Flower Bud Nebula

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NGC 7129 is a reflection nebula surrounded by a young open star cluster, located approximately 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cepheus. Its distinctive blue glow comes from starlight scattered by surrounding interstellar dust, while reddish emission features and dark dust clouds add complexity to the region. The nebula is a site of active star formation, containing young stars that interact with their surroundings through powerful stellar winds and outflows. The wider field also includes the nearby open star cluster NGC 7142, visible among the dense background of stars. Together, these objects create a rich and intricate deep-sky scene.

OBJECT INFORMATION

Name/DesignationFlower Bud Nebula / NGC 7129 (LBN 497)
Object TypeReflection Nebula / Open Star Cluster
ConstellationCepheus
Distance~3,300 light-years
Apparent Magnitude~11.5
Angular Size~7′ × 7′

IMAGING

DateJuly/August, 2026
LocationAegina, Greece
Frames1825 × 60″ exposures
Integration30h 25m
Camera SettingsGain 101 | Temperature: 0°C
Bortle Scale4/5 (Rural sky)

EQUIPMENT

TelescopeSky-Watcher Explorer 130PDS
CameraZWO ASI533MC Pro
MountSky-Watcher EQ5 Pro
FilterBaader UV/IR Cut Luminance
AccessoryBaader 2″ MPCC Mark III
Guide ScopeArtesky 32mm Mini
Guide CameraZWO ASI120MM Mini

SOFTWARE

AcquisitionAstro Photography Tool
GuidingPHD2 Guiding
ProcessingPixInsight
PluginsRC Astro