Crab Nebula (M1)

Crab Nebula (M1) is a supernova remnant in the constellation Taurus, with an apparent magnitude of 8.4. It is about 6,295 light-years away.

Finder chart for the Crab Nebula (M1) in the constellation Taurus
the Crab Nebula (M1) (circled) in Taurus. Pink symbols mark Messier objects.
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Facts

CatalogMessier 1 (M1)
Typesupernova remnant
ConstellationTaurus
Apparent magnitude8.4
Distanceabout 6,295 light-years
Right ascension5 h 34.5 min
Declination+22.01°
Best monthJanuary (at about 9 pm)

Sources: star positions, magnitudes and colors from the Yale Bright Star Catalogue; constellation boundaries and star names from the IAU; areas and distances from Wikidata; stick figures by M. van der Sluys. How the maps are made.

How to find the Crab Nebula

The Crab Nebula is in Taurus. From 40° N it is highest in the south in January evenings, about 72° up. From 35° S it reaches about 33° in the north. You need a telescope and a dark sky to see it.

Taurus constellation →

Other Messier objects in Taurus

Pleiades (M45)

The Messier catalog →

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