Overview

The ever so beautiful NGC 281, or the Pac-man Nebula as it’s more lovingly called. I’ve always really enjoyed imaging this target, and this is my third go with my 127mm telescope, but I captured it using my ASI 294mm camera. Sadly, my camera shorted out right as I wrapped the project and couldn’t get updated flat frames for my narrowband filters, but my older calibration frames weren’t too bad off. I’ve sent the 294 off to ZWO for some repair love and hope to get it back around January.

The Pac-Man Nebula (NGC 281) is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia, approximately 9,200 light-years away. Its nickname comes from its resemblance to the classic video game character in astrophotographs. The nebula is part of the Perseus Spiral Arm of the Milky Way and spans about 48 light-years.

NGC 281 is a site of active star formation, housing the open star cluster IC 1590, which contains massive, young stars that illuminate the nebula. Dark Bok globules within the nebula are dense clouds of gas and dust where stars may be forming. The Pac-Man Nebula is a popular target for astrophotographers, particularly with narrowband filters that highlight its hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur emissions.

Total integration time is 32.8 hrs.