COMPTEL gamma-ray study of the Crab nebula

We re-examine the Crab nebula, using five years of COMPTEL observations. A 30 bin 0.78–30 MeV spectrum is presented. It shows a spectral break at the edge of the COMPTEL energy range, and connects well to the EGRET spectrum, probably reflecting electron energy losses in the synchrotron emission scenario. Such a smooth continuum model alone may not be sufficient to explain the observations. A weak bump in the spectrum at 1–2 MeV may be present. No evidence for distinct line emission is seen.