Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024

On the left, the Iris Nebula, and on the right, the Ghost Nebula. Fascinating celestial objects located in the constellation of Cepheus, about 1,300 light-years away from Earth. The Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) gets its name from the peculiar shape of its gas and dust cloud, resembling the iris flower. At its core, a massive star emits intense ultraviolet radiation, ionizing the surrounding gas and causing it to glow with vibrant colors. Different hues speckle the nebula, creating a visually stunning display that also features a network of dark, dense filaments contrasting with the illuminated regions. These filaments are the result of the complex interaction between the central star's stellar wind and the surrounding material. The Ghost Nebula (VdB 141) is illuminated by the variable star V380 Cephei, which is immersed in the nebula. This star emits intense light that illuminates the surrounding dust, creating a "ghostly" effect. Both celestial objects were discovered by William Herschel in 1794 with his famous 40-foot reflector.