X-ray Study of the Crab Nebula and the Crab and Vela Pulsars

Abstract

The Crab Nebula has been intensely studied by X-ray astronomers ever since its discovery as the first, optically identified X-ray object (Bowyer et al. 1964); and a large majority of X-ray experiments during the past two decades have observed the Crab, seeking not only the answers to scientific questions but also assurance that the instruments' calibrations were understood. It is therefore no surprise that, following its launch in 1978 November, the Einstein X-ray Observatory too had the Crab Nebula on its list of mandatory targets.