The Crab Nebula in the constellation Taurus, the Bull, is the resulting remnant of a supernova that was recorded in 1054 by both Chinese and Arab astronomers.  This is what remains of a dead star that exploded once its gravitational force overcame its thermonuclear force created from atomic fusion.  All that remains at the center (lower of two center stars) is a neutron star which is literally a giant atam that contains mostly neutrons causing it to be so dense that a teaspoon of the material would weigh tons on earth.   Interestingly enough, this star, is only 20 miles across and spins at over 30 times a second, giving off very powerful pulses of radiation.    It received its name from the The Earl of Rosse who observed the nebula at Birr Castle in the 1840s because a drawing he made of it looked like a crab.  The Crab Nebula is also designated as Messier Object 1 and NGC 1952 and has the following stats: RA: 05h 34m 31.9s Dec: +22° 01' 00" Mag: 8.4 Size: 6.0'x4.0'.

Optics:
Camera:
Exposure:

RC Optical System 20" F/8.2 (4165.6 mm Focal Length)
SBIG ST10XME with Adaptive Optics
LRGB = 180:50:40:60 minutes

Date:
Location:
Imager:

Oct 31-Nov 1,2008
Columbus, Texas
Kent E. Biggs