The 110 galaxies, star clusters and nebulae catalogued by the
comet hunter Charles Messier in the late 1700s are still the most
widely observed celestial wonders in the heavens. They are the
favourite 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, superior eyepieces and the darkest site on Earth, 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. This is truly the Messier Guide for the
modern age.
目錄:
Foreword David H. Levy
1. Charles Messier and his catalogue David H. Levy
2. How to observe the Messier objects
3. The making of this book
4. The Messier objects by number
5. Some thoughts on Charles Messier
6. Twenty spectacular non-Messier objects
Appendix A. Objects Messier could not find
Appendix B. Messier marathons
Appendix C. A quick guide to navigating the Coma-Virgo
cluster
Appendix D. Suggested reading
Index