The Fish Head Nebula (IC 1795) is an area of new star formation with glowing gas and dust, in the constellation of Cassiopeia. It is actually a portion of the larger Heart Nebula complex (IC 1805) that is located about 6000 light-years from earth.
The brighter region of IC 1795 is designated NGC 896 and is the home to many massive, young, stars. These stars radiate copious amounts of ultraviolet light. This UV radiation excites the surrounding gas and causes it shine much the same way as a neon light emits its colorful hues.
