Iris Nebula
Reflection nebula

Iris Nebula

NGC 7023 · Cepheus
These photons are ~1,400 years old
UV/IR
Date
2025-09-23
Location
36.3859° N, 28.0414° E
Integration
16m (94 × 10s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
—
Plate solve
Centre RA
20h 59m 09.5s
Centre Dec
+68° 08′ 46″
Field
42.8′ × 76.0′
Pixel scale
2.38″/px
Orientation
64.5° E of N
TelescopeZWO Seestar S50
CameraZWO Seestar S50 Camera
RigFamily Holiday Rig
Captured from · Ελλάς
36.3859° N, 28.0414° E · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 20 59 09.5 +68 08 46, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

A beautiful blue reflection nebula surrounding the hot star SAO 19158. Surrounded by complex dark nebulosity from LDN 1172; wide-field images show the bright blue iris set against dramatic dark clouds.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of object is NGC 7023?
NGC 7023 is a reflection nebula.
Which constellation is NGC 7023 in?
NGC 7023 lies in the constellation Cepheus.
How far away is NGC 7023?
The light in this image left NGC 7023 roughly ~1,400 years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of NGC 7023?
NGC 7023 sits at right ascension 20h 59m 09s and declination +68° 08′ 46″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph NGC 7023?
NGC 7023 is circumpolar from around 54°N — it never sets, and rides highest (about 75° altitude) on evenings around August.
What equipment was used to photograph NGC 7023?
This image of NGC 7023 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of NGC 7023 represents 16m (94 × 10s) of total integration time.