NGC 1499 – California Nebula

Description:

A star and its cradle. The blue star named Menkib in the constellation Perseus was likely born from this clump of gas and dust, NGC 1499, known as the California Nebula because of its resemblance to the outline of this American state. This ultra-massive and bright star now irradiates this clump of gas, making it visible through its fluorescence. Distance: about 1,500 light-years, in our galaxy.