MESSIER

 
  • Charles Messier – (1730-1817) A French astronomer best known for his catalog of deep sky objects. Messier was an avid comet hunter who, between 1760 and 1785, discovered 13 comets. During this time, he kept observing objects that were not comets. He developed a list of these objects as an identification aid. The final list published in 1781 contained 103 objects, but since then evidence has been found that he or his assistant observed an additional 7 objects and the final list of 110 objects is considered ‘official’. Since he observed with modest equipment (~4″ refractor) the objects are fairly bright and are favorite targets for amateur astronomers today. It is not uncommon for clubs to issue performance awards for viewing the entire list.
  • A catalog of deep sky objects compiled by Charles Messier and published in Connoissance des Temps for 1784 in 1781 and since amended.
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