Pacman Nebula
Emission nebula

Pacman Nebula

NGC 281 · Cassiopeia
These photons are ~9,500 years old
LP
Date
2025-09-18
Location
36.3859° N, 28.0414° E
Integration
6m (34 × 10s)
Software
ZWO Seestar app
Notes
—
Plate solve
Centre RA
0h 52m 09.9s
Centre Dec
+56° 40′ 43″
Field
42.7′ × 76.0′
Pixel scale
2.37″/px
Orientation
88.5° E of N
TelescopeZWO Seestar S50
CameraZWO Seestar S50 Camera
RigFamily Holiday Rig
Captured from · Ελλάς
36.3859° N, 28.0414° E · open map ↗

Where to find it

Interactive sky chart centred on 0 52 09.9 +56 40 43, with constellation stick figures overlaid. Locate shows the whole constellation with the target ringed; Field zooms to the close-up. Drag to pan, scroll to zoom, click any star to identify it. Imagery: DSS colour survey via CDS Aladin Lite. Constellation figures © Dominic Ford (GPLv3).

An emission nebula and embedded cluster IC 1590, named for its resemblance to the arcade character when imaged in narrowband. Rich in Bok globules — dark, dense clumps of gas that may be collapsing to form new stars. A reliable narrowband target in autumn skies.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of object is NGC 281?
NGC 281 is an emission nebula.
Which constellation is NGC 281 in?
NGC 281 lies in the constellation Cassiopeia.
How far away is NGC 281?
The light in this image left NGC 281 roughly ~9,500 years ago, so that is how far back in time you are seeing it.
What are the coordinates of NGC 281?
NGC 281 sits at right ascension 00h 52m 10s and declination +56° 40′ 43″ (J2000).
When is the best time to photograph NGC 281?
NGC 281 is circumpolar from around 54°N — it never sets, and rides highest (about 87° altitude) on evenings around October.
What equipment was used to photograph NGC 281?
This image of NGC 281 was captured with ZWO Seestar S50 and ZWO Seestar S50 Camera.
How much exposure time went into this image?
This image of NGC 281 represents 6m (34 × 10s) of total integration time.