NGC281

Pac Man Nebula

 

Object NGC 281 -- Emission Nebula
Constellation Cassiopeia
Date Aquired 11/20/2003
Camera ST-2000XM w/CFW-8
Exposure L 13x10Min(1x1), R 8x10Min (2x2), G 8x5Min (2x2), B 6x8Min (2x2)
Telescope Takahashi FS-102 @f/8
Mount Losmandy G11

 

Named the Pac Man Nebula for its mouth gaping shape, NGC 281 is a star-forming region in the constellation Cassiopeia.  The energy from the newly born stars in the center of the picture causes the surrounding hydrogen gas to glow.  It is about 5,500 light years away and about 44 light years across.   

Return to the gallery