images

IC 1396 nebula in Cepheus

by

E.Mouquet/Novapix

Reference

a-nec13-96009

Date

2007-01-15

The prominent star at right is Mu Cephei, which was named the Garnet Star by William Herschel. It is a variable star and an M2 bright supergiant with a diameter larger than that of Jupiter's orbit. Mu is one of the most luminous stars in the Galaxy, emitting 350,000 times the power of our Sun. Within the nebula is located the Elephant Trunck Nebula. The IC 1396 is about 3,000 light years distant.