Hubble shows remains of 1054 supernova still expanding after 1,000 years
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have compared recent images of the Crab Nebula with data from two decades ago to track its ongoing expansion. The nebula, which originated from a supernova observed in 1054, remains a key subject for studying stellar evolution.
Why it matters
Direct observation of the Crab Nebula's expansion provides scientists with rare, real-time data on the aftermath of massive stellar explosions.
Nearly 1,000 years after people first saw a bright new star appear in the sky, scientists have measured how the remains of that explosion are still expanding today.In July 1054, court astronomers in China recorded a bright "guest star" near Tianguan, now known as Zeta Tauri. The object was so bright that it remained visible in daylight for nearly a month before continuing to shine in the night sky for several more months.That event is now known to have been a supernova, the powerful explosion of a massive star.
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