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 astronomical color photos, inverted and labeled 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!
• Simply THE most comprehensive guide to the Messier Objects ever published
• Combines detailed historical, astrophysical, statistical and observing information for each object with stunning astronomical telescope photos and sketches
• Reproduce 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
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.
Reviews
Praise for Atlas of the Messier Objects: 'I received your book and must say that it is absolutely beautiful! You have created an amazing review of the Messier objects. Congratulations on a breathtaking publication! ' Phil Harrington, author of Star Ware and Touring the Universe through Binoculars
'Ronald Stoyan's Atlas of the Messier Objects should be required reading for amateur astronomers. Its impressive content, textually and visually, makes it a definitive work on the catalog and its objects. Extensive discussions of the catalog's formulation, history, and meaning precede a stunning gallery of all the objects along with nearly exhaustive historical, astrophysical, and observational discussions for each object. Numerous high-quality photographs and eyepiece drawings accompany the text. This book should be on the shelf of every observer, and deserves wide distribution in the United States market. ' David Eicher, editor-in-Chief, Astronomy
'Atlas of the Messier Objects is more comprehensive, detailed, and beautiful than any other book showcasing the objects cataloged by Charles Messier. The art of observing is practiced as much with the mind as with the eye, and this book gathers into one volume diverse aspects that both enrich the experience and serve as a valuable reference. No other book does such a masterful job of gathering all that is fascinating about the Messier objects and weaving it into a book that is both so enlightening and handsome. ' Susan French, author of Celestial Sampler: 60 Small-scope Tours for Starlit Nights
'Everything a book should be. Beautifully published on excellent paper and very comprehensive. Certainly the most comprehensive book on the Messier objects that has been written to date. ' Stewart Moore, Director, Deep Sky section, British Astronomical Association
'Not another book about Messier's catalog' you might think. This would be completely wrong as you have never seen one like this. Simply put, this is EXTREMELY complete! Why have you never seen a book like this? Well, imagine the result merging books such as The Messier Album from Mallas & Kreimer, The Messier Objects by O'Meara, Messier's Nebulae and Star Clusters by Glyn Jones. 'A glorious chaotic mess' would you argue? Certainly not. The authors have put all this together in good shape, with a very clear presentation in order to produce in innovative book, easy to read or just to browse. ' Yann Pothier, Editor of French Deep Sky Observer's magazine Ciel Extreme
'... A comprehensive volume ... in glorious color ... Stoyan and his colleagues are to be congratulated for putting together a most beautiful and helpful volume on Messier and his catalog, one that all Deep Sky enthusiasts will wish to own and Which is unlikely to be surpassed for many years. ' Journal of the British Astronomical Association
'... Amazingly comprehensive. ... The full-plate photographs are truly magnificent. So ... excellent drawings ... this book is worth every penny - and more. There have been many Messier books, but in my view this is the best I have ever seen. ' Sky at Night magazine
'It would probably be worth buying the book just for the pictures alone but there is so much great stuff packed into that this masterful volume is a must for any astronomer.' Astronomy Now
