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The Iris Nebula NGC 7023 in Cepheus  As seen in May, 2007 SKY & Telescope gallery!

This beautiful object clearly resembles the Bearded Irises that mysteriously 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 a huge, six light years across. Published in May, 2007 Sky & Telescope Readers Gallery.