Sharpless 2-5 is a bright emission nebula located in the constellation of Cassiopeia. It is part of a larger complex of star-forming regions and is approximately 2,500 light-years away from Earth. The nebula is known for its vibrant colors, which are produced by ionized gases, primarily hydrogen. This nebula is associated with the open cluster NGC 281, which contains young, hot stars that contribute to the ionization of the surrounding gas. Sharpless 2-5 is often studied by astronomers to understand the processes of star formation and the dynamics of interstellar matter.