NGC 281: Cluster, Clouds, and Globules . ... Credit Copyright: Jean-Charles Cuillandre (CFHT), Hawaiian Starlight , CFHT Explanation: NGC 281 is a busy workshop of star formation. Prominent features include a small open cluster of stars, a diffuse red-glowing emission nebula , large lanes of obscuring gas and dust , and dense knots of dust and gas in which stars may still be forming. The open cluster of stars IC 1590 visible around the center has formed only in the last few million years. ...