NGC 1491 is an emission nebula found in the constellation of Perseus.
This particular nebula has an 11th magnitude star in its center. The "reddish"
color of this object indicates that it is heavily composed of HII.
Note how the central star is "blowing" a bubble in the gas that immediately
surrounds it. The winds from this star are so energetic that they are
breaking up the nebula to left of it in this picture.
Equipment
16in RC Optical Systems telescope operating at F/8.8
SBIG ST10XME CCD camera with color filter wheel