The Messier Catalogue is a list of one hundred and ten galaxies, star clusters and nebulae, and includes many of the brightest and best-known objects in the sky. Amateur astronomers can challenge their abilities by attempting to find all the objects on the list in one night, and thus complete the Messier Marathon. This book contains over 90 easy-to-use star maps to guide the observer from one object to the next, and provides tips for a successful night of observing. The book also tells the story of the eighteenth-century astronomer, Charles Messier, and how he came to compile his extensive catalogue. This complete guide to the Messier Marathon will help the amateur astronomer to observe the Messier Objects throughout the year, using a small telescope or even a pair of binoculars.
• Over 90 star maps provide a search atlas for all the Messier Objects in Marathon order
• Maps and tables show the best Marathon dates for your latitude
Contents
Introduction; Part I. Handbook: 1. Charles Messier; 2. The Messier Catalogue; 3. The Messier Marathon; 4. Other Marathons; Glossary, Greek alphabet and further reading; Part II. Atlas.
Review
‘… a joy to read. It is well laid out, the text and diagrams are clear and well printed and anyone who would like to try and undertake the task of observing the entire Messier list in a single night will find this book a valuable and practical resource.’ Darren Bushnall, Popular Astronomy
‘With key observing hints and an excellent sequenced atlas, this book guides you through the process of selecting, finding and hopefully observing!’ Astronomy & Space
