Iris Nebula, Ghost Nebula and surrounding IFN

NGC 7023, also known as the Iris Nebula, is a reflection nebula located in the constellation Cepheus, approximately 1,300 light-years from Earth. Its center is illuminated by a bright B-type star, HD 200775, giving the nebula its striking blue glow, a phenomenon caused by the scattering of short-wavelength blue light by interstellar dust.

The Iris Nebula's structure is highly intricate, with a bright core surrounded by layers of dust and dark bands interwoven in a way that resembles the petals of a blooming iris flower. The nebula's dust clouds reveal rich details in both visible and infrared wavelengths, making it a popular target for astrophotography.

Not far from the Iris Nebula is VdB 141, commonly known as the Ghost Nebula. This fainter and more enigmatic reflection nebula, also located in Cepheus, is approximately 1,200 light-years from Earth. The Ghost Nebula is named for its unique shape, resembling a group of floating ghosts dancing across the night sky.

The nebula is composed of cold interstellar dust and gas, which form complex structures that obscure background starlight, giving the edges of the nebula a deep, dark appearance. Hidden within the nebula are forming stars, whose faint light adds a subtle glow to the surrounding dust, enhancing its eerie and mysterious character.

SharpStar 130HNT
Touptek 2600m
Skywatch AZEQ6
Antlia Lx49,Rx18,Gx18,Bx18, 600secs
Total integration time: 17 Hrs
Location: Liaoning, China