M1 Crab Nebula

Field centered on R.A. 05h 35' & Dec. +22° 00'

This is the mess that is left when a star explodes. The Crab Nebula, the result of a supernova seen in 1054 AD, is filled with mysterious filaments. The filaments are not only tremendously complex, but appear to have less mass than expelled in the original supernova and a higher speed than expected from a free explosion. The above image, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, is presented in three colors chosen for scientific interest. The Crab Nebula spans about 10 light-years. In the nebula's very center lies a pulsar: a neutron star as massive as the Sun but with only the size of a small town. The Crab Pulsar rotates about 30 times each second. (text adapted from APOD).

 

Instrument:
CCD:
Exposition:
Filter:
Site:
Author:
Vixen VC200L @ f/9 + AP 900GTO SBIG STL 11K C2, binning 1x1, T=-20°C

L (90m) RGB (60:50:60m)

 OPTEC LRGB

Gambugliano (VI) Italy

M.Lorenzi

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

All of the photographs and text on these pages are copyrighted by Marco Lorenzi. They may not be reproduced, published, copied or transmitted in any form, including electronically on the Internet or World Wide Web, without written permission of the author.