The Wizard Nebula, or Sh2-142 is the emission nebula surrounding the open cluster known as NGC7380 in the constellation Cepheus.

More information about this object can be found on its Wikipedia page.

I do often struggle with the origin of the names of some of the nebulae that I like to photograph, but with this one I think it's relatively easy to spot the outline of a wizard wearing a pointed hat, with arms spread out in wide sleeves. I do remember that this was captured on a Friday evening when I was left alone with a nice bottle of red wine - perhaps that made finding the wizard in the image a little easier.

You can view this image in the WorldWideTelescope by clicking here.