NGC 1491 is an emission type bright nebula in the northern constellation of Perseus. Alternatively, it is known as LBN 704, SH2-206, or the Fossil Footprint Nebula. It was discovered on 23 December 1790 by William Herschel. The nebula is located at a distance of about 9,800 light years from Earth The nebula gets its deep red coloration due to many massive stars (such as BD+50 866) embedded within NGC 1491 producing large amounts of ultraviolet radiation and ionizing the hydrogen gas that makes up the nebula.
Gallery
References
External links Media related to NGC 1491 at Wikimedia Commons