Messier catalog
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In the 18th century, Charles
Messier (1730-1817), was the first astronomer to make a list of faint objects.
The reason he made his list, was because as comet hunter, he didn't want to be
confused by faint non-comet objects. Many of the brightest deep-sky
objects visible in the Northern skies are included in his list of about 110
objects.
All these objects were discovered using the equivalent of a modern 60 mm.
refractror. Despite the fact that some objects on the list are faint, Messier
didn't discover some very hard to miss planetary nebula, like the Eskimo or the
Cateye.
Because many amateur astronomers have far superior equipment to what Messier used (but definitely worse sky conditions), it is a personal challenge to see (and of course capture) all the objects in the Messier catalog.
In the table below, you will find all my Messier objects captured so far, since I started on 11 November 2001.
25 December 2003: 52 out of 110