M1 - Crab Nebula
The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus, the result of a supernova observed by Chinese astronomers in 1054 AD. It's one of the most studied objects in the night sky.
Distance: 6,500 light-years
Apparent Magnitude: 8.40
Apparent Size: 7' × 5'
Constellation: Taurus
Object Type: Supernova Remnant (SN 1054)
Key Features:
- Pulsar at center (neutron star, 30 rotations/second)
- Expanding at 1,500 km/s
- Source of strong X-ray and gamma emission
- First object in Messier's catalog
- Supernova recorded July 4, 1054
Best Imaging Season: November - March
Optimal Integration: 8+ hours for filament detail
