Gear:

Telescope: Sky-Watcher Equinox 120ED
Mount: Software Bisque Paramount MX
Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC-Pro
Filter: IDAS LPS-D3 2"
Accessories: ESATTO 2" Focuser • Sky-Watcher 0.85 Reducer
Guiding: SBIG ST-i Guide Kit
Software: Photoshop • PixInsight • TheSkyX

Description:

The Pacman Nebula, or NGC 281, captivates with its celestial beauty. Located 9,200 light-years away, it spans 96 light-years in diameter. Its Pac-Man-like shape adds a touch of familiarity to its cosmic allure. Within this stellar nursery, new stars are born amidst swirling gas and dust, while remnants of stellar explosions dance in the cosmic tapestry. The nebula's vivid colors, primarily pink and red, result from intense hydrogen emissions. Bok globules, dark pockets of gas and dust, hint at future star cluster formations. The Pacman Nebula is a breathtaking testament to the cosmic forces shaping our universe, inviting us to marvel at the mysteries of celestial evolution.

Distance: 9,200 light-years
Size: 96 light-years

All Images    Craig Sherris