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Deep-Sky Companions: The Messier Objects
If there were a canon for viewing the night sky, Charles Messier would be its author. The galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae cataloged by the famous comet hunter in the late 1700s are still the most widely observed celestial wonders in the heavens. They are the favorite targets of amateur astronomers, with such rich variety and detail that they never cease to fascinate. This book provides new and experienced observers with a fresh perspective on the Messier objects. Stephen James O'Meara has prepared a visual feast for the observer. Using the finest optical telescopes available for amateur work, he describes and sketches the view from the telescope as never before. There are new drawings, improved finder charts, and new astronomical data on each object, including findings from the Hubble Space Telescope. Expand your universe and test your viewing acumen with this truly modern Messier Guide. It is a must for budding night watchers. Stephen James O'Meara is a contributing editor to Sky and Telescope.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 18, 2021
Even better than the volume covering The Caldwell Objects because these are all visible from the mid-Northern latitudes (although light pollution will make some of them nearly impossible to find from my location). I was hoping this would be at least as good as the other volume, and it did not disappoint.
Like the other volume, each entry includes all the relevant data: names (many are known by more than one name), type, the constellation they’re located in, right ascension, declination, magnitude, dimensions, distance, discoverer, and some notes on Messier's observations. Each entry also includes at least one photograph, as well as a sketch by the author and a finder chart. Some of the sketches seem a little fanciful to me (check out M6 and M41 - I don't see it, but that doesn't mean the author didn't).
The amount of information for each object varies, but they tend to include a detailed description of the object, a lot of historical information, directions for finding the object, some useful information for observers using a variety of observing equipment, and some suggestions of other things to look at while you’re in the neighborhood. The conversational style in the other volume is evident here, as well, with frequent interactions with his personal observation notes and the observations of others. I found myself smiling at some of the descriptions. For example, in the entry for M62 he describes a sort of optical illusion he experienced while observing this globular cluster and says, "I saw a similar visual effect one day when staring at a neighbor's needlepoint of a cat." Indeed! He also describes M93 as "a sunlit spider resting in the center of its dew-laden web." His descriptions are fascinating and you certainly can't accuse him of being dull.
Like the other volume, each entry includes all the relevant data: names (many are known by more than one name), type, the constellation they’re located in, right ascension, declination, magnitude, dimensions, distance, discoverer, and some notes on Messier's observations. Each entry also includes at least one photograph, as well as a sketch by the author and a finder chart. Some of the sketches seem a little fanciful to me (check out M6 and M41 - I don't see it, but that doesn't mean the author didn't).
The amount of information for each object varies, but they tend to include a detailed description of the object, a lot of historical information, directions for finding the object, some useful information for observers using a variety of observing equipment, and some suggestions of other things to look at while you’re in the neighborhood. The conversational style in the other volume is evident here, as well, with frequent interactions with his personal observation notes and the observations of others. I found myself smiling at some of the descriptions. For example, in the entry for M62 he describes a sort of optical illusion he experienced while observing this globular cluster and says, "I saw a similar visual effect one day when staring at a neighbor's needlepoint of a cat." Indeed! He also describes M93 as "a sunlit spider resting in the center of its dew-laden web." His descriptions are fascinating and you certainly can't accuse him of being dull.
November 8, 2011
I think this is an awesome book for anybody that has a telescope and is interested in charles messier and his comet hunting efforts...which led to the findings of fuzzy objects also know as galaxies, star clusters, and nebuelas....good stuff I got my telescope out and Stephens information on how to find these messier objects are excelent and he includes photo's as well as well orchestrated drawings(which the drawings help the most) this book is for amateuastronomers like myself. Happy Hunting
M.
M.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews