Reflection nebula · Cepheus

NGC 7023 Iris Nebula

Also known as: C4, LBN 487

mag 7.210′ across

About

NGC 7023, the Iris Nebula, is a reflection nebula of magnitude 7.2 in Cepheus, about 10′ across.

NGC 7023 is in the constellation Cepheus.
Best evenings: around late September it is highest at about 9 pm (10 pm in summer time); a month earlier, two hours later.
Where on Earth: it is seen well, at least 10° up, from north of 12° S.

When it rises and sets tonight, how high it climbs and how much the Moon gets in the way are worked out in your browser for your place.

EyesNot visible to the naked eye.
Binoculars (10×50)A faint haze around its stars, from a dark site.
Telescope (6–8 inch)A faint glow around its stars. The blue colour shows only in photos.

For a dark country sky with no Moon. From a city, faint galaxies and nebulae can disappear completely.

Designations	NGC 7023, C4, LBN 487
Type	Reflection nebula
Magnitude	7.2The smaller the number, the brighter.
Apparent size	10′ × 8′the full Moon is 31′ across
Constellation	Cepheus
Right ascension (J2000)	21h 01m 35.6s
Declination (J2000)	+68° 10′ 11″