This is my first image with a new telescope rig (pictured below). NGC 7023, the Iris Nebula, is located in the constellation of Cepheus.

Most of the nebulas I have targeted are emission nebulas, meaning they emit their own light because their particles are ionized, or excited by the energy from nearby stars. However, this is a reflection nebula where the gas and dust only reflects the light originating from a star ten times the size of our Sun and designated as HD 200775. Such areas are often blue in colour. The image also contains ‘dark nebula’ regions where dust obscures the light from stars.

Total exposure: 12h 15m

Blue 45x300, Red 46x300, Green 20x300, Lum 36x300

The telescope, mount and camera used are used for the first time here…

Telescope: ZWO FF107

Camera: ZWO 2600MM Pro

Mount: ZWO AM5n