3 000 Deep Sky Objects

This title is a comprehensive set of visual descriptions of deep-sky objects visible from the northern hemisphere. It is a record of the most extensive and systematic visual survey of the sky ever done in modern times. 3,000 deep-sky objects are listed with short descriptions of the visual appearance in the author's powerful binocular telescope. Objects in the book are organized by position for easy identification of unknown targets. Full indexes by catalog numbers and names allow searches for specific objects.

Here is a unique and fascinating reference book for every serious deep-sky observer! Entries for each of more than 500 deep-sky objects provide far more than the usual astronomical data – they also detail, in every case, the most interesting facts. Physical factors, astrophysical information, evolution, unusual features, the list is endless. The objects are all listed in NGC order. Astronomers can now get an insight into exactly what they are looking at, to add a new level of insight and enjoyment to deep-sky observing.

This book describes over 300 celestial wonders that can be viewed with common binoculars and low-power "backyard" telescopes incorporating refractors and reflectors. In addition to such showpieces as the Andromeda Galaxy, the largest and brightest of all galaxies after the Milky Way, and the Blue Snowball, one of the autumn sky's outstanding planetary nebulas, over 20 other special objects are listed and characterized, many of which are visible to the unaided eye on a dark, clear night. The sun, moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and other members of the earth’s solar system are also described, as are such bright asteroids as Ceres, Juno, and Vesta; open star clusters, diffuse nebulas, supernova remnants, spiral galaxies, elliptical galaxies, and a host of other astronomical phenomena. An abbreviated descriptive format is used to accommodate as much information on observation as possible for both field and armchair use.

This book is for the amateur astronomer who wants to know about the astrophysical nature of deep sky objects. The information is presented in a concise format and is equally valuable when used as background reading or, alternatively, at the telescope eyepiece. The past decades have seen an unprecedented increase in professional astronomers' understanding of astronomical objects. However, generally this information is contained in journal publications that most amateur astronomers either do not have access to or would find difficult to read. In this book, basic data on each object (e.g., magnitude, location, distance, age if known) is presented in a way that allows the reader to quickly access the information. This is followed by some remarks that capture the most fascinating astrophysical facts. Although there are thousands of deep sky objects observed by astronomers, only a small number of these are commonly observed by a wide audience. Thus, coverage here is limited to approximately 500 of the most commonly observed objects in the Northern Hemisphere and – an enhancement for the Second Edition – approximately 50 of those in the Southern Hemisphere. These are visible from the southern limits of the United States as well as from the southern continents. Another new feature of the Second Edition is the addition of amateur photographic images of all the Messier objects.

The most comprehensive, detailed, and beautiful account of the Messier objects available, for amateur astronomers of all abilities.

Atlas over de vigtigste galakser og nebuloser, som kan ses i teleskop af amatørastronomer.