Celestial hemisphere:  Northern  ·  Constellation: Cassiopeia (Cas)  ·  Contains:  HD5005  ·  IC 1590  ·  LBN 615  ·  LBN 616  ·  NGC 281  ·  Sh2-184
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NGC 281: Pacman Nebula, Ashraf AbuSara
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NGC 281: Pacman Nebula

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NGC 281: Pacman Nebula, Ashraf AbuSara
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NGC 281: Pacman Nebula

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Description

NGC 281 is a unique star forming region that is uniquely located nearly 1000 lightyears above the plane of the Milky Way. The dark region in this image that forms the mouth of the "Pacman" appears to be an intricate dark gas structure with extensive strings fanning from the center of the region. While dark optically in this image, the area is a hotbed for star formation that can be seen on infrared images. 

In this closeup view I found it difficult to see the resemblance to the "pacman", but more like an intricate tropical insect or a centipede. Regardless of what we earthlings call it, this is one of the most beautiful stellar objects in our sky, especially up close.

Comments

Revisions

  • NGC 281: Pacman Nebula, Ashraf AbuSara
    Original
  • NGC 281: Pacman Nebula, Ashraf AbuSara
    B
  • Final
    NGC 281: Pacman Nebula, Ashraf AbuSara
    C

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Sky plot

Histogram

NGC 281: Pacman Nebula, Ashraf AbuSara