When to photograph NGC 281 (Pacman Nebula)
NGC 281, the Pacman Nebula, is an emission nebula in Cassiopeia, 35′ x 30′ across.
When to photograph it
From 45° N the best months are September to December, with up to 9.8 hours of astronomical darkness above 30° in October. It reaches 78° at its highest. It never sets from this latitude, so some imaging is possible all year.
From 35° S it never rises.
Framing
Its long axis is 35′. It fills 35 to 80% of the short side of an APS-C sensor at about 540 to 1230 mm, and of a full-frame sensor at about 830 to 1890 mm.
Filters and the moon
It glows in H-alpha, and often OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera or narrowband filters on a mono camera cut light pollution and keep it workable with the moon up. The dark sky calendar shows which nights this month are moon-free where you are.
Plan it for tonight
Dates and times depend on your exact location. The imaging planner shows NGC 281's altitude through tonight, its transit time and its distance from the moon. For sub length, use the exposure calculator.
Nearby targets
- NGC 457 Owl Cluster 3.9° away
- IC 63 Ghost of Cassiopeia 4.4° away
- IC 59 4.6° away
- M 103 6.6° away
- NGC 559 8.1° away
- NGC 663 8.2° away
Gear that suits NGC 281
NGC 281 is 35′ along its long axis. These frame it on an APS-C sensor with room to crop. It shines in H-alpha and OIII, so a dual-band filter on a color camera cuts through light pollution and moonlight.
- Sky-Watcher Quattro 200P 800 mm f/4: fills 52% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher Esprit 120ED 840 mm f/7: fills 55% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Sky-Watcher 130PDS 650 mm f/5: fills 42% of an APS-C frame's short side View at High Point Scientific
- Optolong L-Ultimate 3 nm 3 nm dual-band, Ha, OIII, for color cameras View at High Point Scientific
- Antlia ALP-T 5 nm 5 nm dual-band, Ha, OIII, for color cameras View at High Point Scientific
Retailer links are affiliate links. If you buy through one, the site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details