NGC 7023 is in an area of sky with an intervening cloud of dust/gas between the stars and Earth forming a dark nebula. NGC 7023 is caused by an illuminating star ( HD200775) embedded in the near side of the dark nebula. The star is estimated to be no more than 5000 years old and is approximately 1400 light years distant.
NGC 7023 is referred to as a "cometary nebula" due to it's shape.