Download the slides here:
SN 1054_ a multicultural perspective.pptx8.4 MB
SN 1054_ a multicultural perspective.pdf1.6 MB
Supernova 1054, its remnant now known as the Crab Nebula, was a well-documented event across the world, with many detailed records of a “new star” that was visible even during the day. These slides include examples of cultural records, resources for learning more about observations of the Crab Nebula, and an in-class activity using Stellarium.
Fun fact: The Crab Nebula is one of the brightest high energy sources in the sky. McGill’s gamma-ray astrophysics group uses the Crab Nebula as a “standard candle” (an un-variable object with known luminosity) for calibrating the VERITAS telescopes, with over 900 hours of data taken on the Crab over 18 years of operations!