Above is a picture of the Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) that I captured during just two hours of imaging time in August 2023. The Iris Nebula, also known as NGC 7023, is located roughly 1,300 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus. This reflection nebula shimmers like a blue flower blooming amidst the dark cosmic void. Surrounded by a cloud of dust and gas, the nebula’s brilliant core is illuminated by a young, hot star. This unique configuration results in its distinct blue hue, making it a beautiful target for astrophotographers.
Imaging and Processing
The image was captured over a single night, totaling 2 hours of exposure time. Despite the relatively short integration time, I revealed some nice details of the Iris Nebula. Especially, I am happy with the background dark nebulae there.
Gear I Used to Capture This Image:
- Telescope: SvBony SV550 122mm Triplet APO
- Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC Pro
- Mount: Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro
Acquisition Details:
- Frames: 24
- Exposure Time per Frame: 300 seconds
- Total Exposure Time: 2 hours
Processing the Iris Nebula was a delightful experience. The reflection nebula’s striking blue hue, illuminated by the central star, creates a stunning contrast against the surrounding dark nebula.
I hope you enjoy this image as much as I enjoyed capturing and processing it. The Iris Nebula is truly a gem in the night sky, and I’m excited to share this capture with you.
The high-resolution version of this image with more acquisition details is available on AstroBin. Just click on the image below:
