Crab Nebula
supernova remnant · Taurus · 8.4ᵐ
The remnant of a supernova recorded by Chinese astronomers in 1054. At its heart lies a pulsar spinning 30 times a second.
Notable facts
About 1/5 the apparent diameter of the Moon.
In brief
Which constellation is Crab Nebula in?
Crab Nebula lies in Taurus.
Is Crab Nebula visible to the naked eye?
8.4ᵐ — visible with binoculars.
When is the best time to observe Crab Nebula?
Best observed in December.
Data
- RA / Dec (J2000)
- 5h 34m · +22° 01′
- Type
- supernova remnant
- Constellation
- Taurus
- How to observe
- 8.4ᵐ — visible with binoculars
- Angular size
- 6×4′
- Designation
- M1 · NGC 1952 · Crab Nebula
Observing tip
Faint and demanding of truly dark skies; an OIII or UHC filter helps considerably.
Altitude above the horizon by latitude
| Latitude | Maximum altitude | Rise azimuth |
|---|---|---|
| +60° | 52° | 41° |
| +55° | 57° | 49° |
| +45° | 67° | 58° |
| +30° | 82° | 64° |
| 0° | 68° | 68° |
| −35° | 33° | 63° |
Geometric altitude at upper culmination, atmospheric refraction not included. Positive latitudes are in the northern hemisphere.
Culmination time by month
| Month | Culmination |
|---|---|
| January | 21:49 |
| February | 19:42 |
| March | 17:56 |
| April | 16:03 |
| May | 14:09 |
| June | 12:03 |
| July | 09:59 |
| August | 07:58 |
| September | 06:05 |
| October | 04:16 |
| November | 02:15 |
| December | 00:07 |
Upper culmination in local solar time — no time-zone or daylight-saving correction applied.