pro
Mount: Skywatcher HEQ5 Pro
Telescope: Redcat 51
Filter: Astronomik L-2 UV/IR Cut
Guiding: ZWO ASIAIR
Software: APP + Photoshop
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