Astronomy Lab, Wednesday, October 18

[stargazer-ellie.livejournal.com]

"Tonight we're going to look at the Crab Nebula. The Crab Nebula (also known as M1) is a supernova remnant in the constellation of Taurus. The nebula was first observed in 1731 by John Bevis. It is the remnant of a supernova that was recorded by Chinese and Arab astronomers in 1054. Located at a distance of about 6,300 light years (2 kpc) from Earth, the nebula has a diameter of 11 ly (3.4 pc) and is expanding at a rate of about 1,500 kilometres per second. The nebula contains a pulsar in its centre which rotates thirty times per second, emitting pulses of radiation from gamma rays to radio waves. The nebula was the first astronomical object identified with a historical supernova exposion.

"We're also going to take a look at Vega." Ellie's voice grew wistful. "Vega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra, and the fifth brightest star in the sky. It is the second brightest star in the Northern night sky, after Arcturus. In 1850 it became the first star to be photographed, and in 1872 the first to have its spectrum photographed. It also became the first star to have a car named after it, when Chevrolet launched the 'Vega' in 1971.

"Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see tonight!"

Comments

Re: OOC

[stargazer-ellie.livejournal.com]

Only if you don't mind Billy getting whacked with a broom and swept out of the observatory.