NGC 7380 and Sharpless 142

The open star cluster NGC 7380 in the constellation Cepheus is embedded in a huge cloud of dust and gas 7,000 light-years away. The blue giant cluster stars have ionized parts of this cloud, making it visible in the red light of the Hydrogen Hα line (HII). The intense radiation from these bright stars interacts strongly with the interstellar matter, forming arcs and wavelike structures. The visible gaseous nebula is listed as Sharpless 142.