NGC 7023 – A Flower for the Night Sky

by Bob Meincke

Objects in field: Iris Nebula, NGC 7023, LDN 1170, LDN 1172, LDN 1173, LDN 1174, LBN 487

Equipment: TS-Optics Photoline 130mm f/7 FPL53 Triplet Apo (APO130f7-P), ZWO ASI294MM Pro

Integration: 23h 14m

NGC 7023, the Iris Nebula, is a reflection nebula in Cepheus, where dusty clouds scatter the blue light of a young central star. The surrounding dark dust gives the scene a soft, protective feel — almost like a flower opening in the night. With Mother’s Day approaching, the Iris seemed like a fitting flower to offer.