NGC7023 by Dave Collings
Submitted by Chelsea Chin
NGC7023: The Iris Nebula
This Iris Nebula (NGC7023) was imaged with my PlaneWave 12.5″ CDK with 0.66 PW reducer sitting on an Astro-Physics 1100 GTO CP4 mount. Total integration time was 15 hours of LRGB on June 8th and 9th. Main camera is the ATIK 16200 Mono and Chroma filters on the EFW3 filter wheel. Guide scope is the Astromania 400 refractor with an ASI 290mm.
The Iris Nebula (also known as NGC 7023 and Caldwell 4) is a bright reflection nebula in the constellation Cepheus. The designation NGC 7023 refers to the open cluster within the larger reflection nebula designated LBN 487. This beautiful blue reflection nebula has a bright young star in its center and gradually becomes darker as it is surrounded by clouds of interstellar dust.
NGC 7023 itself is bright, but it is surrounded by very faint dust and located 1300 light years from earth. The Iris Nebula is a difficult target for the Astrophotographer and will test your processing skills to the max!
David Collings – Blue Ridge Observatory
Sparta, NC Blue Ridge Mountains