Object: Crab Nebula/Messier 1/NGC 1952

View full image: IU_Bicentennial_Crab.jpg

Caption: This expanding nebula in Taurus is the remnant of a massive star that was observed to explode in 1054 CE. At the heart of the nebula is a fast-rotating neutron star.

Image credit: L. van Zee, G. Rowe, & IU Astronomy

This project was partially funded by the Daniel Kirkwood Chair, the Hollis and Grete Johnson Astronomy Endowment funds, and from the Office of the Bicentennial.