Dark Nebula

NGC 7023, the Iris Nebula, surrounded by dust and star fields in Cepheus. 🌌 Overview Name: Iris Nebula Catalog: NGC 7023 (part of LBN 487) Constellation: Cepheus Distance from Earth: ~1,300 light-years Apparent Size: ~18 arcminutes Type: Reflection Nebula ✨ What We See NGC 7023 is one of the brightest and most photogenic reflection nebulae in the night sky. This image captures: The bright, blue-white central nebula, caused by scattered starlight Illuminating star: HD 200775, a young Herbig Be star Surrounding dark molecular clouds and interstellar dust, faintly lit by starlight A star field rich with contrast between reflection and absorption regions 🔭 Scientific Highlights Unlike emission nebulae, NGC 7023 reflects rather than emits light — mostly in the blue spectrum due to scattering It’s a prime region to study interstellar dust grain composition and evolution Lies in the Cepheus Flare molecular cloud complex, a site of active star formation 📷 Equipment Used Telescope: TS-Optics 80PHQ (544mm f/6.8 Quintuplet APO) Camera: SVBONY SV605MC (IMX533 Mono) Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro Guiding: Off-Axis Guider with veLOX 178 C Filters: LRGB Software: NINA, PHD2, PixInsight, Photoshop Overlay: Watermarked signature 📝 Final Thoughts NGC 7023 (Iris Nebula) is a visual delight for both astrophotographers and stargazers. With its delicate color and soft dust lanes, it serves as a beautiful reminder of the quiet elegance scattered across the cosmos. ...

LDN 1235, also known as the Shark Nebula, in the constellation Cepheus. 🌌 Overview Name: Shark Nebula Catalog: LDN 1235 (Lynds’ Dark Nebula 1235) Constellation: Cepheus Distance from Earth: ~650 light-years Apparent Size: ~2.5° wide Type: Dark nebula + Integrated Flux Nebula (IFN) 🦈 What is the Shark Nebula? The Shark Nebula is a large, faint dark nebula made visible by its silhouette against the rich background of stars. Its name comes from the resemblance to the profile of a swimming shark, with a bright star forming the “eye.” ...