Astro-Shed

Messier 1, also known as the Crab Nebula, was discovered by Charles Messier in 1758 during his extensive search for comets, which he meticulously cataloged to differentiate between these transient celestial objects and permanent ones. This remarkable nebula is the remnant of a supernova explosion that was observed in 1054 AD, and it has since become a critical point of interest for astronomers studying stellar evolution and the life cycles of stars.

The image was taken with a narrow band filter which only allows for specific wavelengths of light to pass. In this case light from Hydrogen (red) and Oxygen (blue-green) is highlighted. The appearance of filaments is actually the result of what is termed “bow-shock.” This occurs when high velocity gas impacts lower velocity gas, resulting in the compression and heating of gas to the point of ionization and emitting photons of light at wavelengths specific to the gases involved in the collision.

Imaged on 12-21-24

Astrotech AT80ED scope

ZWO ASI533MC Pro camera

ZWO AM5n Mount

80 – 180 sec subs, 4 hours integration time