M1 (NGC 1952): The Crab Nebula
RA:05 34 30, Dec:+22 01 00, mag: 8.4, Size:6'x4', Dist: 6 200 l.y.

(Click here to see high resolution version ~2.7MB)
Object:	This supernova remnant, in the constellation of Taurus, is probably the most famous of its type. The explosion was seen on Earth in 1054 and it was bright enough to be seen during the day. Its magnitude was estimated as being between -4 & -7.5 (Venus is ~-4). The nebula is around 10 l.y. in diameter and consists of about 5 solar masses. The red structure seen in the image is the debris of the progenitor star, whilst the bluish haze is due to synchrotron radiation (accelerated electrons in a strong magnetic field). Note there appears to be some structure in the blue haze close to the position of the pulsar.
Exposure:	L: 23x300s, R: 22x300s, G: 19x300s, B: 19x300s
Equipment:	Vixen VMC260 f/11.5, AP 0.67x reducer. SBIG ST10 CCD [L:1x1, RGB:2x2]. Astronomik LRGB filters.
Location:	20th & 22nd Dec. 2009 22:00 UT, Oxford UK.
Processing:	Images aligned in MaximDL, colour balance finished in PhotoshopCS.

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