M1 - The Crab Nebula
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: |
RC Optical System 20" F/8.2 (4165.6 mm Focal Length) |
Date: |
Oct-Nov 2008 |
| Camera: |
SBIG ST10XME with Adaptive Optics |
Location: |
Columbus, Texas |
| Exposure: |
LRGB = 180:50:40:60 minutes |
Imager: |
Kent E. Biggs |
