M 1

M1, "Crab Nebula" NGC 1952

Tau, 5 h 34.5 m, +22 01'

M(v) 8.0, 6' X 4'

Expanding about 600 miles per second, the crab nebula is the result of a supernova seen on Earth in 1054 AD. The exploding supergiant star left behind a tiny, 10 km, neutron star. The rotating neutron star emits energy which pulsates in time with its rotation 30 times per second.
Five-minute guided exposure with the ST-6.



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Last updated on 11-02-99.
Email:jbruton @northlink.com