What the Crab Nebula looks like from my house

Steve Safran August 23rd, 2007

The latest upgrade of Google Earth lets us turn the telescope on the skies above and look into the stars from any position on earth. It’s guaranteed to draw you in. And I’ll have you know that I have a pretty sweet view of the Crab Nebula. Front row seats in fact, just 6,300 light years away from center stage (and slightly to the left on the aisle). You find your usual spot on Earth and then click on the new feature that turns your eyes to the skies. The virtual planetarium begins. That’s where I found ol’ Crabby.