1300 light years away in Cepheus, a hot young star reflects
its light off clouds of dust and gas. That reflected star light
creates the soft symmetrical patterns here that remind many people
of flower petals. The Iris Nebula is about 6 light years across.

Image data:
Camera: DSI-Color
Exposure: 45 seconds x 80
Telescope: 10" Schmidt-Newtonian