NGC 1491 is an emission type bright nebula in the northern constellation of Perseus. Alternatively, it is known as LBN 704, SH2-206, or the Fossil Footprint Nebula. It was discovered on 23 December 1790 by William Herschel. The nebula is located at a distance of about 9,800 light years from Earth
The nebula gets its deep red coloration due to many massive stars (such as BD+50 866) embedded within NGC 1491 producing large amounts of ultraviolet radiation and ionizing the hydrogen gas that makes up the nebula.
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