NGC 7023, better known as the Iris Nebula, is a bright reflection nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. Unlike emission nebulae, which glow from ionized gas, the Iris shines by reflecting the light of nearby hot stars, particularly the young star HD 200775. This illumination creates striking blue nebulosity surrounded by dark, dusty molecular clouds. The interplay of glowing gas, dust lanes, and scattered starlight gives the region its flower-like appearance, inspiring its common name, the Iris Nebula.