The California Nebula (NGC 1499) is an intense hydrogen emission nebula located in the constellation Perseus. This iconic deep-sky object has been ignited by energetic starlight that has ionized its nebular gas composition. The most noticeable characteristics of this nebula are its striking resemblance in shape to the US state of California, and red color due to its hydrogen composition. It is almost 2.5° long on the sky and, because of its very low surface brightness, it is extremely difficult to observe visually.
