In Awe of the Universe, Unadorned by Myth or Superstition

21Mar08

The Crab Nebula From Hubble

This is the mess that is left when a star explodes. The Crab Nebula, the result of a supernova seen in 1054 AD, is filled with mysterious filaments. The filaments are not only tremendously complex, but appear to have less mass than expelled in the original supernova and a higher speed than expected from a free explosion. The above image, taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, is presented in three colors chosen for scientific interest. The Crab Nebula spans about 10 light-years. In the nebula’s very center lies a pulsar: a neutron star as massive as the Sun but with only the size of a small town. The Crab Pulsar rotates about 30 times each second.

Thanks to Nicolas Demers for the link.

Filed under: Bliss, War on Science |

3 Responses to “In Awe of the Universe, Unadorned by Myth or Superstition”

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1 Carol Elaine on Mar 21st, 2008 said:

Damn, that’s gorgeous!

However, I’m fond of these images. Also stunning. Plus I know several of the folks who work/have worked on the Spitzer program.
2 NPD on Mar 21st, 2008 said:

Ooo, that’s just lovely. Here’s a closer look at the center of the Crab Nebula, with data from the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. And movies! You can imagine the hell of radiation and electromagnetic forces that must exist around that pulsar.
3 Sami on Mar 21st, 2008 said:

More things in heaven and earth…

That’s spectacular. The infinite variety, beauty, power and mystery of the universe never fails to move me.