Description:
NGC 7023, also known as the Iris Nebula, is a reflection nebula about 1,300 light-years away in the constellation Cepheus.
It shines with a soft blue light, caused by starlight from the young star HD 200775 scattering off surrounding dust - much like sunlight scatters in Earth’s sky.
The nebula is surrounded by dark clouds and contains complex carbon molecules, making it both visually striking and scientifically interesting.