The emission nebula NGC 281 in Cassiopeia. While this object has a relatively low surface brightness, patient observation from a dark site will bring out many of the main features.

Often called the "Pacman Nebula" after the popular video game of the 1980's, this nebula and cluster is a very impressive object. The cluster is about 6 arc-minutes across, and contains about 25 stars as seen in a 12-inch scope. The cluster is dominated by a bright triple star in the center.

Overall, the nebulosity is about 20 arc-minutes across. The nebula is separated by dark lanes into three sections to the west, east and southeast of the star. The eastern section is bright and oval-shaped. The western section is fainter and separated from the eastern section by a thin dark band. The southeast section lies directly south of the eastern section and is considerably more tenuous. It is separated from the eastern section by a broader dark band. Overall, the nebula has a subtle blotchy appearance.

How to get there:

NGC 281 lies 1.7° east of Alpha Cassiopeiae.

Finder chart for NGC 281