Iris Nebula

An LRGB image of the Iris Nebula, representing about 11 hours integration time and taken with my Esprit 150.

The Iris is a reflection nebula in the constellation Cepheus. The light from the very bright central star is scattered by the surrounding dust giving it a distinctive blue colour. Although not designated as an emission nebula, you can also see reddish regions close to the central star which indicate the presence of ionized hydrogen. 

Also present is an open star cluster, which can be best seen through the triangular clearing of dust to the left of the bright central star.