NGC 281: the Pacman Nebula in Cassiopeia

This nebula is a diffuse, glowing HII region, some of which is blocked by dark interstellar dust clouds.

Images taken: Nov. 16 Dec 13, 2006, by George Richardson, Brian Mazur, and T. Torma.

Telescope: Meade 12 in at f/6.55 (f=2m).

Camera: SBIG ST-10 CCD camera

Exposures: 30 min with red, 30 min with green, 2x30 min with blue filters.

Image processing: CCDoops + CCDSoft + Photoshop Elements.