Final answer:
The Crab Nebula resulted from a supernova that occurred in 1054, and it contains ions such as S+ and O²+ across its colorful filaments. A pulsar within the nebula, resulting from the exploded star, powers its continued emission of energy, making the nebula shine with the energy of about 100,000 Suns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Crab Nebula is the result of a supernova explosion that occurred in the year 1054, as recorded by Chinese astronomers. It is the remnants of the explosion of a star and is still observable as it emits energy today, including visible light, infrared light, X-rays, and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. The Crab Nebula can still shine with the energy of about 100,000 Suns due to the presence of a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly spinning neutron star that releases tremendous amounts of energy.
Measurements of the emitted light wavelengths from the Crab Nebula have enabled astronomers to identify specific ions present in the nebula, making it a rich source of information about the elements formed in such catastrophic events. Among these are S+ ions (green filaments) and O2+ ions (red filaments), which have been detected via the composite images produced by the Hubble Space Telescope.
Supernova remnants like the Crab Nebula are crucial for understanding the distribution of elements in the universe, as they disperse heavy elements, which are incorporated into new stars and planets, potentially contributing to the development of life.