The supernova explosion that produced what is today known as the Crab Nebula was first observed July 4, 1054 A.D. A bright supernova explosion seems like a great way to celebrate Independence Day, even if it was a number of years too early. (I would settle for one now!)
Here is a picture of the Crab that was taken by Walter Baade with the 200-inch Hale Telescope on the night of October 11 1950. It was a 45 minute exposure with a red sensitive film. For a more modern picture and further information be sure to check out my blog post on the Crab Nebula from last year.