description NGC 281 Overview
NGC 281 is an emission nebula in Cassiopeia, notable as the Pacman Nebula and associated with the young open cluster IC 1590.
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What is NGC 281?
NGC 281 is a bright emission nebula located in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia. It is widely recognized in the astronomy community by its popular nickname, the "Pacman Nebula," due to its resemblance to the classic video game character.
Why is the Pacman Nebula associated with IC 1590?
The nebula is physically associated with IC 1590, a young open star cluster located at its center. The hot, massive stars within IC 1590 emit intense ultraviolet radiation that excites the surrounding hydrogen gas, causing the nebula to glow brightly.
How far away is the NGC 281 nebula from Earth?
The Pacman Nebula is located approximately 9,200 light-years away from our solar system. Despite this immense distance, it remains a popular target for amateur astrophotographers due to its relatively large apparent size.
When and by who was NGC 281 discovered?
NGC 281 was discovered in August 1883 by the American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard. Barnard was a highly skilled observational astronomer who also discovered the star with the largest known proper motion, known as Barnard's Star.
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