Crab Nebula (M 1)

Crab Nebula (M 1) is a supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus, magnitude 8.4, 6.0′ × 4.0′ across.

The remains of the supernova seen from Earth in 1054, with a pulsar spinning 30 times a second at its heart. Small telescopes show a faint oval glow; larger ones under dark skies hint at its ragged, filamentary edges.

When and where to see it

It is best placed in the evening sky around January, when it crosses the meridian at about 10 pm local time (around midnight in December). It can be seen from everywhere north of 68°S and never sets north of 68°N.

At its highest it stands 62° up from 50°N, 77° up from 35°N, 68° up from the equator, 33° up from 35°S.

Facts

Type

Supernova remnant

Constellation

Taurus

Designations

M 1, NGC 1952

Magnitude

8.4

Apparent size

6.0′ × 4.0′

Position

RA 5h 34.5m, Dec +22° 1′ (J2000)

Open AstroPilot to see when Crab Nebula (M 1) is highest tonight from your location, how easy it is with your telescope or binoculars, and an eyepiece view.