• Iris Nebula (NGC7023)

  • Telescope: Askar FRA500

  • Mount: iOptron CEM70

  • Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

  • Filter: Optolong L-Pro

  • Software: PixInsight, RC-Astro plugins

  • Acquisition: 112x300s frames - 9h 20'

  • Date: 2024.09.07

          The Iris Nebula, designated NGC 7023, is a captivating reflection nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. This astronomical wonder is renowned for its striking blue color, which is caused by the scattering of light from nearby stars, particularly a bright central star that illuminates the surrounding dust and gas. The nebula spans approximately 6 light-years across and is situated around 1,300 light-years away from Earth. Its intricate structure consists of dark dust lanes and bright regions, creating a stunning contrast. The Iris Nebula serves not only as a beautiful spectacle but also as an important area of study for understanding star formation and the intricate dynamics of interstellar matter within our galaxy. Observations of NGC 7023 have revealed valuable insights into the processes that govern nebular evolution, making it an essential object of interest in the field of astrophysics.