December 2024 – Modern Astronomer

NGC 2403

December 23, 2024 Cosmic Ken

I cannot believe this beauty does not have a name! NGC 2403 (also known as Caldwell 7) is an intermediate spiral galaxy in the constellation Camelopardalis. It is an outlying member of the M81 Group, and is approximately 8 million light-years distant. It bears a similarity to M33, being about 50,000 light years in diameter … Read More “NGC 2403” »

Iris Nebula

December 12, 2024December 23, 2024 Cosmic Ken

The Iris Nebula (also known as NGC 7023 and Caldwell 4) is a bright reflection nebula in the constellation Cepheus. The designation NGC 7023 refers to the open cluster within the larger reflection nebula designated LBN 487. The nebula, which shines at magnitude +6.8, is illuminated by a nameless magnitude +7.4 star designated HD 200775. … Read More “Iris Nebula” »