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The North America Nebula (NGC 7000) and the Pelican Nebula (IC 5070) form one of the most breathtaking star-forming regions in the constellation Cygnus, approximately 2,500 light-years away from Earth. These two neighboring emission nebulae are vast clouds of ionized hydrogen gas, sculpted by powerful stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation from nearby young, massive stars.
In this image, NGC 7000 resembles the shape of the North American continent, while IC 5070, just to its right, takes on the profile of a pelican in flight. The rich red and magenta hues are produced by glowing hydrogen-alpha emissions, while intricate dark dust lanes carve out the familiar outlines of both nebulae.
Together, the North America and Pelican Nebulae create a stunning vista of cosmic birth and transformation — a reminder of the beauty and dynamism of our Milky Way’s stellar nurseries.
Constellation: Cygnus
Distance: ~2,500 light-years
Type: Emission Nebulae (H II regions)
Catalog Designations: NGC 7000 & IC 5070
The North America Nebula (NGC 7000) and the Pelican Nebula (IC 5070) form one of the most breathtaking star-forming regions in the constellation Cygnus, approximately 2,500 light-years away from Earth. These two neighboring emission nebulae are vast clouds of ionized hydrogen gas, sculpted by powerful stellar winds and ultraviolet radiation from nearby young, massive stars.
In this image, NGC 7000 resembles the shape of the North American continent, while IC 5070, just to its right, takes on the profile of a pelican in flight. The rich red and magenta hues are produced by glowing hydrogen-alpha emissions, while intricate dark dust lanes carve out the familiar outlines of both nebulae.
Together, the North America and Pelican Nebulae create a stunning vista of cosmic birth and transformation — a reminder of the beauty and dynamism of our Milky Way’s stellar nurseries.
Constellation: Cygnus
Distance: ~2,500 light-years
Type: Emission Nebulae (H II regions)
Catalog Designations: NGC 7000 & IC 5070