Description

Atlas of the Messier Objects Highlights of the Deep Sky
Ronald Stoyan, Interstellarum magazine
Stefan Binnewies, Amateur astrophotographer
Susanne Friedrich, Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Garching, Germany
Translated by: Klaus-Peter Schroeder, Universidad de Guanajuato, Mexico
370 pages - 200 bw illus., 180 colour illus., 50 tables

The 110 star clusters, nebulae and galaxies of Messier's catalog are among the most popular of all the deep sky objects and are beautiful targets for amateur observers of all abilities. This stunning new atlas presents a complete and lively account of all of the Messier objects. Details for each object given include a thoroughly-researched history of its discovery, historical observations and anecdotes, the latest scientific data detailing its astrophysical findings, and clear observational descriptions from naked eye through to large telescopes. In addition, this atlas has some of the world's finest color astrophotos, inverted and labelled photos pointing to hidden details and neighboring objects, as well as historical sketches alongside new deep sky drawings. Quite simply, this is the most far-reaching and beautiful reference on the Messier objects there has ever been, and one that no observer should be without!

Features:
Simply the most comprehensive guide to the Messier Objects ever published.
Combines detailed historical, astrophysical, statistical and observing information for each object with stunning astrophotos and telescope sketches.
Reproduces the text of Messier's famous catalog, along with biographies of Messier and his contemporaries
Compares modern views with historical sketches from Lord Rosse, John Herschel and other illustrious figures

Table of contents:
Preface // How to use this book // The life of Charles Messier // The observations of Charles Messier // The catalog of Charles Messier // Statistics of the Messier objects // Observation of the Messier objects // Photography of the Messier objects // The objects themselves // Glossary // List of figures // Table of sources.