Charles Messier's catalogue of nebulae and star clusters, published in 1784, marked the start of a new era of deep sky astronomy. This tradition of observing galaxies and clusters is kept alive by serious amateur astronomers who study the objects of the deep sky. Nearly all the objects are visible in a small telescope. Many, such as the Crab Nebula and the Andromeda galaxy, are among the most fascinating objects in the universe. Kenneth Glyn Jones has revised his definitive version of Messier's catalogue. His own ...
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Charles Messier's catalogue of nebulae and star clusters, published in 1784, marked the start of a new era of deep sky astronomy. This tradition of observing galaxies and clusters is kept alive by serious amateur astronomers who study the objects of the deep sky. Nearly all the objects are visible in a small telescope. Many, such as the Crab Nebula and the Andromeda galaxy, are among the most fascinating objects in the universe. Kenneth Glyn Jones has revised his definitive version of Messier's catalogue. His own observations and drawings, together with maps and diagrams, make this a valuable introduction to deep sky observing. Historical and astrophysical notes bring the science of these nebulae to the fore. This is a unique handbook, unlikely ever to be equalled in its completeness and importance to the telescope owner.
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There have been many books written on observing the Messier Objects, but this second edition is far and away the best of the bunch. Glyn Jones provides copious background material on the early observers of the deep-sky before and during Messier's time and each one of the 110 Messier Objects is thoroughly treated and analyzed with historical descriptions, observing hints for today and background material on the nature of each one of the objects. There is also much in the way of biographical material presented about Messier and his assistant Mechain. This volume can be consulted again and again by the dedicated amateur astronomer who explores the heavens and each time he will learn something new. A thoroughly enjoyable book and a remarkable achievement.