NGC 281 (also known as the “Pacman Nebula”) consists of a small star cluster (IC 1590) and a large diffuse emission nebula spanning 48 light years across.
It is a bright emission nebula located in the northern constellation of Cassiopeia, discovered in 1883.

The double star HD5005 in the center of the cluster is actually a quintuple system as the primary star has another 4 companion stars.
These relatively young stars cause the gas of the nebula to light up.

There are also several dark Bok globules visible in the nebula.