is located in Taurus. It is the most studied super nova remnant and is the first
entry (and caustive factor) in Charles Messier's index of bright nebulea. The nebula
is believed to be formed from the supernova of July 4, 1054AD.
Chinese Astronomers recorded the appearance of the supernova and continued to study it
until it disappeared in 1056 AD. There are no European records of the supernova even
though it must have been the brightest object in the night sky. There is a
suggestion that religious intolerance prohibited the study or discussion of the guest
star. American Indian rock paintings in the desert southwest recorded the event.
The nebulea is expanding approximately 50 million miles per day, is
approximately 6 light years in diameter and is 6,300 light years distant. (Burnham)
Penryn, California
October 2002
FS-128 (ag, ST-4)
ST-10XME RRGB 3-3-3-3 minutes