Date 2006	Location Coudersport PA	Software Astroart 4	Mount Losmandy G-11	Guide STV w/ eFinder
Optic Intes M606	Camera SXVF-M25C	Filter O-S-C	Exposure 300s x 30	Process Photoshop CS2

Billions and Billions.com/Iris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Iris Nebula NGC 7023 in Cepheus 

This beautiful object clearly resembles the Bearded Irises that bloomed around the first house of my youth.  Hidden amongst its beautiful blue reflection nebulosity and touches of red emission gasses is a rather terrifying skull face.  Do you see it?  The bright central star, a mere 5,000 years old would be the middle of its forehead.  The Iris is about 1,300 light years away and six light years across.  This photograph appears in the May 2007 Sky & Telescope Magazine Gallery.  Return to the Gallery