John Bevis observes the Crab Nebula
- When
- 1731
- Where
- Unspecified
- Episodes
- 1
In 1731, English astronomer John Bevis identified the Crab Nebula. This observation is recorded as the first modern-era discovery of the object, which was later recognized as the first astronomical remnant linked to a historical supernova explosion.
Episodes
Background and detail
Background. John Bevis was an English medical doctor and astronomer active in the early 18th century. While he is also noted for electrical research, his astronomical work included the 1731 identification of the nebula now known as M1.
The Observation. In 1731, Bevis noticed the nebula now called the Crab Nebula. This identification is significant because the object was later determined to be the first astronomical remnant identified as corresponding to a historically observed supernova explosion.
People involved
- John Bevis · English astronomer and discoverer
Sources
- Crab Nebula Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-17
- John Bevis Wikipedia, revision of 2026-01-10
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