The Next Step: Finding and Viewing Messier's Objects

(Those of you new to astronomy and unfamiliar with "messy objects", please see the last paragraph of this review.) I needed a book on Messier objects, and I picked this one nearly at random. This was my luckiest find in a long time. I have recently started using a GoTo telescope, and these things are great - but - when it came to Messier objects, I just wasn't sure of what it was I was looking for. Humongous Hubble-like photos were of no use at all. Not only does this book have a photo for each of the 112 objects - two added by the book's author to correct an oversight - but the photos show each object as it appears at 48X, which is just the power I use (and recommend) for searching and centering. I've found this book totally indispensable for Messier objects. And there's more. There are star charts with the M-objects mapped. There's tons of advice on finding and observing these things. It covers the life and work of Charles Messier and his colleagues in detail. It even contains, for each object, the cataloger's (usually Messier) own comments as they appear in the original catalog. Since this is the only Messier book I own, I can't compare it to others, and I probably never will. For my use as a backyard telescope astronomer, I can't conceive of what more information I'd need on the Messier objects, or on the man who thankfully took all that time to compile them. _________________ For new astronomers: Once you can identify the major constellations and stars, and have worked your way through the moon and planets - probably with your first telescope - you're ready for the "deep sky" objects, which are star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. The first category of deep-sky objects is called the "Messier objects", named after the man who, with help, cataloged 110 of these visible in the northern hemisphere with a moderate 40X-100X telescope. Some, but not very many, are visible to the naked eye. Being able to find, view, and - important - talk intelligently about these objects is a big step to being a "serious amateur astronomer". If this is what you want to do, you've found the right book.

I was a little hesitant to order this book at first, being a typical astronomer with one too many astronomy books. However, this thing is EXACTLY what I wanted/needed as I have been a Messier afficianado since childhood. This book has an EXCELLENT intro, with some perfectly written historical information. I had thought about skipping this section, but found it to be quite entertaining and informative. The rest of the book is a catalog of "M" objects, with PHOTOS of the Messier object RELATIVE TO THE SURROUNDING SKY through 'reasonable' amateur telescopes (read: "non mega $10000-plus, super dark sky 30" observatory scopes), along with observing tips and facts. And I should mention that it is VERY reasonably priced given that it is hardback and partially in color. This book is gonna get some use...Highly recommended!

As a fairly new astronomer to the community, I purchased this book looking for a good reference to the Messier objects. It is exactly that. Each object has been granted a double spread, with a brief description, various catalog summary information and an idea of when best to observe each object. A description of the object as viewed through the eyepiece is provided and ranked on it's difficulty to locate (East / Hard). A good quality B/W photo is also provided so that you can get an idea of what to look for. The book included a nice introductory paragraph on who Mr. Messier was and his history, a comprehensive glossary and a reproducable observing log for each object. This is exactly what I was looking for.

As telescope owner for two years now, I was ready to take the next step and start viewing DSOs, in particular the Messier list. This book provides everything you need to get started hunting these celestial wonders. The photos and charts are first rate. In fact the chart layout is so helpful that I am using these instead of my sky atlas. The scope section offers useful suggestions on eyepiece choices. The Messier Marathon section is most helpful for sequencing your marathon viewing session. The book also provides a fascinating history of Messier and the other astronomers of his times, which added to my appreciation of amatuer and professional astronomy and the enjoyment of this passion.