Located in the constellation of Cepheus, NGC 7023, known as the Iris Nebula, is a reflection nebula of considerable brightness. The clouds of gases that compose the nebula are lit by a small cluster of stars. Gas clouds further from the cluster can also be seen in the image as dark nebula, obscuring the star fields behind them. The Iris Nebula is a relatively close deep sky object, at roughly 1,300 light years from Earth.

Image & Equipment Details:
Date: 9/24/17
LRGB Image, 236 Minutes total Integration
R: 15X240s Bin 2X2
G: 15X240s Bin 2X2
B: 15X240s Bin 2X2
L: 14X240s Bin 2X2

Calibrated with bias, flat, and dark frames
Processed in PixInsight
Temp: -20C

Imaging Scope: Explore Scientific 127CF Apochromatic Triplet
Imaging Camera: SBIG STF-8300M

Annotated Image: