NGC 281, often referred to as the "Pacman Nebula" due to its resemblance to the famous video game character, is a bright emission nebula located approximately 9,200 light-years away from Earth in the constellation of Cassiopeia. Its whimsical nickname captures the imagination of astronomers and enthusiasts alike.

This nebula surrounds the open cluster IC 1590, and its young, hot stars are responsible for ionizing the surrounding gas, causing it to emit light and creating the radiant glow we associate with emission nebulae. NGC 281 covers an area of about 48 light-years across, showcasing an active region where new stars are continuously forming.

The Pacman Nebula's total mass, primarily composed of ionized hydrogen and other elements, holds within it the secrets of stellar birth and evolution. Hidden within its depths are Bok globules, which are dense, dark knots of gas and dust where new stars are birthed.