NGC-7023, a combination reflection and dark nebula in the constellation of Cepheus, is sometimes called "The Iris Nebula". The NGC number actually refers to the star cluster that is located at the center of the bright reflection nebula. The actual designation of the nebula itself is LBN 487. This reflection nebula is illuminated by the 7th magnitude star SAO-19158, which is the brightest member of the imbedded star cluster. This object lies approximately 1300 light years from Earth and is about 6 light years in diameter. Also visible in this image are dark clouds of matter which obscure some portions of the bright nebula beyond them.
This image, acquired on September 11, 2015, is a 75 minute integration of 5 minute exposures through the Celestron C-11 at f/2, using the HyperStar III imaging system and the Starlight Express SXVR-H694C color CCD camera, operating at -10 degrees below ambient temperature and binned 1 X 1. Guided, captured and combined using Maxim DL5 Pro. Post processed using PhotoShop CS2, Gradient XTerminator, StarShrink, Carboni's Astro Tools and NoiseWare.