NGC 281 is a bright emission nebula located in the constellation Cassiopeia. It is approximately 9,200 light-years away from Earth and spans about 48 light-years across. The nebula is part of a larger star-forming region, where new stars are born from the surrounding gas and dust. Within NGC 281, there is a prominent cluster of young stars known as IC 1590. These stars illuminate the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating intricate structures. The nebula is often studied by astronomers to understand the processes of star formation and the dynamics of interstellar matter.