We report the serendipitous discovery of a heavily reddened Wolf-Rayet star that we name WR 142b . While photometrically monitoring a cataclysmic variable , we detected weak variability in a nearby field star . Low-resolution spectroscopy revealed a strong emission line at 7100 Å , suggesting an unusual object and prompting further study . A spectrum taken with the Hobby-Eberly Telescope confirms strong He II emission and a N IV 7112 Å line consistent with a nitrogen-rich Wolf-Rayet star of spectral class WN6 . Analysis of the He II line strengths reveals no detectable hydrogen in WR 142b . A blue-sensitive spectrum obtained with the Large Binocular Telescope shows no evidence for a hot companion star . The continuum shape and emission line ratios imply a reddening of E ( B - V ) = 2.2 to 2.5 mag . If not for the dust extinction , this new Wolf-Rayet star could be visible to the naked eye .