NGC 1491 is an emission nebula located in the constellation Perseus, approximately 10,700 light-years away from Earth. It is illuminated by a hot, young, massive star (an O-type star) near its center, which emits intense ultraviolet radiation that ionizes the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing it to glow. This nebula is characterized by intricate structures, such as bright filaments and darker regions of interstellar dust.  The nebula is also associated with active star-forming regions.

NGC 1491 is often referred to as the "Fossil Footprint Nebula" due to its shape resembling a footprint in astronomical images. This nickname highlights the unique patterns of bright and dark regions created by the interaction of stellar winds and surrounding gas.