NGC 1499, the California Nebula, is a very large emission nebula in Perseus.

Spanning nearly 1.5 x 3 degrees, the nebula is located 1,500 light-years from us in space. At that distance, its real size is 100 light-years long.

NGC 1499 is located next to 4th magnitude Xi Persei, a member of the Perseus OB2 association. Xi is a hot blue star whose ultraviolet light powers the glow of atomic hydrogen in the nebula.

NGC 1499 was discovered by E.E. Barnard in 1884.

The California Nebula takes its name from its resemblance to the outline of the state of California in the United States.

North is to the left in the above image.

NGC 1499 Catalogs: NGC 1499, LBN 756 Common Name: California Nebula Object Type: Emission Nebula Size: 160' x 40' Constellation: Perseus Image Field Centered At: RA: 04h 00m 14s Dec: +36° 31' 19"