The California Nebula (Also known NGC 1499 or Sh2-220) is an emission nebula located in the constellation Perseus. NGC 1499 is almost 2.5° long on the sky and, because of its very low surface brightness, it is extremely difficult to observe visually. It lies at a distance of about 1,000 light years from Earth. Its name comes from its resemblance to the outline of the U.S. State of California in long exposure photographs.
By coincidence, the California Nebula transits in the zenith in central California as the latitude matches the declination of the object. The California Nebula was discovered by E. E. Barnard in 1884.