The North America Nebula (NGC 7000 or Caldwell 20 Catalogue) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, close to Deneb (the tail of the swan and its brightest star). The remarkable shape of the nebula resembles that of the continent of North America, complete with a prominent Gulf of Mexico. The North America Nebula is large, covering an area of more than four times the size of the full moon; but its surface brightness is low, so normally it cannot be seen with the unaided eye.
The Cygnus's Wall is a term for the "Mexico and Central America part" of the North America Nebula. The Cygnus Wall exhibits the most concentrated star formations in the nebula. The distance of the nebula complex is not precisely known, but some estimate it to be about 1800 Light years, based on estimates that nearby Deneb is the source for ionizing the hydrogen so that it emits light.
If Deneb is responsible then its absolute size (6° apparent diameter on the sky) would be 100 light years across.
ASI Pro Version
DSLR Version
