Astrophotography by David Gares

Crab Nebula M1

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In 1054 A.D. Chinese astronomers discovered an unknown star in the constellation Taurus.  This star became 4 times brighter than Venus and was visible in daylight for 23 days.  This star was actually a supernova event, and the remnants of the supernova are now known as M1, the Crab "Nebula".  The filaments are remnants of the incredible explosion; these continue to expand into space while M1 gets progressively dimmer.
 

 Crab Nebula M1
 (Click image to enlarge)

m1_h9c.jpg
m1.jpg

 Object Details:  
 
 Type:  Supernova Remnant
 Constellation:  Taurus
 Distance:  6300 light-years
 Size:  10 light-years across

 Upper Image Details: 

 Date:  November 02, 2008
 Site:  Harahan, LA
 Conditions:  Average
 Exposure:  CCD, 30 x 4 min.
 Filters:  IDAS LPS-P48
 Processing:  MSB Astroart 3.0
 Telescope:  4" Tak FSQ-106N
 Reducer:  None (f/5.0)
 Image CCD:  SX SXV-H9C
 Guide CCD:  SX  MX7C
 Guide Scope:  Vixen ED80Sf

 Lower Image Details:
  
 Date:  Oct. 17, 2004
 Site:  Harahan, LA
 Exposure:  CCD, 45 min. total
 Filters:  Orion SkyGlow LPR
 Processing:  MSB Astroart 3.0
 Telescope:  10" Meade LX200
 Reducer:  Meade f/4.3
 CCD:  Starlight Express MX7C
 Autoguider:  S.T.A.R. 2000