M1, The Crab Nebula

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This is the Crab Nebula in Taurus and a supernova remnant.  This supernova occurred in the year 1054 A.D. and was documented by the Chinese and several other cultures.  A supernova remnant is the cloud of gas and dust resulting from the explosion of the star that goes supernova.  These clouds of gas expand and form tendrils of gas that fluoresce in the radiation resulting from the explosion and the neutron star that forms in the exploded star's wake.  This object is about 6,300 light years distant and is currently about 7 light years in diameter.  The cloud continues to expand at a rate of about 600 miles per second.

Elements heavier than carbon are created only in these supernova explosions.  This means your own body, and indeed our planet are made up of ashes of supernovae such as this.

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Date:  12/22/2006

Location:  Cheddar Ranch Observatory

Telescope:  LX200 10" SCT @ f/6.3

Mount:  AP-1200

Camera:  Canon 350D, Modified, Type 1

Exposure Count:  25 @ 5 min. each, 125 minute total exposure

Guiding:  ST-402, Orion 80ED, CCDOPS