Description of object: Known as the Iris Nebula, NGC 7023 lies in Cepheus. The light comes from reflection of the starlight from the bright star seen with it in these images as well as the conversion of ultraviolet light from the hot young star into visible light.

Picture Information: October 1, 2003.  The image was created by adding 30 ten-second exposures.

Moon Phase: 40%

Telescope and Camera Info.: Meade 12in. Schmidt-Cassegrain, f/10, with an Apogee AP6E CCD camera.