M1 · supernova remnant

Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant and pulsar wind nebula in the constellation of Taurus.

RA05h 34m 31sDec+22° 00' 52"

Image: NASA, ESA, J. Hester and A. Loll (Arizona State University).

Identity & coordinates

Identification

Primary designation: M1
All designations: M1 · NGC 1952 · Crab Nebula
Object type: Supernova Remnant
Constellation: Taurus
Best viewing: Winter

Coordinates & physical

Right ascension (J2000): 05h 34m 31s
Declination (J2000): +22° 00' 52"
Apparent magnitude (V): —
Distance: —

III

Visibility tonight

The science

The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant and pulsar wind nebula in the constellation of Taurus. The common name comes from a drawing that somewhat resembled a crab with arms produced by William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse, in 1842 or 1843 using a 36-inch (91 cm) telescope. The nebula was discovered by English astronomer John Bevis in 1731. It corresponds with a bright supernova observed in AD 1054 by Mayan, Japanese, and Arab stargazers; this supernova was also recorded by Chinese astronomers as a guest star. The nebula was the first astronomical object identified that corresponds with a historically-observed supernova explosion.

Summary adapted from Wikipedia · CC-BY-SA-4.0