NGC 281, Pacman Nebula
This graphic compares optical and infrared images of the central region of NGC 281, known informally as the "Pacman Nebula". In the optical image the "mouth" of the Pacman character appears dark because of obscuration by dust and gas, but in the infrared Spitzer image the dust in this region glows brightly. X-ray data from Chandra is shown in purple in both. High-mass stars are important because they are responsible for much of the energy pumped into our galaxy over its lifetime. Unfortunately, these stars are poorly understood because they are often found relatively far away and can be obscured by gas and dust. The star cluster NGC 281 is an exception to this rule. It is located about 9,200 light years from Earth and, remarkably, almost 1,000 light years above the plane of the Galaxy, giving astronomers a nearly unfettered view of the star formation within it. Release date September 28, 2011.
Size: 3000px × 4487px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 21st, 281, 2011, astronomical, astronomy, body, celestial, century, cloud, cluster, comparison, composite, deep, heavenly, high-mass, interstellar, nebula, nebulae, ngc, object, packman, pacman, region, science, sky, space, star, star-forming
