Object Analysis

The Pacman Nebula (NGC 281) is an H II region in the constellation of Cassiopeia and part of the Perseus Spiral Arm. It includes the open cluster IC 1590, the multiple star HD 5005, and several Bok globules. It was discovered by E. E. Barnard in 1883.

Colloquially named for its resemblance to the video game character Pac-Man, the nebula glows red due to ionized hydrogen gas. The "mouth" of the Pacman is actually a dark lane of obscuring dust in the foreground.

At a distance of about 9,200 light-years, this region is a bustling stellar nursery. The central cluster, IC 1590, contains several massive O-type stars whose intense ultraviolet radiation sculpts the surrounding gas and causes the nebula to glow. The Bok globules seen in silhouette are dense cocoons where new stars are likely forming right now.