Object: The Iris Nebula (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.
The nebula, which shines at magnitude
+6.8, is illuminated by a magnitude +7.4 star designated HD 200775. It is
located near the Mira-type variable star T Cephei, and the bright magnitude
+3.23 variable star Beta Cephei (Alfirk). It lies 1,300 light-years away and is
six light-years across.
Taken: October 6, 2024
Telescope: Astro-Tech 14 inch RC with Starizona Apex ED 0.65x reducer
Mount: Paramount ME II unguided
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC-Pro (cooled to 0C; Gain: 100) Bin 1×1.
Focuser: Moonlite Nitecrawler
Rotator: Moonlite Nitecrawler
Filters used: Optolong L-Quad Enhance 2″ with a Starizona 2″ filter drawer
Exposures: 315×90 seconds, for a total exposure time of 7.88 hours; calibrated with 40 dark frames, 40 flat frames with 40 flat-darks
Seeing Conditions: Average. Bortle 5 region.
Image capture and telescope control: Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy with (N.I.N.A.) / TheSkyX Pro with a SkyShed POD MAX observatory.
Processed with PixInsight and Photoshop CC 2024