The Crab Nebula (Messier 1, M1 or NGC 1952) is a supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus. The nebula appears in the lower left of the image to the left.

The supernova that gave rise to the crab nebula was observed by Chinese astronomers on July 4, 1054 A.D. and possibly by Anasazi Indian artists who were living in present-day Arizona and New Mexico. When the supernova occurred, it is believed to have been about four times brighter than Venus. According to the Chinese records, it ws visible during daytime for 23 days and for 653 days in the night sky.

More information on M1 is available at: http://www.seds.org/messier/m/m001.html

This image is a 30 minute exposure through a 10-inch Newtonian telescope on Fuji Provia 400 color slide film.

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