The first object in the Messier catalog is the most famous known supernova remnant.
The supernova of the central star was observed on July 4 in the year 1054 AD. The exact year of the supernova is known because it was recorded by Chinese astronomers.
The distance to the “Crab Nebula” in the constellation Taurus is 6.300 light years.
Charles Messier cataloged this object on September 12, 1758.
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Previous/older images:
Dec 25, 2008 – Canon 20D (10″ Newt. 2h 12m – Asteroid 86 Semele, top right)
Object info
| Name | M1 – The Crab Nebula |
| Type | Supernova remnant |
| Constellation | Taurus |
| Right ascension | 05h 34m 32s |
| Declination | +22° 00′ 52″ |
| Distance | 6.300 ly |
| Other designations | NGC1952 |
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