IC 1396 is a very large area of emission nebulosity in the constellation of Cepheus. The bright red star at right is Mu Cephei, a red supergiant, also known as Herschel's Garnet Star.

Trumpler 37 is the star cluster in the center of IC 1396.

Dark nebulae Barnard 169, 170 and 171 lie at the upper right in the image. Barnard 160, 161, 163, 365 and 367 are involved in IC 1396 itself.

IC 1396 is powered by the hot blue star TYC 3975-1821-1 which shines at 8th magnitude. Ultraviolet energy from the star ionizes the hydrogen gas in the region, causing it to glow with a distinctive red color.

IC 1396 is thought to be 2,500 to 3,000 light-years away. At that distance the nebula's apparent size of 3.5 x 2.36 degrees would correspond to a true size of 150 to 183 light-years in diameter in space.

Mu Cephei is the brightest star in the image at lower right center. Mu is a variable red supergiant that is located 2,400 light-years away. Its magnitude varies from 3.5 to 5 over a period of 2 to 2.5 years. It is one of the most luminous and largest stars currently known. It has a diameter more than 3,200 times larger than the Sun. Mu Cephei is expected to end its life in a supernova.

IC 1396A, the Elephant's Trunk, is a fascinating part of the larger nebulosity in this area.

IC 1396 was discovered by E. E. Barnard in 1893.

North is to the right in the above image.

IC 1396 Catalogs: IC 1396, OCl 222, Tr 37, Cr 439 Object Type: Emission Nebula Magnitude: 3.5 Size: 3.5° x 2.36° Constellation: Cepheus Image Field Centered At: RA: 21h 44m 58s Dec: +57° 30' 38"