In November, observe
the Crab Nebula!
Native Americans and Chinese astronomers recorded the appearance of a “star” in 1054 A.D. that was so bright that it could be seen during the day. This event was the death of a star in a supernova explosion. The star’s material has been blown across space, making the Crab Nebula. The Crab Nebula can be seen with a modest telescope under dark skies.
Tales of …
- A history of the Crab Nebula
- “Tales of …” stories are reading selections written for grades 9–12. “Tales of … A history of the Crab Nebula” explains the formation of the Crab Nebula as a result of a supernova explosion and the subsequent discovery of a pulsar (a neutron star) at its center.
Lithographs:
- Crab Nebula (M1)
- Lithographs are Hubble Space Telescope images of celestial objects that include informational text and inquiry-based classroom activities. This lithograph features the remains of a star that exploded as a supernova nearly a thousand years ago.
Myths vs. realities:
- Stars
- “Myths vs. realities” is a collection of common misconceptions about celestial objects and phenomena. The misconception is stated in the “myth” while the “reality” explains the true situation. “Myths vs. realities: Stars” addresses common misconceptions about stars and stellar evolution.
Fast Facts:
- Crab Nebula
- “Fast Facts” is a collection of tables that provide vital statistics for the planets and other celestial objects. This table lists key facts about the Crab Nebula in an easy-to-read format.
