The Iris Nebula: NGC 7023 in Cepheus (Wide-field view)

The Iris Nebula: NGC 7023 in Cepheus (Wide-field view)

NGC 7023, also known as the Iris Nebula because of its flower-like shape, is a bright reflection nebula. The bluish glow of the nebula comes from a hot, massive star at the center of the nebula, named HD 200775. Blue light from the star is scattered off dust grains in the nebula, giving it its distinctive color. The dust can also be seen on the outer portions of the nebula, where it has a faint brownish color and blocks out stars behind it. 

Distance: 1,300 light years

Image Credit: Frankastro

Release Date: May 17, 2025

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