Back to photostream

Iris Nebula

✨ NGC 7023 – The Iris Nebula ✨ Captured with: 📷 QHY286m 🔭 Askar APO185 EQ8-R Mount 🎨 LRGB Filters 🕒 125 x 3-minute exposures

Nestled in the constellation Cepheus, about 1,300 light-years from Earth, NGC 7023—also known as the Iris Nebula—is a stunning reflection nebula. Unlike emission nebulae that glow from ionized gas, the Iris shines by reflecting the light of its central star, HD 200775, a young, massive B-type star. This star illuminates the surrounding interstellar dust, creating the nebula’s signature soft blue glow.

The intricate filaments of dust and gas, along with dark lanes weaving through the illuminated regions, make the Iris Nebula a favorite among astrophotographers. It’s not just beautiful—it’s a window into the early stages of star formation and the delicate dance between starlight and cosmic dust.

🌌 #NGC7023 #IrisNebula #Astrophotography #DeepSky #ReflectionNebula #Cepheus #SpaceArt #CosmicWonder #LRGB #QHY286m #AskarAPO185 #EQ8R #AstroGear #StarryNight

364 views
13 faves
0 comments
Uploaded on August 27, 2025