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Crab nebula
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Crab nebula
Crab nebula (M1). Composite x-ray, infrared and optical image of the Crab nebula, the remnant of a supernova. In the centre of the nebula is the remains of the stars core, which has formed a pulsar (white dot), or neutron star rotating 30 times a second and emitting regular pulses of radiation. When a large star dies, gas shells explode outwards and collide with interstellar material. The energy of the collision ionises the gas, causing it to glow. The crab nebula lies 6000 light years from Earth in the constellation Taurus. X-ray data from Chandra (blue), visible light data from Hubble (red and yellow) and infrared data from Spitzer (purple) have been combined to form this image
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Media ID 6334447
© CXC/SAO/F. SEWARD ET AL/NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Astrophysical Astrophysics Composite Crab Nebula Expanding Hubble Space Telescope Infra Red Jets Neutron Star Optical Pulsar Radiography Shells Spitzer Space Telescope Star Death Stellar Death Supernova Remnant Taurus Telescope Visible Light X Ray
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This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of the Crab Nebula, also known as M1. Located 6000 light years away in the constellation Taurus, this celestial wonder is actually the remnants of a supernova explosion. At its core lies a pulsar, or neutron star, rotating an astonishing 30 times per second and emitting regular pulses of radiation. The image is a composite of x-ray, infrared, and optical data captured by three powerful telescopes - Chandra X-ray Observatory (blue), Hubble Space Telescope (red and yellow), and Spitzer Space Telescope (purple). The combination of these different wavelengths allows us to witness the intricate details within this cosmic phenomenon. When a massive star reaches its end, gas shells explode outwardly and collide with interstellar material. This collision generates immense energy that ionizes the gas particles, causing them to emit radiant glows visible across vast distances. These glowing shells form what we now know as the Crab Nebula. The photograph not only captures the expanding nature of this supernova remnant but also reveals stunning jets emanating from its center. It serves as a testament to both the destructive power unleashed during stellar death and the awe-inspiring beauty that emerges from such cataclysmic events. This extraordinary image offers us a glimpse into our universe's grandeur while reminding us of its ever-changing nature. It stands as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge in unraveling some of space's most enigmatic mysteries.
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