The Crab Nebula - Messier 1 (M1) in Taurus
Taken by Tom Wildoner on October 17, 2025 @
Weatherly, PA, USA
Click photo for larger image
| |
Camera Used: Unavailable Unavailable Exposure Time: Unavailable Aperture: Unavailable ISO: Unavailable Date Taken: 2025:12:21 07:55:25 |
|
| More images
Details:
The Crab Nebula, also known as Messier 1 (M1), is a famous supernova remnant located in the constellation Taurus, about 6,500 light-years from Earth. It is the expanding debris cloud left behind by a massive star that exploded in 1054 CE, an event recorded by Chinese and Middle Eastern astronomers who noted a “guest star” visible even in daylight. At the center of the nebula lies the Crab Pulsar, a rapidly rotating neutron star that emits regular pulses of radiation and powers much of the nebula’s glow. The Crab Nebula is an important object for astronomers because it allows them to study supernova explosions, extreme physics around neutron stars, and the ongoing interaction between high-energy particles and interstellar gas.
Observation data: J2000.0 epoch
Right ascension: 05h 34m 31.8s
Declination: +22° 01′ 03″
Distance: 6500±1600 ly
Apparent magnitude (V): 8.4
Apparent dimensions (V): 420″ × 290″
Constellation: Taurus
Tech Specs: Meade 12” LX-90 SCT Telescope, Antares Focal Reducer, ZWO ASI2600MC camera running at -10F, 76 x 60 seconds, Celestron CGX-L pier mounted, ZWO EAF and ASIAir Pro, processed in DSS and PixInsight. Image Date: October 1, 2025. Location: The Dark Side Observatory (W59), Weatherly, PA, USA (Bortle Class 4).
Photographer's website:
https://www.thedarksideobservatory.com
|
|
|