Iris nebula, NGC 7023
Finally some clear skies and so was able to add enough data to this beautiful object. This is not an emission nebula so there would be no point in using narrow band filters: this was shot using full visual spectrum (natural rgb) light.
"The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. This celestial object gets its name from its distinctive blue coloration and petal-like structure that resembles an iris flower when viewed through telescopes.
Physical Characteristics
The Iris Nebula spans roughly 6 light-years across and is illuminated by a central star, HD 200775, which is a young, hot B-type star. The nebula's characteristic blue color results from starlight scattering off microscopic dust particles in the surrounding cloud, similar to why Earth's sky appears blue. The dust grains are composed primarily of carbon compounds and silicates.
Formation and Structure
This nebula represents a stellar nursery where new stars are actively forming within dense molecular clouds. The central illuminating star is estimated to be only a few million years old, making it extremely young in astronomical terms. The nebula is part of a larger molecular cloud complex that contains both dark and bright nebular regions.
Central Star
HD 200775 is the primary illumination source, classified as a B7Ve star with surface temperatures around 13,000 Kelvin. This star is still surrounded by remnants of the original material from which it formed.
Dust Lanes
Dark, serpentine dust lanes weave throughout the nebula, creating intricate patterns and providing contrast against the bright blue regions. These lanes contain dense concentrations of cosmic dust that block background starlight.
Surrounding Molecular Cloud
The nebula is embedded within the much larger LDN 1147/1158 molecular cloud complex, which harbors ongoing star formation and contains numerous other celestial objects.
Scientific Significance
The Iris Nebula serves as an excellent laboratory for studying stellar formation processes, dust grain properties, and the interaction between young stars and their natal environments. Observations across multiple wavelengths have revealed complex structures and provided insights into how reflection nebulae evolve over time.
Discovery and Designation
The nebula was first cataloged by astronomer William Herschel in 1794, though its true nature as a reflection nebula wasn't understood until the development of astrophotography in the early 20th century. It carries the designations NGC 7023, LBN 487, and Caldwell 4 in various astronomical catalogs."
Askar 120APO: 840mm f/7
ZWO ASI533MM Mono Camera at -15C
23xR, 33xG, 39xB, 52xUVIR @5m
12xR, 12xG, 12xB @60s (for stars and inner nebula)
Captured with ASIair. processed with PixInsight, Ps
Iris nebula, NGC 7023
Finally some clear skies and so was able to add enough data to this beautiful object. This is not an emission nebula so there would be no point in using narrow band filters: this was shot using full visual spectrum (natural rgb) light.
"The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. This celestial object gets its name from its distinctive blue coloration and petal-like structure that resembles an iris flower when viewed through telescopes.
Physical Characteristics
The Iris Nebula spans roughly 6 light-years across and is illuminated by a central star, HD 200775, which is a young, hot B-type star. The nebula's characteristic blue color results from starlight scattering off microscopic dust particles in the surrounding cloud, similar to why Earth's sky appears blue. The dust grains are composed primarily of carbon compounds and silicates.
Formation and Structure
This nebula represents a stellar nursery where new stars are actively forming within dense molecular clouds. The central illuminating star is estimated to be only a few million years old, making it extremely young in astronomical terms. The nebula is part of a larger molecular cloud complex that contains both dark and bright nebular regions.
Central Star
HD 200775 is the primary illumination source, classified as a B7Ve star with surface temperatures around 13,000 Kelvin. This star is still surrounded by remnants of the original material from which it formed.
Dust Lanes
Dark, serpentine dust lanes weave throughout the nebula, creating intricate patterns and providing contrast against the bright blue regions. These lanes contain dense concentrations of cosmic dust that block background starlight.
Surrounding Molecular Cloud
The nebula is embedded within the much larger LDN 1147/1158 molecular cloud complex, which harbors ongoing star formation and contains numerous other celestial objects.
Scientific Significance
The Iris Nebula serves as an excellent laboratory for studying stellar formation processes, dust grain properties, and the interaction between young stars and their natal environments. Observations across multiple wavelengths have revealed complex structures and provided insights into how reflection nebulae evolve over time.
Discovery and Designation
The nebula was first cataloged by astronomer William Herschel in 1794, though its true nature as a reflection nebula wasn't understood until the development of astrophotography in the early 20th century. It carries the designations NGC 7023, LBN 487, and Caldwell 4 in various astronomical catalogs."
Askar 120APO: 840mm f/7
ZWO ASI533MM Mono Camera at -15C
23xR, 33xG, 39xB, 52xUVIR @5m
12xR, 12xG, 12xB @60s (for stars and inner nebula)
Captured with ASIair. processed with PixInsight, Ps