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Credit & Copyright: S. Kohle, T. Credner et al.
(AIUB)
Explanation:
The Crab Nebula, filled with mysterious filaments, is the result of a
star that exploded in 1054 AD.
This spectacular supernova
explosion was recorded by Chinese and (quite probably) Anasazi Indian astronomers.
The filaments are mysterious because they appear
to have less mass than expelled in the original supernova
and higher speed than expected from a free explosion.
In the above picture, the color indicates what is
happening to the electrons in different
parts of the Crab Nebula.
Red indicates the electrons are recombining with protons to form neutral hydrogen,
while green indicates the electrons are whirling around the magnetic field
of the inner nebula. In the nebula's
very center lies a pulsar: a neutron star rotating, in this case, 30 times a second.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: nebula - filament - M 1 - Crab Nebula - supernova remnant - supernova
Publications with words: nebula - filament - M 1 - Crab Nebula - supernova remnant - supernova
See also:
- APOD: 2024 September 18 Á The Mermaid Nebula Supernova Remnant
- APOD: 2024 July 23 Á The Crab Nebula from Visible to X Ray
- APOD: 2024 June 11 Á Colorful Stars and Clouds near Rho Ophiuchi
- APOD: 2024 May 26 Á A Solar Filament Erupts
- APOD: 2024 April 16 Á Filaments of the Vela Supernova Remnant
- APOD: 2024 April 3 Á Unusual Nebula Pa 30
- APOD: 2024 March 25 Á Sonified: The Jellyfish Nebula Supernova Remnant