NGC 281 (Pacman Nebula) in Ha light
Characteristics:
Magnitude: 7.0 (open star cluster)
Size: about 35'
Distance: ?10,000 light years
RA: 0h 52m 48s
Dec: 56 degrees 37' 0"
Description:
NGC 281 is a star cluster associated
with nebulosity. The young, blue central stars are being formed
from the surrounding gas, which emits in Ha as it is excited by stellar
radiation. The nebulosity of this region is faint and can be best
appreciated in long exposure images such as this. The nickname
"Pacman Nebula" derives from its appearence when viewed sideways
(although I prefer the above orientation).
Photographic
Details:
Date: August 7, 2005
Scope: Takahashi
FS102 at f8, on the G11 Losmandy
Mount.
Autoguider: SBIG STV with
e-finder.
Camera: Maxcam CM10.
Filter: Astrodon
Ha filter (6 nm bandpass).
Exposures: 8 x 10' each.
Total exposure: 80 minutes.
Conditions: Temperature 75 degrees F; above average
transparency, below average seeing; calm; intermittent clouds- only
enough clear skies for 80 minutes of exposure.
Post-processing:
Subs were debloomed with Ron Wodaski's
Debloomer software, dark frame calibrated, and then
aligned in Registar. Sigma combined using RC Sigma Reject
MaximDL, followed by DDP
in ImagesPlus (IP). Further processing in Photoshop CS (16
bit format).
Please
note: Graphics on this website
may not be reproduced without author permission.
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