images

Star Gamma Cassiopeiae and nebulae IC 59 and IC 63

by

J.Lodriguss/Novapix

Reference

a-nec00-59002

Date

2007-08-21

IC 59 and IC 63 are a combination of emission and reflection nebulae located near Gamma Cassiopeiae in the constellation of Cassiopeia. The blue reflection portion of the nebulosity is illuminated by the light of Gamma, the brilliant star at the top of the frame. Gamma Cassiopeiae, which varies in brightness from magnitude 1.6 to 3.0, is located the the middle of the Cassiopeia asterism that looks like the letter "M" or "W" depending on whether the constellation is above or below Polaris.