description Sharpless 2-184 Overview
Sharpless 2-184 is an emission nebula and star-forming region in the constellation Cassiopeia, more commonly catalogued as NGC 281. Its glowing hydrogen gas surrounds the young open cluster IC 1590 and contains dense Bok globules in which new stars may form. The nebula's dark dust lanes create a shape that has led astronomers and astrophotographers to call it the Pacman Nebula.
help Sharpless 2-184 FAQ
What is the more common name for the Sharpless 2-184 nebula?
Sharpless 2-184 is much more commonly cataloged by astronomers as NGC 281. It is also popularly known as the "Pac-Man Nebula" due to its resemblance to the iconic video game character.
Where can I find Sharpless 2-184 in the night sky?
This emission nebula and star-forming region is located in the constellation Cassiopeia. It lies high in the northern sky, making it a popular target for amateur astrophotographers during the autumn and winter months.
What makes NGC 281 scientifically interesting to astronomers?
The nebula contains the young open star cluster IC 1590, whose energetic young stars illuminate the surrounding hydrogen gas. It also features dense, dark Bok globules where new stars are actively forming.
Do I need a large telescope to photograph the Pac-Man Nebula?
While it is too faint to see clearly with the naked eye, astrophotographers often capture NGC 281 using small refractor telescopes with an aperture of around 65mm to 80mm. You will typically need a specialized astrophotography camera and long exposure times to reveal its glowing gases.
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