What is the Crab Nebula also known as?

The Crab Nebula is also known as M1 because it was the first entry in the New General Catalogue (NGC) of nebulae and star clusters. This designation reflects its prominence in astronomical observations and studies. The nebula is a remnant of a supernova explosion that was recorded by observers on Earth in the year 1054, making it an important object for historical and astrophysical research. The "M" in M1 stands for Messier, identified by the French astronomer Charles Messier in the 18th century, who cataloged celestial objects that were not comets.

The other designations, such as NGC 6888, V838 Mon, and Delta Cep, refer to entirely different celestial objects and are unrelated to the Crab Nebula. Understanding these specific designations helps in recognizing how various objects in the universe are classified and cataloged, providing a clearer picture of the night sky.