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Date: Oct. 14-15-16, 2023 - Location: Dark Sky Observatory, Fort Davis, TX Telescope: 16 in. RC - Camera: FLI 16803 - Mount: Paramount ME-II Exposure: Ha = 15x20 min. Red, Green, Blue = 15x5 min. each (All Binned 1x1) Click on the image to view at higher resolution. |
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NGC 281 is commonly known as the Pac-Man Nebula[2] for its resemblance to the video game icon. It is a H II region located in the constellation of Cassiopeia at a distance of approximately 9,600 light years[1]. The visible structure of the nebula spans a distance of approximately 60 light years[3]. A young open star cluster, IC 1590, is located in the center of NGC 281. The brightest member star, HD 5005, is the primary ionization energy source for the surrounding H II region[3]. As in the Eagle Nebula, the Pac-Man contains several pillars and dark Boc Globules. These areas are active stellar nurseries where new stars are being created[3]. An impressive dust band that forms the mouth of the Pac-Man transverses the lower portion of the nebula. Dr. Robert Gendler published a very informative article describing, in some detail, the Pac-Man Nebula[3]. A full narrowband (SII/Ha/OIII) Hubble Palette version the NGC 281 may be viewed here.
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