description Pacman Nebula Overview
The Pacman Nebula, formally NGC 281, is an emission nebula within the Cassiopeia constellation. It’s notable for its distinctive shape resembling a grinning face, created by ionized hydrogen gas. This region contains the IC 1590 star cluster and Bok globules, offering astronomers insights into stellar formation and planetary nebula evolution. Amateur and professional astronomers studying H II regions and star clusters find it particularly interesting.
help Pacman Nebula FAQ
Why is NGC 281 called the Pacman Nebula?
The nebula earned its popular nickname because its glowing shape and dark dust lanes closely resemble the classic arcade character Pac-Man. In long-exposure astrophotography, the arrangement of the gas and dust creates a recognizable "mouth" gap in the nebula.
Where is the Pacman Nebula located in the night sky?
NGC 281 is located in the northern constellation Cassiopeia. It can be found high in the sky for observers in the Northern Hemisphere during the autumn months.
Who discovered the Pacman Nebula?
The nebula was discovered in 1883 by the American astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard. He found it while observing the night sky from his observatory in Nashville, Tennessee.
What astronomical features are inside the Pacman Nebula?
The nebula is an H II region that contains the open star cluster IC 1590, which provides the radiation that makes the gas glow. Astronomers also study it for its prominent Bok globules, which are dark, dense clouds of dust where new stars are forming.
explore Explore More
Similar to Pacman Nebula
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
