Messier 1 (Crab Nebula)

The Crab Nebula (Messier 1) is a spectacular, glowing cloud of gas and dust about 6,500 light-years away, resulting from a supernova explosion observed in 1054 AD. At its core is a dense neutron star called a pulsar, which emits rapid beams of radiation. The nebula’s colorful filaments and energetic particles are powered by this pulsar, creating a dynamic, expanding remnant of a massive star’s death. It’s a natural laboratory for studying how stars end their lives and enrich the cosmos with heavy elements.